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V6 Ecotec Block Question

Discussion in 'VY Holden Commodore (2002 - 2004)' started by Dr HaxZaw, Feb 3, 2011.

  1. Dr HaxZaw

    Dr HaxZaw New Member

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    I've been thinking about what mods I'd like to do to my car eventually and one thing that i really like the idea of is a turbo. However someone said that the stock block could only take 8psi? I was thinking somewhere around 12-14 psi if i did go for a turbo.
    Would the block be able to take this or not??
    If it cant take it safely then im not too bothered but i just wanted to make sure
     
  2. chargedvx6

    chargedvx6 Active Member

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    The block will take pretty much anything you can throw at it. Internal components will be fine to a certain level pretty much too. Once you start asking too much of it and go for a more aggressive tune things like pistons and at higher power levels will need to be upgraded.

    Drivetrain needs to be up to the job too
     
  3. soop

    soop Banned

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    Rule of thumb seems to be 10psi on a stock bottom end, provided the intake charge isn't over the top.
    Detonation is killer for engines.
     
  4. chargedvx6

    chargedvx6 Active Member

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    Good point. A tuner should help keep existing bottom end components alive. Doesn't matter how much you've spent in bottom end (think formula 1 level) but if the tune isn't close it's all going in the bin pretty soon
     
  5. Dr HaxZaw

    Dr HaxZaw New Member

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    by bottom end im geussing you mean just the block?? i was thinking of doing the pistons and all if i was going to run 12-14 but i wanted to make sure the engine wasnt going to drop its guts within a month
     
  6. Daggy082

    Daggy082 New Member

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    I think soop means the bottom end internals (eg pistons) can take 10psi. But if u are wanting 14psi you would need to rebuilt the bottom end. Blocks can take shitloads unless there shagged.
     
  7. Dr HaxZaw

    Dr HaxZaw New Member

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    yeah i wasnt too sure if he was talking just about the block or like you said the pistons and bearings... thats ok then as i was planning on pretty much redoing the engine to make it worth putting a turbo on it... now just to wait and save for a few more years
     
  8. acarmody

    acarmody Donati..Whoa Green

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    Well if your going to wait that long, then consider doing up an Alloytec engine. A few more known engine builders have commented on the Alloytecs ability to generate good reliable power under boost.
     
  9. Brett_jjj

    Brett_jjj Well-Known Member

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    If you want to make big horsepower reliably,its best starting off using a block that hasnt been bored out,try to get a block from a newer car with low K's from a wreckers.The further you bore a block, the thinner the cylinder walls become obviously,and what happens is thin bores flex more, and this causes lots of problems,especially if it flexes too much.It will lead to a destroyed block.I know the cleveland 302 and 351 V8 ford engines dont like being bored out a lot if the engine is used for making big horsepower.Most people go 30 thou over at the most for a V8,the V6 would be the same Id say.Im not sure about the holden V8 or the Chev V8 in this department.They are all thinwall design cast block V8s,Most engines are cast using this design method,which makes the block as light as possible,so they are probably all the same when it comes to this.Anyway,most people will never have this problem because it only happens when the engine is under a great deal of stress,like when running a lot of boost with turbochanging or supercharging etc.I just think its something to consider when building a reliable engine thats putting out high horsepower.
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2011
  10. Dr HaxZaw

    Dr HaxZaw New Member

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    yeah im only looking to get 250kw and ill be happy so im not sure how crazy i need to go to get it... if its going to cost too much or be a major hassle im just going to put a cold air intake, exhaust and few little mods and a tune on the engine and then just wait till the car is run into the ground which will hopefully be a few more years yet
     

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