I'm sick of this engine
 

I've gone through two engines now. I need to know the cheapest route on getting a new built block. I'm just trying to make reliable power. I've got the TN ST kit, apexi exhaust, 550cc injectors, aam return style fuel system, utec, kinetix ssv (I know it'll go soon, but I like the way it looks), and of course the guages to monitor everything. If I went with a built block option and with the mods I currently have what kind of power should I run in order to keep this engine running for a long time. And should I get anything else to go with it. As of right now VRT will be doing the build.

Why did the motrors fail. I imagine they were both stock motors?

JET

+1 with all that how did they fail? And why would anybody spent $$$$ on a stock motor, in the long run your better off saving and at least doing a basic short block.

I've been interested in how tuners are actually recovering power with the SSV due to decreased flow of the manifold... Would it be a matter of advancing timing?

On a built motor, you could have a reliable 440-450whp on this setup for the long run without upgrading any more components of the kit.

However, theres' definitely something wrong with blowing two motors. I'd rack it up to either tune or driving style.

hmmm, 2 blown motors. could be a couple of things
1. you dont know how to drive-causing catastrophic failure
2. if you did the modifications yourself-causing catastrophic failure
3. you have a really crappy mechanic or tuner-causing catastrophic failure

would A, take driving classes, B, stop doing the work yourself, or C, find a compitant mechanic....
i would guess that its 2 of the 3........

i would call GT Motorsports. best shop in so cal. BOTTOM LINE

hey you have a red z? I live in oceanside during the week.

i think him and method man are smoking too much weed!! :icon38: :icon38:




get that thing tuned right this time....

Dont worry, Im on my 3rd motor. First one blew n/a and was covered under warranty. Second one blew with the turbonetics kit, I didnt have the overboost pipe and it spiked. Third now is built and theirs a new problem everytime it leaves the shop. I have my work done at an awesome shop too. I got a defective headgasket, and now after 3 months car was working fine. All of the the sudden I have a new noise coming from the front of the engine. Trust me the fun never ends lol, with a built block youll be fine with your mods. Youll most likely be making about 450 rwhp reliably on a built block, the turbo being the restricting factor here.

before blowing another motor, figure out what you're doing wrong.

Sounds like just too much power and stupidity.

curious, why ask the cheapest route to get another motor if VRT is already doing your build? seems like you should be talking to them if they are building your motor:icon11: What good will it do posting this question on a public forum?

1. The first motor was covered under warranty do to the installer messin that one up.
2. The second motor, I'm not sure why it blew, there was no load on the engine and I havn't driven this one hard at all, mainly because I don't have the built motor yet, I don't understand why it went.
3. I've gone ahead and talked to vrt and gtmotorsports, both are willing to help, but they don't really seems to give me info on what else I need to do to the engine to make it reliable. Built engine doesn't cure all, I still see built engines having problems and am trying to fix everything if possible. Not really going for the cheapest route, just trying to save a few bucks if possible. I already know the downfalls of having the cheapest work done. All I'm doing is checking all my options.
4.I've had gtmotorsports do my work for me the first time and will probably go back there.
5.I've heard of a pathfinder cooling mod, what is this and will it help my chances of keeping my engine in good condition.

I have a black 03 with black rims.

What other problems were you having with the built motor. This is the info I'm looking for, I'm trying to keep my car from going in and out of the shops.

Find a machinist that has been building race worthy engines for over 20 years. Not 5 years, not 10 years, not worked for others for a while, but a long ass time under his own roof and with his own invested equipment. Tell him what power level you are looking for so he can size the bore and hone once he checks your pistons.

If you can't find one in your area, which i bet should be full of, i can give you the number that built mine. Hes been in the buisness for 30+ years. Owned and operated his shop for 23 years. Has a flow bench and engine dyno. Works on everything from outlaw 800 cubic inch V8's to your standard Honda B18's to retired Ferrari F1 V12's.

What he cant do is resleeve the block.

enron, I know of some shops but also would appreciate it if you could pm me with the number that did your engine. Thanks. Not looking to sleeve the motor. Don't want anymore than 550whp, and from from what I've heard I shouldn't need to sleeve it at that power level.

the problem I got was with the headgasket, it was either defective or when the heads were put on not tightened correctly. SoOO make sure they pay attention, when theyre installing the heads. Try to use an hks headgasket, better to be safe then sorry, I have the cometic and thats what started the problem. VRT is really good so you shouldnt have a problem. Now I have a new problem, but again I think it was due to installation. Its hard to avoid problems, but vrt is awesome and im sure theyll keep you as far away from problems as they can. Make sure your car is tuned right, and thats really all you can do. Enjoy the car for what it is, a non turbo, modifiend with a turbo car. Expect the crap lol thats all you can do.

IMO for someone to go through two motors like that has to be a result of a bad tune. I know most of you guys say do it right the first time and build the block at the time of the turbo install, but in my opinion it is better to start off with just the base turbo kit and then make changes from there and then address any issues and problems as they arise(except for tuning).

good advice, use someone that has been doing this for a long time...with that said..Sam at GTM uses a master machinist that has been doing this for over 30 years, we use a machinist that has been doing this for over 30 years...and both can resleeve a block:D

-TODD