Posts: 1731
Joined: 9/25/2006 From: New Braunfels, Texas Status: offline
I'm gonna start my build for a 4.2L block. This will be a slow process, as money allows. I'm going to get a low mileage 3.8 block and have it honed and balanced. Then get the 4.2L stroker kit from SSM with the M112 kit from mysteed sittin on top. Ported intakes and ported heads. Then drop it in my car and use it for my daily driver. Should i port the stock heads or get new ones? Will the transmission be able to hold up; it has 108,000 miles and no problems. It will be a slow process, but i'm hoping to have the engine done and in my car in less than a year. Is there anything else I am missing?
< Message edited by l_shizzle_l -- 10/31/2007 9:04:45 PM >
Posts: 1731
Joined: 9/25/2006 From: New Braunfels, Texas Status: offline
I think i found my build engine, it's an 02 has 35k on it and he wants $350. I was looking at the stage 3 heads from SSM and would that be a good way to go?
Posts: 2758
Joined: 12/15/2006 From: Lafayette/Gulf of Mexico, LA Status: online
I found a complete engine in New Orleans for $125 with blown head gaskets out of a 99. Has everything but the accessories. I'm waiting to see if the guy is willing to deliver, if not I may have to call in some favors. This is gonna be perfect for my build.
dang ryan thats a good deal. with all that you need to take those heads off, port them, and get a 3angle valve job....make it flow way better with the blower on top.....thats what ive done
Posts: 1731
Joined: 9/25/2006 From: New Braunfels, Texas Status: offline
I would stay away from the 99-00 block for the 4.2L build. All 4.2 crankshafts are zero balance, so if you use a external balanced engine(99-early 00) you cannot reuse your flywheel/flexplate or your balancer. (The exception is if you have an aftermarket flywheel with a removable weight.) For the 4.2 you must need to use zero balance parts.
< Message edited by l_shizzle_l -- 11/5/2007 7:59:52 PM >
Posts: 1731
Joined: 9/25/2006 From: New Braunfels, Texas Status: offline
Back to my question, would it be cheaper to buy the stage 3 heads from SSM or port the existing ones on the motor. I would also have to add stiffer valve springs and bigger valves.
Would it also be a good idea to add longer hardened pushrods in there?
< Message edited by l_shizzle_l -- 11/5/2007 8:29:07 PM >
oh yeah....that....sorry......umm i never bought and ssm heads but i do know that i got my nasty looking 4.2 heads fully cleand with a 3angle valve job and new plugs and seals for $225....and i ported them myself :)
Posts: 2758
Joined: 12/15/2006 From: Lafayette/Gulf of Mexico, LA Status: online
It's good to finally see a pic of what makes them different, it's tough to tell what you're working with on the internet. Hell, for $125 it worth it's weight in cores. Now what difference will the balance type be if the only thing being used is the bare block with all new everything going in to it? I don't see a casting difference for the sake of the crankshaft balancing. Know what I mean?
Posts: 2758
Joined: 12/15/2006 From: Lafayette/Gulf of Mexico, LA Status: online
I just did some re-reading.
Blocks should not matter, Tom knows the exact difference, but I think no matter what all the later blocks are stronger(99+) and slightly lighter (01+), but anything after 98 is fine.
Only if you are transplanting old parts from an external balance does it seem to matter.
My engine is already internally balanced, so my Spec flywheel will be fine along with the billet balancer from SSM.
They will also be the last parts put on the engine, obviously, so the block will be fine.
I'm running the 4.3 kit, so all the internals will work perfectly, even if I reuse my old stock balancer
Now does anyone see a problem with all of this, if so LET IT OUT! I think I may be on the right track though, whatya guys think?
< Message edited by RyansQuick6 -- 11/5/2007 8:39:35 PM >
Posts: 1731
Joined: 9/25/2006 From: New Braunfels, Texas Status: offline
I think he was refering to using the stock flywheel with the 4.2 crank. Block for block i believe it will make no difference, but don't quote me on that.
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Well i think i am gonna start getting parts for my 4.2 ... - 
