Opinions on Engine Build

C

Captain Awesome

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2015
Hi..Looking for some help and feedback

While on the look out for a good, fairly cheap GN..I've decided to start getting a list of parts I want to install. I'm not going full blown resto-mod or pro-touring, but I want to upgrade the car a bit IE engine build, ridetech suspension, upgraded brake.

I hoping the experts on the forum can help me out with the engine build. Here is what I am wanting to do. I'd like to take the stock engine a have it rebuilt and upgraded...what parts should I be looking at and what works well together? List below and feedback greatly appreciated

1. Turbo and Intercooler? Want to stay stock location mount intercooler.
2. Injectors?
3. Pistons
4. Connecting Rods
5. Should I replace the heads or just upgrade stock heads?
6. Cam
7. What work should be done to the block?
8. New crank or machine stock?
9. Is alcohol injection needed? Is it a good addition or will a better turbo and intercooler be enough?

I'd like to keep the budget at 10K or less. I'm not looking for a race engine..just a good reliable engine and like to see at least 400 hp.


Thanks in advance for your input

The Captain
 
I am not an expert but why you want to rebuild the engine? Is something wrong with it? 400hp is very easy to do with stock bottom end. Don't need to spend 10k for that. Just my .02 good luck :)
 
kandc7 said:
I am not an expert but why you want to rebuild the engine? Is something wrong with it? 400hp is very easy to do with stock bottom end. Don't need to spend 10k for that. Just my .02 good luck :)
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Like I said, I'm looking for a cheap GN to redo so I fully expect whatever I find to have high miles on it. To me it doesn't make sense to do a build and not rebuild the engine. I plan to do a complete rebuild (3-4 year project). I have been looking at parts and while I may not spend 10K it is a number to throw out. Between Turbo and intercooler you have almost 2K there alone...starts adding up fast.
 
Define "cheap". You my be better of spending some extra money on a car that has some of what you're looking for already.
 
Do you have the car yet? If not, find a car with most of the work already done. $10k will get you a basic engine rebuild and a transmission rebuilt....,,, that's it. Then you have to do all of the stuff you listed also. If you were to do everything from scratch i.e buy the car, rebuild the engine, trans, do all the usual upgrades, suspension, alky, and all the other duff you listed you'll be looking at 30-50k for everything at least. You can find a car with mostly everything you listed done already for 15k.


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getdowngranny said:
Do you have the car yet? If not, find a car with most of the work already done. $10k will get you a basic engine rebuild and a transmission rebuilt....,,, that's it. Then you have to do all of the stuff you listed also. If you were to do everything from scratch i.e buy the car, rebuild the engine, trans, do all the usual upgrades, suspension, alky, and all the other duff you listed you'll be looking at 30-50k for everything at least. You can find a car with mostly everything you listed done already for 15k.

Yep what he said^^^^^
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Click to expand...
 
Pronto said:
Define "cheap". You my be better of spending some extra money on a car that has some of what you're looking for already.
Click to expand...
I'd like to be in the 10-15K range. This is a hobby..While I could buy a car done like you said...part of the fun is building it an making it my own.
 
Captain Awesome said:
I'd like to be in the 10-15K range. This is a hobby..While I could buy a car done like you said...part of the fun is building it an making it my own.
Click to expand...
Like I mentioned before. 10-15k will get you a reliable engine, transmission, and maybe a few pieces to the puzzle. Add the rest that you want to do, even cheap and you'll be looking at 30k in no time. Spend the 10k on buying a car with some goodies and then 5k making it your own.


