2.85 L or 3.3??

[jimxu6]

Just bought two cars for a project.
I've got a nice straight 4 cylinder VC for the base and a bent up 2.85L powered VC for parts.

I have a couple of questions.
1. Do I need an engineers cert to put a 6 into the 4 powered car?
2. Is there much potential with the 2.85 or should i turf it for a 202?

I'm planning on freshening up a 6 with mild cam and a bit of head work followed by a turbo setup...
Want something nice and streetable but fun at the drags.

Cheers,
Jim

[davesv6]

conversion shouldn't b a problem as long as u use the brakes of the six (if there is any difference) as the chassis is exactly the same.as the car was released wit the six as standard shouldn't b any engineering issues, i think besides engine and box the only difference was the 4 ran smaller wheels

[JD]

the 4cyl commodores ran a torrie stud pattern

Keep the 2.85, do a little work and it will be as good or better than a 202

[DANNY8]

Yeah I've heard the 173's (2.85) are better then the 202's. With the shorter stroke they rev harder apparently.

Got one in my VK....altho not running yet

[JD]

a mate has a 173 ( UC Torrie ) he reckons its quite happy to rev at 6-7 grand.

[starfire vc]

conversion shouldn't b a problem as long as u use the brakes of the six (if there is any difference) as the chassis is exactly the same.as the car was released wit the six as standard shouldn't b any engineering issues, i think besides engine and box the only difference was the 4 ran smaller wheels

hey mate the front brakes are smaller on the 4bangers, rear drum's are the same but the diff ratio is lower so the little missfire had at least some chance of propelling the car forward..front k-frame is diffrent too as the engine mounts from the 4's to the 6's are diffrent.they allso had the early holden stud pattern eg eh hd hr etc and yer they ran 13 inch wheels.i'd recomend finding a donor 6 cylinder car and stealing the front struts/brake assembly,kframe and diff out of it.once u put all that in there s no need for an engineers certificate... ive got a 2850 in my lc ..stock as rock 120,000 miles on it... there a pretty torquey engine. i giv mine hell and she just keeps comin bak for more... with a bit of work i'd say it'd be enough to keep u happy.

[jimxu6]

Thanks for the replies guys...
The car already has 15 inch SLE wheels so I'll have to have a good look over the car to see what else is changed as far as brakes etc.
I have a complete donor car with all the conversion bits i'll need. If it was a bit straighter I would have preferred to use it as the base but the 4 banger is just so straight!!

I will be spending a little money on a six before putting it in the car. Already have a Yella Terra head, and will be toughening up as much i can afford as I plan to go turbo. I plan on using the car for a little autocross and the odd trip to the drags.
I notice the 202 has lower compression and a little more power and torque over the smaller six.
Does the 173 still get your vote or would the 202 be better considering my plans?

[Boonz]

my mates got a 173 in his VB.... the thing wont die and it beats a 253 in a drag lol.... its stock apart from a 350 holley and frequently hits over 7000+ rpm

[immortality]

stick to the 173, they rev hard and with a good 12 port head will go hard.

[Clutchy]

stick to the 173, they rev hard and with a good 12 port head will go hard.

The 173 uses a high comp head thats what helps them go and if ya put a 202 head on it it will lower the comp and as he plans a turbo for it he might want to look into the yella terra head to see what comp it will give him.

[Matt0]

I've seen the little 173 go for over 450,000K plus and still went. Tough motor they are.