Buick V6, port and polish/rockers/cam advice?

[feistl]

Hey guys,

We'll ive decided to keep my VR Wagon, so now for the engine mods .
I'm about to purchase a SC14 kit with my tax back, but before fitting it i was wondering what other work i should do...
I have a 2.5" exhaust system (inc extractors). I will be running 10psi intercooled.

Is it worth port and polishing the heads, if so what does it cost and where should i get it done?
Im thinking of doing the roller rockers, where should i purchase these from and what parts does it normally come with?

While im at it, is it worth changing the cam?

I would like to do most of the work myself (installation etc).
Any advice would be awesome.

Cheers, Errol.

[REV-231]

my personal opinion Errol..

First you need to decide HOW MUCH power you want to make?? If you are looking for a substantial increase of powere with a blower, skip the SC14 and go something a bit more efficient/bigger in boost dept. While they can make some reasonable power, they really arent ideally suited to a 3.8 V6 that spins to over 5000rpm. They max out at like 12psi, or there abouts. which is still pretty good though, dont get me wrong. On the imports they originally came on (so i hear) .. they were fitted to an engine of less than 2L capacity, and they made max boost by 3500-4000rpm. By no means am i advising you not to fit a SC14, just informing you that they arent really the most efficient of blowers. Just something to think about. i will prob get knocked from many in regards to my SC14 comments... im just basing my thoughts on info i gathered over the years.

definitely worth looking at the heads on a VR v6. there are reasonable flow gains to be had with a spot of porting. Here in adelaide its about $350 per head exchanged.

If you are deadset on adding FI, you have to be very careful on cam choices (if you choose to cam it) there are potential gains with using a cam suited to boost. speaking to an expert is you best bet. Fitting a cam, whilst pretty straight forward (if you are mech inclined), it is very time consuming. As you have to be meticulously (sp) clean and careful. I did upgrades of: cam, valve springs, retainers, locks, timing gears and chain on my engine. Took me 9hrs work, non stop using all the specialised tooling.

Good luck, hope i have contributed... somewhat

[feistl]

Thanks for that mate,

Yeah ive been trying to decide which way to go for almost 3 months now :S.

Heres a link to my car/thread....
Emans Wagon

As you can see, its a reasonably nice wagon. I have seriously contemplated selling it, and moving towards a VX SS or BA XR6 Turbo.... You can find nice examples for around $20k, $25k respectively.

The problem is, i know i would start working them and betime you add in insurance etc etc it could cost me $50k before im happy.

Im getting a complete SC14 kit for $1800, and while i cant afford to the heads etc straight away i might wait a few weeks before installing the kit.

So if i can get the heads done for $350 each... add in a roller rocker set for $600ish and the upgrade will cost me around $3500-4000.

I would be hoping for around 180rwkw which honestly is probably enough. Im not really into drag racing, most of my high speed driving is on roads like the great ocean road and mountain passes. So power isnt everything.

I know there are much better chargers out there, but again if i start spending big i would be better going for a VX SS....

So the plan is heads, rockers and sc14... that should be the mechanical side complete (ive already done exhaust, brakes, suspension and wheels)

From there, i want to install a Calais/Caprice interior. After that, just drive the car and enjoy it for what it is. That way i can start saving towards a house/investments.

So basically can anyone recommend a place in Melbourne to get the heads done, and where to buy a roller rocker upgrade kit?

Thanks for your help

[REV-231]

You could get lucky and find a 2nd hand Vortech or raptor kit for under $5000..

Now that would make some serious power! even without the cam or rockers etc..