Building a bullet proof 4B11
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Building a bullet proof 4B11
From Tim our engine builder:
Over the last few months I have been looking at internal engine upgrades for the 4B11 evo X motor. We knew to push the limits and be reliable with these new aluminum blocks we’d have to look into sleeving. I contacted our friends at ERl, who are pioneers in the sleeving industry. From upgrading Honda blocks to tricked out tall deck LS1’s I knew these were the guys I wanted to work with. Starting from a brand new OEM block we started machining away the OEM cylinder liners. During the machining process measurements were taken to verify we weren’t disrupting the structure of the block. After removing all of the necessary material and machining a step at the top of the bore a final inspection is done to ensure no block distortion. This is where ERL can work their magic. ERL then installed proprietary ductile iron sleeves which are pressed in and sit in the machined step so they will not sink during engine operation. Once in place the new sleeves are machined flush or in our case a few thousands above the rest of the deck surface. This is similar to an o-ring and will help increase the clamping force on the head gasket. Each block then receives final bore sizing and cross hatching. Next we install AMS spec main studs and align hone the main journals. This is done to 100% verify that there was no movement in the block during any of the other machining processes. Now I’m ready for the internals!! Here are some pics of the build so far.








Over the last few months I have been looking at internal engine upgrades for the 4B11 evo X motor. We knew to push the limits and be reliable with these new aluminum blocks we’d have to look into sleeving. I contacted our friends at ERl, who are pioneers in the sleeving industry. From upgrading Honda blocks to tricked out tall deck LS1’s I knew these were the guys I wanted to work with. Starting from a brand new OEM block we started machining away the OEM cylinder liners. During the machining process measurements were taken to verify we weren’t disrupting the structure of the block. After removing all of the necessary material and machining a step at the top of the bore a final inspection is done to ensure no block distortion. This is where ERL can work their magic. ERL then installed proprietary ductile iron sleeves which are pressed in and sit in the machined step so they will not sink during engine operation. Once in place the new sleeves are machined flush or in our case a few thousands above the rest of the deck surface. This is similar to an o-ring and will help increase the clamping force on the head gasket. Each block then receives final bore sizing and cross hatching. Next we install AMS spec main studs and align hone the main journals. This is done to 100% verify that there was no movement in the block during any of the other machining processes. Now I’m ready for the internals!! Here are some pics of the build so far.
I don't see why you care... the 4b11 in stock form can handle well above what you're currently making on your 9, and once sleeved, will probably as much as any 4g63 can, so I don't see the problem. In any case, great job AMS! Will you guys be making this an available upgrade for customers to purchase any time soon? I would imagine that we could just buy one fully sleeved and machined from you guys and then send in our block for a core refund?
Last edited by STi2EvoX; Dec 29, 2008 at 04:48 PM.
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congrats AMS can't wait to see what your TA-X is gonna be able to do!
also to projectevo9 ... oh no we have to sleeve our blocks to go over 450whp ... boo hoo ...
what do you have to do to your evo 9 to get AYC?
just like STi2EvoX said ... the 4B11 is well capable of holding more than enough power for 99% of the owners out there. And I would like to add that the X get's into the 350+ whp range very easily.
also to projectevo9 ... oh no we have to sleeve our blocks to go over 450whp ... boo hoo ...
what do you have to do to your evo 9 to get AYC?
just like STi2EvoX said ... the 4B11 is well capable of holding more than enough power for 99% of the owners out there. And I would like to add that the X get's into the 350+ whp range very easily.
nice job!
i just start thinking about the 4B11 gas mixture with the engine oil... And so this is a perfect answer if i turn to be right on that.
I got the feeling the /no proof just loud thinking/ Maybe the 4B11 is pulsating under high load, so that is one reason, why is the gas mixing with the engine oil. Fairly high in the X.
I mean pulsating the cylinder loosing its perfect round shape under high load and became a little oval , so the rings cant seal perfect.Besides the too rich tune.
This defenietly can prevent that.
Dont flame me, i'm just thinking .
i just start thinking about the 4B11 gas mixture with the engine oil... And so this is a perfect answer if i turn to be right on that.
I got the feeling the /no proof just loud thinking/ Maybe the 4B11 is pulsating under high load, so that is one reason, why is the gas mixing with the engine oil. Fairly high in the X.
I mean pulsating the cylinder loosing its perfect round shape under high load and became a little oval , so the rings cant seal perfect.Besides the too rich tune.
This defenietly can prevent that.

Dont flame me, i'm just thinking .
Last edited by Robevo RS; Dec 29, 2008 at 07:06 PM.
I don't see why you care... the 4b11 in stock form can handle well above what you're currently making on your 9, and once sleeved, will probably as much as any 4g63 can, so I don't see the problem. In any case, great job AMS! Will you guys be making this an available upgrade for customers to purchase any time soon? I would imagine that we could just buy one fully sleeved and machined from you guys and then send in our block for a core refund?

:lol :