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Guys, thanks for the feedback. Let me first apologize. I should have been more clear what I am going to do. I tried to limit the conversation to the engine build. I understand to do what I am going to do will be 50K+ build. What the plan is is to do a total frame off build. Hence why I am looking for a 10-15K car. It just needs to be rust free/damage free, prefer a non-ttop (would add complete brace kit to go with boxed frame if t-top car), and run fairly well. This isn't my first build. The last car I did was a 85 Cutlass 442. It is, however, my first GN so I'm learning as I go on the 3.8 turbo. My neighbor had two GN when I was growing up so I know some about these and done a lot of research through Kirbans book and reading here. But research doesn't replace tribal knowledge. I don't really care how long it takes or cost to build. I've loved these cars since I was a kid and plan on keeping it. No plans to build and sell. The idea for the build is for it to look totally stock on the outside, but updated underneath. My thoughts are as follows:

1. Box the frame and add ridetech suspension front and back
2. Wilwood brakes
3. Stock looking wheels, but go to a 15x8 wheel...I want to be able to keep the Goodyear GT raised white letter outline tires
4. Engine upgrade..(your help here)
5. Transmission rebuild with shift kit
6. Rear end upgrade (undecided on gear ratio at this time)
7. Mild upgrade to interior...Dakota Dash, Upgraded seats, Mild Stereo upgrade..no amps or anything like that
8. Complete paint job

Hope this helps as to why I want to do the engine build.
 
No girdle just Two billet main caps, stock crank, stock rods, JE pistons-dont go .30 over right away either weakens block just enough to clean cylinder, Ported stock heads, Ported intake manifold, Intake and heads port matched as well, roller cam 210/210 w roller valve train, aftermarket intake plenum, PT6262 journal bearing turbo, 3"downpipe, stock headers, methanol injection, 20-25#boost, streched or stock intercooler, 55# injectors, walbro 340 dual (intake) fuel pump. Thats 5K worth, maybe a smidge more but very reliable and streetable. Should have no problem getting 400hp with that setup.
 
Depends on where you live but do research on a reputable engine builder. Should have no problem finding a good one,hopefully near by, through word of mouth on this forum. I drove 3hrs one way to Indiana to have Dan Strezo @ DLS engine development do mine. Expect to wait though for him min 8months. He builds every engine that comes through his shop and also has the machinst knowledge/skills to make his own custom parts as well. Find someone like him that has a passion for building a strong engine and knows these turbo v6s inside and out. I had gone to a local race shop and it lasted a month before coming apart. NVR in WI never again.
 
I would not get involved with an engine "rebuild" if you are on a budget. To build a strong short block you're looking at $5500 right there. Stick to a known good stock short block and get a good set of iron heads. 400hp is not a lot and is easily achievable with bolt ons. You will have several thousand into the trans, converter, and fuel system. It won't leave you much for the engine. Don't take much you read on the Internet as fact or what you should do. When I read a lot of responses I chuckle in my mind.


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Transmission rebuild with shift kit? Better do more reading before you decide to build a 50k car with a transmission with just a shift kit.
 
WHTTRSH said:
No girdle just Two billet main caps, stock crank, stock rods, JE pistons-dont go .30 over right away either weakens block just enough to clean cylinder, Ported stock heads, Ported intake manifold, Intake and heads port matched as well, roller cam 210/210 w roller valve train, aftermarket intake plenum, PT6262 journal bearing turbo, 3"downpipe, stock headers, methanol injection, 20-25#boost, streched or stock intercooler, 55# injectors, walbro 340 dual (intake) fuel pump. Thats 5K worth, maybe a smidge more but very reliable and streetable. Should have no problem getting 400hp with that setup.
Click to expand...
Just curious..any reason to stay with the stock headers?
 
WHTTRSH said:
Depends on where you live but do research on a reputable engine builder. Should have no problem finding a good one,hopefully near by, through word of mouth on this forum. I drove 3hrs one way to Indiana to have Dan Strezo @ DLS engine development do mine. Expect to wait though for him min 8months. He builds every engine that comes through his shop and also has the machinst knowledge/skills to make his own custom parts as well. Find someone like him that has a passion for building a strong engine and knows these turbo v6s inside and out. I had gone to a local race shop and it lasted a month before coming apart. NVR in WI never again.
Click to expand...
I live in the Clearwater,FL area. Two names keep coming up. Don Cruz in Tampa and Cal Hartline over n Melbourne
 
Captain Awesome said:
Just curious..any reason to stay with the stock headers?
Click to expand...
Stock headers are good for 10s if there in good shape no cracks... Save your money for engine and spend it on trans and a good converter PTC from dusty. Once you start making the power you want the trans will go pretty quick.
 
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