Engine build options... opinions please

[NateS]

Okay so I have a 7 bolt in my 2g. I am planning on putting a 6 bolt block in it. I have some ideas but, I would like to know what you all think.

1. Keep the 7 bolt head and build it while it is on my car. Buy a 6 bolt block and build it seperatly while it is out of the car. Put 6 bolt block in and put my 7 bolt head on it. I have heard it is a pain in the ass to put the 7 bolt head on the 6 bolt block. I know you have to bore out the holes so it fits on. I have also heard the 7 bolt heads get better compression. This is what I would rather do but, if it will not be worth it then please let me know. I want to do this once and do it right.

2. Just buy a complete 6 bolt motor and build it then drop it into my car.

3. Buy a 7 bolt head(can get one for a couple hundred includes entire head and manifold) and buy a 6 bolt block. Build both seperatly and drop them into my car at the same time.

Any input would be appreciated. I am looking to hit around 500-550 hp at the crank when I am done. I do plan on getting a nice intake manifold so the 1g/2g manifold doesn't matter. Please keep in mind this isn't all happening asap but, will happen over the summer so time isn't an issue either. I just want to know where to start so I can start picking up the parts. Thanks for an input.

[Thor06]

My two cents: Forget the 7 bolt shit all together. Get a 6 bolt, build it (head and block) and drop that bitch in.

[Blackcrow64]

Hmmm... I posted my opinion on here last night but aparently it didn't post... Here it is again.

I was in the same dilema as I'm sure you remember and I am now going with an entire 6 bolt and I'm just changing the compression to 9:1 on mine. I'm hoping to be running at least 500hp this summer too. If you really want to, you can just get some weisco pistons that change the compression to 8.3:1 if thats what you really want it to be. Other than that, I wouldn't screw around with the 7 bolt head on a 6 bolt if your going for those sorts of power goals. It was shown to me that the 7 bolt head can't even be ported out near as far as the 6 bolt one is stock.

[kjewer1]

As far as I know the combustion chamber has nothing to do with compression on our setups, it's all in the pistons. I'm a big fan of the 1g head, but it depends on where you want your power. 2g head for more midrange, 1g head for more topend. If you're setup leans toward topend anyway (bigger turbo) the 1g head probably makes more sense. I've seen poeple try to run a 2g head to get more midrange, when their turbo doesn't even build boost in the midrange Doing this also allows you to build the whole longblock on the stand while your car remains driveable.