I am building a engine from the bottom up since mine is toast.

I would like to go with a 2.3 stroker, but it is kind of costly. I have not decided what route to take yet. Just doing research and learning more about engine components since I am not extremely knowledgable.

Any engine guys who can tell me about bore size and the difference in results? I can research this stuff, but its like trying to learn a new subject on your own without being able to ask questions.

Also anyone tell me if this is the right direction:

2.3 stroker short block
2.3 eagle stroker kit

ONLY current mods (ignore my signature block):
272 kelford cams
supertech springs/retainers
mbc
fuel pump
dc sport downpipe
greddy tic catback

EVERYTHING else is STOCK

 

Buy a used stock shortblock there is no reason you need to have a built motor.

 

there is a lot to consider with your engine build. Are you staying with just the mods you have right now? If not, what kind of power are you going to be working towards?

If you want the added displacement but want a lower cost option, the 2.4L is one of the single most cost effective options on the market! If you do chose to go the route of the stroker, I would suggest you check out some of the other options, besides the Eagle Kit. There are tons of great options.

I'd be happy to answer any questions for you.

 

Been researching whatever comes up in a search, but its hard to know what my options are when I don't know that much about whats out there.

The only plan for the car is to have high power, I dont really race, drag or do time attacks. This is only a hobby.

As far as mods, I am out of my league for this area. I can switch out or change anything thats needed.

 

What are you trying to do with the car? How much are you able to spend on this? Those are two of the biggest questions you need to answer, if you are just going to have those mods a built motor isn't really worth it for you and money wise it depends on what you are looking to spend. Honestly if those are your only mods and that is where you are gonna stay you won't be able to beat a used shortblock, I don't know where you are located but you can usually find a low mileage used motor that would be my advice.

 

If you are wanting to know what the car will be used for, its a project. Nothing else is exactly planned for it. As far as a budget, this will be spent over the entire winter which makes it easier to handle costs. There is no set dollar amount and since I dont know what exactly is needed, its hard to just say what the cost will be.

I have looked for a used short block, assuming the rest of the engine is ok, but no luck in my area, havent checked surrounding states.

 

ok im online right now at work and bored so lets talk. Its nice a engine builder SBR is offering help as well. first set of questions please answer

1. what is the final whp number you want
2. DO you want a fast spooling turbo? Like in boost quicker?
3. This is basically a DD car once this is done will you go to a track a couple times a month? helps with getting a 2.0 or 2.3
4. Are you willing to actually spend the money to do a full build? theres more to big power then putting a 35r + on it.
-clutch upgrade
-turbo upgrade
-headwork
-upgraded fuel system
-etc

Can get pretty pricey but i guess if your willing and you dont mind the downtime it will be worth it once its all done. Like SBR said a 2.4 is also a cheaper option but if you want 2.3 then get that.

 

Yeah a built short block is kinda pricey, you will need depending what route you go pistons rods and a crank, then there is the machining costs an you will need a new gasket kit. Depending on if you can find a reputable machine shop in your area or not it may pay to buy a already assembled short block, I think you'd be able to sell your toasted motor for something or use it as a core. Where exactly are you located?

 

you can get used shortblocks on this forum for 500 and up. just to give you a ideal your typical pricing for a 2.3 is going to be 3200-3600 for it fully assembled ready to rock in roll. dont forget core exchanges as well. a 2.0 is def cheaper but again faster spool with 2.3 so your in the power quicker but 2.0 you can rev waaaaaaaaaaay higher and ride that gear out. You best bet is to do what i do when i want a major part and make a wtb thread and say i want a 2.3 for say 3000 no core and see what responses you get. There are several shops/private sellers that are going back to stock to sell or have a spare motor type deal that will make you crazy deals sometimes just to get rid of it and line the pocket with money.

 

Haha, I am at work and bored too. Here are the answers...

