Physics question

I posted this in the Firebird forum, but figure I'd repost it here as well since I'd probably get more answers from you guys. So here it goes...

Ok, I recently found on GMgoodwrench.com an alloy engine. No idea on the price, it wasn't listed, but I wanted to get some opinions before I even bothered with the idea. It's V6, 60 degree block, just like my 3.4. The specs on it are as follows:

"Aluminum Bow Tie V6/60º engine blocks have rough-bored 89mm (3.504") cylinders which can be safely overbored to 91mm (3.582"). Light alloy Bow Tie blocks have bosses for both front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive engine mounts. The starter motor can be installed on either side of the block. The cylinder walls are non-siaesed, and the cylinder deck height is 8.820". Cylinder bore range is 3.525-3.582"; crankshaft journal diameter is 2.65"; all sump type is wet. This block has a 2-piece crankshaft seal and a design maximum stroke of 3.20". Intended for professional competition."

Summed up:
Bore: 89mm, can be safely bored to 91mm (3.525"-3.582")
Max Stroke: 3.20"
Total ci: 185ci (3.05L)
Total ci (bored to max 91mm): 193.4ci (3.18L)

Now, my 3.4L specs:
Bore: 92mm (or 3.62")
Stroke: 3.31"
Total ci: 204.3 (3.37L)

So, if I were to go with this new alloy block, I would be shedding 47lbs.. And if I were to have the block bored out to it's maximum 91mm, I would still be losing 10.9ci (0.19L). Now, as most of you know, I'm really gung ho on doing this 3.4L project. So, what I ask now, is do you think that going with a smaller block and losing 10.9ci is a smart idea? Again, I would have an overall benefit from having a 59lb alloy block rather than my 106lb cast iron one. But, I hate the thought of having a smaller and bored out 3.2L. Opinions? What would you do? Do you think the lightness would make up for the smaller size and give me overall more power?

I say go for it, I mean hey if you're going to bore it out and do a bunch of stuff to the engine, it sounds good. I do think though that with the loss of pounds and size of the engine you would basicly get the same output of your old one.

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. I mean, basically I would be downsizing .2L's, but also cutting my weight in half. So I'm not sure if I would basically be compensating weight for power, and end up right back where I started with around 160HP. But it couldn't be too much different though. A stock 3.1L puts out 150hp w/ ~180tq. Sooo, a 3.2L alloy block should be making a little, if not alot more than those numbers.. But again, that would just put me right back where I already am right now.

Well im sure it would help on the gas.. a little, also you could do different stuff to this engine and its newer so I think that those are both :1: over the old engine

yeah, debating on the price, I may or may not get it. If it's reasonable, then I'll probably build it up and see what I can get out of it. If I don't see any improvement, then no biggie. I've got this really wicked plan of getting a Miata and popping a 3.4 in it. Which, the alloy one would be perfect since it would actually be lighter than the 4cyl that comes in it. That, and then get a custom hood made with the SS scoop on it, and that would be one sick and extremely fast Miata. One day I'm gonna do that.

i say its not really worth it, you may shed some lbs but you lose power to, so its prob gonna end up being the same.

i say its not really worth it, you may shed some lbs but you lose power to, so its prob gonna end up being the same.

Kinda.. late there.. :lol:

About the Miata thing, DO IT! Be so badass and unexpected.. and add some turbo if you can.

Kinda.. late there.. :lol:

About the Miata thing, DO IT! Be so badass and unexpected.. and add some turbo if you can.

yea, that would be hot.

Yeah, this one guy I know built up a 3.4, turbo'd it and put it in a miata. only custom things he had to have done were motor mounts, a shorter driveshaft, and the hood. and for the rearend, he used a Ford 9 bolt since it bolted up perfectly. As for the engine and tranny, well, they lined up perfectly and fit like a charm. Man is that thing sick. Here's a link to his site:
http://34v6miata.tripod.com/

Yeah, this one guy I know built up a 3.4, turbo'd it and put it in a miata. only custom things he had to have done were motor mounts, a shorter driveshaft, and the hood. and for the rearend, he used a Ford 9 bolt since it bolted up perfectly. As for the engine and tranny, well, they lined up perfectly and fit like a charm. Man is that thing sick. Here's a link to his site:
http://34v6miata.tripod.com/

that miata is nice as hell, altho id have to sit in the back seat to be able to drive it. be like that dude hightower from the movie police accademy.

Miatas dont have back seats.. :uhoh:

the idea of a V8 in a Miata btw is SICK!

Miatas dont have back seats.. :uhoh:

the idea of a V8 in a Miata btw is SICK!


i will have to sit on the trunk lid then :(

Lol im not sure i'd fit in a Miata, I always drive with the seat all the way back too! So who knows..

I think it would depend more on what kind of HP the engine puts out. You don't say anything about that as I'm sure goodwrench didn't either, it really depends on what it puts out. It may be a smaller displacement engine but it may have higher compression and more horsepower than the 3.4L That is why there are 4 cylinder cars that have like 150 HP. I say figure that out and then debate it.

If I got an LS1 it would be the same weight as my 3.8, have 219 more ci, and a hell of a lot of more power...

Well I agree about the chances of it putting out more HP than the 3.4.. I mean look at the 4 and 5 cyl thats in the Colorado.. thats awesome!

Research the origins of the other engine block and look into what would make more power with the least amount of financial input. If the other one comes w/ 200hp at the crank and could beef it up with some new inners and such vs the 3.4 And if you want to just get a 6er and not a lt1/ls1 or simple csb v8, get a 3800 series 1 from a wrecked gn and build that shit up. :P

Research the origins of the other engine block and look into what would make more power with the least amount of financial input. If the other one comes w/ 200hp at the crank and could beef it up with some new inners and such vs the 3.4 And if you want to just get a 6er and not a lt1/ls1 or simple csb v8, get a 3800 series 1 from a wrecked gn and build that shit up. :P

Well that's the thing. I don't want a 3.8. Too typical. Everyone who builds a V6, always ends up having the 3.8, whether it be the original series or the series II. I'd like to be different and take the road that's less traveled. Plus, on Force Fed Fabrications's website, they got a 3.4 shooting over 300hp and nearly 400tq on a single T04 turbo set at 15 psi. So it's definately not a bad platform to start off on.

Whenever I find a nice good paying job where I can have more money to play with, that's when I'm selling this bird and gettin an 02 Trans Am WS.6, just like Mr.Luos has got. I wouldn't mind having the Anniversary one either, but I know if I got that, then I'd never wanna drive it. To me, that's a showroom car right there. But in the mean time, I figure I'll have fun with this bird and learn my ropes with the F-body's.