engine build on a budget....

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

in the fall i start my engine rebuild class at school...
I just picked up my first gtp a few weeks ago and it has high miles soo im looking to do a build while im in this class..

id like to get into the 13's range wich i realize isnt all that hard with these cars but cant do it till I refresh the engine

how difficult is it to drop the engine out of the car
should i upgrade pistons even if my stock ones check out fine
what are some basics to upgrade when the engines out
good cam selection (might as well) since the engines apart any way

Im also planning on getting some head work done

and after build im goin to take it to a tuner is there a programmer for these cars

any info would be great
Dan

 

[Bio248]

easiest to pull the engine out of the top.

the stock pistons are fine so long as they arent already chipped. the stock pistons take a lot of abuse so long as youre not just throwing things at it so it blows up. you need to keep the car tuned well.

if the engine is already out i would put a cam in it. with any cam you can EASILY run lower 13s if not 12s.

if youre getting head work done i would look into a bigger cam, but that will also require bigger valve springs and more than likely a timing chain upgrade (which most people are scared of nowadays with all the stories of them breaking).

the best tuning source for these cars is HPTuners.


how fast do you want to go with it? for 13s you dont even need a cam or head works, so what are you really after here?

 

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

well basically I want to do a complete rebuild partially so i can use it as a class project and secondly so ill have a fresh engine in this car..

as for what i want 1/4 mile wise not overly concerned but i like to build anything i have into something faster and better then when i bought it.

and also i was told it was easier to drop the engine as oppossed to lifting it out...

either way ill probably find a block at a junk yard and build off it so i can still keep my car drivable as long as possable

 

[minichopper6hp]

negative pull the damn thing out the top, you dont even have to pull the tranny if you dont want to. it seems like there is no room but trust me there is PLENTY!!!

 

[VinnieGTP]

Pull it from the top.

 

[Bio248]

well basically I want to do a complete rebuild partially so i can use it as a class project and secondly so ill have a fresh engine in this car..

as for what i want 1/4 mile wise not overly concerned but i like to build anything i have into something faster and better then when i bought it.

and also i was told it was easier to drop the engine as oppossed to lifting it out...

either way ill probably find a block at a junk yard and build off it so i can still keep my car drivable as long as possable

if youre doing head work, get a big cam to go with the head work. if your just rebuilding the stock heads and keeping them stock, then get a cam that runs well on stock heads.

either way with a cam and being non-intercooled you can easily push 12s with the right tune and a set of headers.

the motor comes out MUCH easier from the top. trust us.

 

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

ok from the top it is then and as far as heads i was definatly thinking a good port n polissh job but i wont be starting this til augest so i have time to get parts and plans movin
and im working with a 3000 budget as of now but maybe a little more ill be able to get a solid engine from that

 

[blueguy]

3 grand will make for a nice build...if I had 3 grand to drop in a stock GTP I would find a low mileage L36 block. Get a 3.4" Supercharger pulley if not smaller...XP Cam or S1X from Intense...You can either intercool the motor or spray meth...but meth is WAY cheaper. A set of headers, some sort of intake...you said ported/polished heads...get some crow cams valve springs (105's)...you can port your own throttle body too, along with the supercharger to let it dissipate heat better...IMO, I'd get some bigger injectors...not really necessary but they are nice if you ever plan on dropping sub 3.0" supercharger pullies...anything else...kinda up to you I guess...

 

[Bio248]

3 grand will make for a nice build...if I had 3 grand to drop in a stock GTP I would find a low mileage L36 block. Get a 3.4" Supercharger pulley if not smaller...XP Cam or S1X from Intense...You can either intercool the motor or spray meth...but meth is WAY cheaper. A set of headers, some sort of intake...you said ported/polished heads...get some crow cams valve springs (105's)...you can port your own throttle body too, along with the supercharger to let it dissipate heat better...IMO, I'd get some bigger injectors...not really necessary but they are nice if you ever plan on dropping sub 3.0" supercharger pullies...anything else...kinda up to you I guess...

he is getting headwork. he should get a bigger cam with a nice double roller.

 

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

Im doin all my home work now the engine build will either start at school in aug or im might just start it this summer
on my list
Cam not sure wich one yet
rockers
springs
headwork
hptuner
fenderwell intake
msd coilpacks and wires
highflow cat
the ported manifolds from zzp or headers
ported blower or gen v swap
ported lim
3.2? pulley
upgraded cv shafts
Upgrade tb not sure wich yet
theres some little stuff in here im missing but thats the basics

If money allows maybe a built trans as well if no extra cash ill be rebuilding it in the auto trans class