1. what is the final whp number you want
500+
2. DO you want a fast spooling turbo? Like in boost quicker?
of course, with the stock turbo and block and 272 cams there was a loss in the spool and low end torq
3. This is basically a DD car once this is done will you go to a track a couple times a month? helps with getting a 2.0 or 2.3
this is not a DD and yes I would goto a track, just not going to be a avid tracker
4. Are you willing to actually spend the money to do a full build? theres more to big power then putting a 35r + on it.
-clutch upgrade
-turbo upgrade
-headwork
-upgraded fuel system
-etc
yes, this is why I am spreading the cost over the entire winter, the car will be down this whole time - already got 1000cc injectors

 

Thats why I was looking at the eagle kit, since it has whats needed. I just dont really know the other options. I am SOL with my short block, it has a hole in it.

 

Ok now that we got that out of the way we gotta figure out hat you really wanna spend, a 500+ whp setup and a built motor and everything to support that is gonna coat you over 10 grand to build up. You need to really sit down and think about this there is alot you have to decide in a build like this, and are you going to be doing this yourself or paying a shop.

 

Currently, I have everything out except for the block. The majority of work will be done by a couple buddies and myself. The rest by a shop and a re-tune by either Switzer or AMS.

 

You can get a brand new 2.4L SBR shortblock with no core charge for close to $3k out the door, assembled and balanced. Their 2.4L uses the 2.4l block which is a lot cheaper then the 2.0 because of it's availability (there are a ton of them out there). There are also 2 of these for sale Brand new never installed in the classified section, one of them is $2200. Just something to think about.

 

Yeah, with a hole in in you out of it, no core or anything usually.

For 500 HP you are looking at on top of what you have:
O2 housing, Turbo (will go into further later), Intake, Pipes, Intercooler, Ex manifold (ported), Port your intake manifold, Injectors, possibly need more fuel than your single 255 is throwing, shortblock (to safely and consistently run those numbers), and possibly some head work (port and polish) with new valves, etc.

So you want quick spool?
If you want to be able to rev high, 2.1 or 2.2 L
If revving isn't an issue and you'd rather save money, 2.4L

Turbo:
There are so many options, what do you value most? Quick spool, Crazy top end? Do you want to custom fab or have a different setup than you already have? I ask because you can reach 500 with a stock frame turbo. I am on the new green and am at 475 hp roughly and will get into the 500s with some engine work and a double pump. For 500 though with more to give up top, I would say either the RED (which you can find on here since the blacks are coming out), the BLACK, or wait for the BBK XL (not sure on release). Yet again, it all depends on what you are willing to fork out. For the black now, at full sticker price you are talking 2 grand just for the turbo.

Clutch:
For 500+ you will definitely need to upgrade your stock clutch. Mine went out as soon as i did the turbo swap, it couldn't handle the new torque. I went with an Exedy twin for the DD and it can handle what I throw at it. I chose Exedy because I had heard problems from other manufacturers. I am not dissing ACT. I had purchased one on a previous car and had problems and decided to go a different route on the EVO. Many people use them and love them, but you have to be careful on what clutch you chose for your application. Especially at high RPMs. For 500+ you need so start thinking in the realm of a triple disc clutch, they are loud and sometimes can have daily drivability issues. Be prepared.

So, the checkout line.
For a built 2.1L you can find them from 3k-5k depending on the internals and options you choose.
For a built 2.3L the prices vary also, but you can find them all the way up to 8 grand. Depends on your application.
For a built 2.4L the prices go down, I am not sure what exactly, but they are going to be the cheaper of all the options. You just will not be able to rev as high in the RPMs as the previous motors mentioned.
Turbo: used for whatever you can find, up to a few thousand dollars, like i said the black is close to 2, if you want to go a different frame route than you have to think about supporting mods and the ex manifold to support it, etc. But for 500 you can reach that with a stock one, and to save cash, I would recommend that route. Clutch, I paid 1600 for my Exedy twin for the kit with flywheel, etc. You can find clutches for your application that can be double that. Depends on what you want, and can afford.


BOTTOM LINE. We can sit here and give you all these suggestions until we are blue in the face. You need to do the reading on the parts and see what you want. There are countless upgrade stage threads on EvoM that can point you in the right direction. You can cut corners and pay cheap for stuff, will it last long, probably not. You can break the bank and pay sky high prices for the best and the newest, will it last long, probably longer than the cheap knockoff stuff. It all comes down to what YOU want to spend and what YOUR intentions for the car are...