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Buick and Ecotec V6 Performance Upgrades

losh1971

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I know @EYY said it's a cowboy mod and once done there is no turning it back. I have heard from JC members it's pretty easy to fit a shift kit during a service. I will have a think about getting the current bloke to do it while it's out. I could then replace all the trans fluid, although its fairly new full syn in it now.
 

losh1971

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What are peoples thoughts on some upgraded heads on a V6? I have a spare engine i am thinking of having the manifold and heads ported. Yes i know waste of money and should do V8 transplant. But that would be more of a waste when $3k can buy me a running V8 VR or VS ute, and probably under $5k for a good one.
I'm just toying with the idea. I have no idea on cost or if anyone in Tas can even do the work.
However I'd like to know can a port job be done and bigger valves be fitted on a Buick? If so how much low end torque would i lose? I am thinking the bigger valves if they fit, would increase torque. I also understand that porting can sacrifice low for decent gains up top.
I know I can fit a SC but I am looking for mods that won't sacrifice economy. So far my mods have only improved it. I have 3.45s ready to pick up in Feb, so I can lose a little low, knowing i will gain it back with the regear.
 

losh1971

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What are peoples thoughts on some upgraded heads on a V6? I have a spare engine i am thinking of having the manifold and heads ported. Yes i know waste of money and should do V8 transplant. But that would be more of a waste when $3k can buy me a running V8 VR or VS ute, and probably under $5k for a good one.
I'm just toying with the idea. I have no idea on cost or if anyone in Tas can even do the work.
However I'd like to know can a port job be done and bigger valves be fitted on a Buick? If so how much low end torque would i lose? I am thinking the bigger valves if they fit, would increase torque. I also understand that porting can sacrifice low for decent gains up top.
I know I can fit a SC but I am looking for mods that won't sacrifice economy. So far my mods have only improved it. I have 3.45s ready to pick up in Feb, so I can lose a little low, knowing i will gain it back with the regear.
Bump was hoping some of the really knowledgeable blokes on here might have some info on this.
 

losh1971

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Spoke to Merv Gray and he was saying they can do some porting as well as change the valves shape. If i want to go sick porting then i will need a cam to help the loss of low torque.
Guess i have to figure out how much and what type of porting i get done?
 

gtrboyy

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Main issue is low compression staying naturally aspirated.

Ported heads even just pocket ported will work better with a decent cam/stally....won't get the most out of those without good compression bump up which is why a turbo works perfect with standard 8.5:1cr(?)

N/a buick can be a good thing when done right,there were a few big bangers.

Scotty Taylor's v6 vengence was very popular back in the car mag days.
 

losh1971

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Main issue is low compression staying naturally aspirated.

Ported heads even just pocket ported will work better with a decent cam/stally....won't get the most out of those without good compression bump up which is why a turbo works perfect with standard 8.5:1cr(?)

N/a buick can be a good thing when done right,there were a few big bangers.

Scotty Taylor's v6 vengence was very popular back in the car mag days.
i have heard VR had more comp than VP V6? I was thinking i could shave the heads to get the comp back up around VR ratio, as i believe my spare engine may be VP as it has no cam sensor yet came with an auto behind it. I have considered a cam but if i do i need someone to press in new cam bearings. My local bloke doesn't install cam bearings too hard to get them right without specialised equipment. Engine builder could but they would want engine out. I was hoping with Mace rockers I could get away with some reshaping the valves and seats as well as some pocket porting. Need to keep its streetability. Already have near new stally.
 

losh1971

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Every now and then i search for an SC kit but never seem to come up. Could go turbo but that's beyond my skill level to install and intercool. Reasonable SC would be easy enough for me to fit. Although it will never reach the capabilities of a TT.
 

gtrboyy

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With correct size turbo can have something cruisey with heaps of torque,good thing about this way it's mostly bolt on parts after sump mods...Tony'z Turbo Garage on Fb for info/ideas

If you really want a superchaged v6 simplest way is l67.

N/a I would contact Tony Knight Engines(TK) in S.A for advice/quotes
 

losh1971

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With correct size turbo can have something cruisey with heaps of torque,good thing about this way it's mostly bolt on parts after sump mods...Tony'z Turbo Garage on Fb for info/ideas

If you really want a superchaged v6 simplest way is l67.

N/a I would contact Tony Knight Engines(TK) in S.A for advice/quotes

Simplest in some ways, but I have a pretty good engine now and having to hoick it out and swap K frames and engine looms and engines as well as other stuff the job becomes more complicated. Even the trans is different in early VR - VS. It's not really simple. My blokes can build two good heads for about $500 each. I'd need to talk to them and figure out what I want as like I said can't go sick on porting or it will be awful on the street. Be good if I have an idea before I do go in with my heads. That way I'm armed with some knowledge and have a better idea on explaining what I want.
 
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