So, I'm to the point with my car that I'm ready to take my first real step in performance. What I am wondering is if it would be best to take my car to a shop (closest tuning shop is 2 hours away) and have them build the stock block from the ground up. Possibly do a 3.8L bore on it. Or buy a long block online (this one or stage 2 http://www.importpartspro.com/st1vqloblni3.html) and have a local shop do the swap. I do not have the equipment or knowledge to undergo either of these projects myself. I'd be keeping the car NA for now, but in the next year or two I want to go twin turbo. My biggest goal is 400WHP, but that doesn't have to be all motor, and with these cars I highly doubt I could get anywhere close.

I don't ever really plan on getting rid of the car, but I don't want to drop 60K into it either. Hence doing it in chunks. Currently I'm at 90k miles and 99% bone stock car. Preferably no more than the $5650 for the built long block on the engine plus labor regardless of the cost.

I should add this is my daily driver. And I have a motorcycle I ride the majority of the time in the summer.

Thanks.

 

Building our motors is very tricky, if not done right the it will spin a bearing etc etc. So I would get some research on the shop youre thinking of going to. I would personally order a motor that has been built by someone who is familiar with the VQ, havent heard any problems with importpartspro. Dynosty also does a great build so check em out. Good luck on the build.

 

I would just throw a TT kit on it at low boost and hopefully be good for a while

 

just go dynosty, theres absolutely no reason to buy a longblock though the whole built block thing is in the lower end so the extra cash for a long block is a waste you will save cash. im all for doing things the right way but unless you have engine troubles already the amount of power you are looking for dosnt need a built block.

 

I am having engine problems right now. I've got oil leeking into my cylinders, among other things. I'm figuring in a build there would be a lot of machine work and extra labor. As for Dynosty, I do live about 2000 miles away or so. The closest shop that any of you would recognize is I am 3 hours away from the STS turbo main main headquarters.

 

+1 to IPP - have your shop remove your block and store the car (if they can) and reinstall when the new block returns.

I would suggest you go twin turbo when you have the block out of the car. Your shop can install the kit with the block in the car but it's more difficult and more expensive.

You can expect a higher output than 400whp with a built block and a set of twins. You'll need to invest in some other mods, such as injectors, return fuel system, aftermarket ECU(haltech or osiris), and (if I had a nickel) an oil cooler.

 

dynosty ships too, 4500 miles from me with a ocean between and i was only looking at 500 shipping.

if you insist on going ipp though good luck rolling the dice. at this point im tired of trying to help people who look around and buy the cheapest stuff they can and hope its ok. it is THE reason everyone thinks the vq is such a terrible engine.

 

Oil leaking into you cylinder? How do you know that?

 

I know I have oil leaking because I was replacing two coil packs that were causing misfires. One on each side. When I tore into it there was oil everywhere inside of the cylinders. The two closest to the firewall were the worst. Cylinder 5 and 6 if im not mistaken. 3 and 4 were a bit better. 1 and 2 didn't have much oil present but it was still there.

 

I will have to say FI is way over your head. The oil is in the spark plug well, and will not get to the cylinder. This oil leak is caused by faulty seals on the valve cover where it connects to the spark plug well.

 

I have to question your need to build your engine. I mean, if it's still running strong (besides the misfires) then why waste money? It sounds like you have bad spark plug tube seals (just replace the valve covers). Your budget is reasonable, and I would recommend SOHO Motorsports or Kyle @ IPP for your needs. Get a short block, have someone reliable and local assemble it for cheap. Do some research on engines, and get your system knowledge down before you spend money though. I bought from SOHO Motorsports, and they seriously hooked me up on shipping both ways.

At the very least, you should resurface the cylinder heads, replace valve seals and all gaskets in addition to your short block build. Also make sure you get a revup oil pump. If you want to spend additional money, you should get cams (JWT C8, or similar). Even further, you can port the heads, but this will not result in significant gains without serious additional monetary investment.

Know before getting started that 400whp is totally unrealistic on your budget. 300whp is more in line with your budget, but should also allow for future upgrades if you decide to go FI down the road.