Physics question

[blindeyed]

Ok, I recently found on GMgoodwrench.com an alloy engine. No idea on the price, 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 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 (.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. But, I hate the thought of having a smaller bored out 3.2L. Opinions? What would you do?

[volkerc]

Originally Posted by blindxeyed

Ok, I recently found on GMgoodwrench.com an alloy engine. No idea on the price, 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 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 (.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. But, I hate the thought of having a smaller bored out 3.2L. Opinions? What would you do?

you won't even notice a performance difference. besides i'm sure you will compensate with a different cam.

[WarShrike]

I'd say look around for a list of performance mods or somebody that has a proven and reliable modification to this alloy V6. If there isn't a list of mods available, be prepared for plenty of custom work.

I'd say go for it, I wanted to see if I could find one of the newly released aluminum GNX blocks, supposed to handle 2000 hp I found them, but I couldn't find that magical sum of money that is supposed to appear in your wallet when you need it.

[Mr. Luos]

Just because the block is alloy and strong as hell, doesn't mean the internals are.

The lose in cubes can easily be given back with a better cam. Not enough to really tell a difference.

Your stock block is iron right??
Good strong starting foundation. Build the inside of that up nice, and boost that.
The smaller stroke alloy block will allow for higher RPM's as well. Less stroke, more RPM's.

[WarShrike]

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

The smaller stroke alloy block will allow for higher RPM's as well. Less stroke, more RPM's.

I was just thinking about that, it'd be interesting to hear a firebird with a high pitched V6 scream out of a motor like that.

[blindeyed]

Originally Posted by WarShrike

I'd say look around for a list of performance mods or somebody that has a proven and reliable modification to this alloy V6. If there isn't a list of mods available, be prepared for plenty of custom work.

The internals of the block are nearly the same as mine. It comes with it's own crankshaft, but I would need to get pistons, cylinder heads, and the works. Which I've already got all that stuff sitting out in my garage from my other torn down 3.4. I would just get new pistons, and other valvetrain parts that are designed for the 3.4, and they'll bolt right up.

I'll probably end up getting the block, building it up and see how I like it. If I'm not satisfied with it, then no biggie, I'll just throw it in a Miata then. I've been wanting to do that for some time now.