I'm waiting for my FI setup to arrive and I must say I'm worried with all the engine failure we've seen lately. I know ppl wanna say just build it if your nervous, but it's a little more complicated than that..
The thing is, I wanted to keep my TN ST / UTEC setup at around 400whp for the better part of a year, and then do a fully built sleeved engine (3,8L). Therefor I dont want to do a semi build now, since I can't use those parts in my upcomming build. However, my friend who's helping me out with the install does have alot of experience when it comes to beefing up nissans. He did his own RB25DET swap into his 200sx, which he also did a fully build up on. even though he has zero experience with the vq35, it shouldn't be a problem for him to change my head gaskets and studs.

I've been looking around to determine what caused those engine failures on stock blocks, but it seems like a difficult task
No ones really sure if it was caused by headlift og just a weak rod.

Can anyone here tell me if the stock rods really are to weak to handle 400-450whp, or if I should feel pretty safe with L19's and cometic HG's along with a good tune.
The stock pistons shouldn't really be the problem at this level, or am I wrong?

 

If your going to have the motor half apart, it would be smart to not do internals at that time. I doubt head studs and a head gasket will save you, those things usually happen at power levels most would agree are beyond stock piston and rod limits....

 

 

Lol Jeremy, I meant IT WOULD BE SMART

 

I dont think Ive heard of any guys having head lift with a stock motor that hasnt been apart and at 400whp . I would keep the heads on it and with a good tune , it should be ok till you decide to build

 

I had head lift issue , with only 363RWHP , with the stock motor and the stock aps tune for 91 octane , running 92 octane gas............

 

word now is if you cant afford to rebuild it later dont turbo it!!! some get 1000 mi. some get 10,000. but eventually they blow (rods or headlift w/water in oil) buy the kit and start saving for the rebuild that is coming!!

 

or 27,000mi +

 

I don't think it's an issue of peak whp as much as it's an issue with peak torque

 

headgasket will do nothing for keeping ur block together. Factory head gaskets give a nice seal. Simply tune the car well (timing) and u wont have any headlift problems. I made a nice writeup on this a whilke back and the reason for the cylinders shifting/sinking (aka headlift)

 

Finally someone I agree with... Most cases headlift is caused by detenation (Bad tune). Get a good tune.