Starting a build soon... questions

[Synyster06Gates]

I'm going to be picking up a 3.8 short block locally for free, so I want to play with it a bit... It's from an 04, mine's an 00

so far I'm thinking:
4.2 crank ~ $200
Windstar intake (about to install on my car) ~ $400
SSM Cam 216/228 .50/.50 lift, 108 lobe separation angle ~ $640 (with retainers and springs)

After that I should be able to swap my heads and windstar intake over with no problems, right? Might port and polish heads as well, just for any gains I can. Combine that with a good tune, what kind of rwhp you think I'm looking at?

[raymond8698]

check with this website Tom Morana Racing Engines, they should help out, alot of nice parts for the sixxer

[Matt56]

l_shizzle_l (matt) should be makin 250ish on a motor built for boost and hes runin stock upper intake. i have the windstar kit on mine now and love it. i have an extra set of heads from an 01 v6 that you can have ported so you dont have down time on your car. but with a motor built for the N/A spec. im sure you could net maybe 280hp wich is respectable for an all motor V6 car. if your not a member on v6power.net theres alot of good info on there and its an all v6 performance site. what mods do you have now that you will be swappin over. i might pick up your old block if the price is right. if you do a built motor do it right the first time. get a girdle to help eliminate crank vibrtation and you can push for more power. id love to build a motor built for a P1SC pro charger. theres guys bolting on F1 prochargers on block done right. good luck with your build im sure shizzle (matt) and myself (matt) could lend a hand or give advice

[Matt56]

if you port the heads you will need the lower intake ported to match the windstars intake runners, if the lower intakes holes are smaller then your air from the upper will hit the lip where the upper meets the lower and cause turbulence, and if the lower intake holes are smaller then the ports that are on the head then you will have more turbulence and lose power. best bet would to have the ports on the heads match the ports on the lower if you choose to have the lower ported. it would be wise to have all the lower intake holes as close to the same size on the the bottom of the windstar and then you can match up the ports size on the heads to make for a smooth air flow. dont do the lower and heads at seprate dates knock it all out at once. let me know if i confused you

[l_shizzle_l]

04 is one of the better years for a block, came with a girdle on the main caps. Make sure that is with it for sure. Then you need to think about the pistions you are going to use, and what compression you want with it. The rods can be reused from your 00'. Everything else will swap right over on the new block, just make sure that your lower intake does not have the IMRC's and you use your existing wireing harness.
With just what is listed in the OP i would guess around 200-210 rwhp with something like 240-260 tq. But I'm always down to help, feel free to pick my brain.
Auto or manual transmission?

Also you are going to need a netural balance harmonic balancer and flywheel for the 4.2L crank, they have a diffrent balance on them compared to your 00' 3.8 stuff. Your 00' oil pan is not deep enough for the 04 girdle, you need a oil pan from a 01-04 3.8 or 4.2. I think that is it.

[Synyster06Gates]

Are you sure I'll need the oil pan and flywheel? On MF they just told me I would need the 4.2 crank and I would be good. If that's the case, I may be keeping it a 3.8... It is a 5 speed by the way

I want to have it streetable and have a fun daily driver for a cheap cost since it's just coming to me for free (the short block). But you think even the 4.2, cam and windstar will only get me between 200 and 210? I read the 4.2 crank itself usually is good for anywhere between 20 and 30 rwhp. Considering I already dyno'd at 170/201, I figure with the cam, 4.2 and intake+tune it would be at least 225ish

[Matt56]

i dynoed at 180/206 with long tubes hpipe intake and aluminum flywheel. i think you should be able to see at least 240ish with a good tune and your supporting mods. i dont really think just swapping cranks is goin to give you more HP, it may be alot stonger though. if you want to keep it a 3.8 id say go with the super coupe crank its forged. either way do you research before you just dive in. some guys research for a year before they even buy a part.

[Synyster06Gates]

Well it's gotta be a quick thing. Need it up and running with absolutely no down time before college starts! If it comes to it I'll just change the piston rings, change the cam and swap my heads over with my Windstar intake. Combine that with a tune and I'll be good...

By the way, where are you in Austin? You should meet us for the CTS meets, and the Cars and Coffee here in Leander!

[Matt56]

im right in south austin off of slaughter creek. i might be down for that and bring some buddies with me

[l_shizzle_l]

Are you sure I'll need the oil pan and flywheel? On MF they just told me I would need the 4.2 crank and I would be good. If that's the case, I may be keeping it a 3.8... It is a 5 speed by the way

I want to have it streetable and have a fun daily driver for a cheap cost since it's just coming to me for free (the short block). But you think even the 4.2, cam and windstar will only get me between 200 and 210? I read the 4.2 crank itself usually is good for anywhere between 20 and 30 rwhp. Considering I already dyno'd at 170/201, I figure with the cam, 4.2 and intake+tune it would be at least 225ish

Oh yea, sorry i was thinking something else. Just make sure you use all the netural balance stuff with the 4.2 crank. I'm using a 4.2 crank but good luck finding one anymore they stopped making them a while ago.

i dynoed at 180/206 with long tubes hpipe intake and aluminum flywheel. i think you should be able to see at least 240ish with a good tune and your supporting mods. i dont really think just swapping cranks is goin to give you more HP, it may be alot stonger though. if you want to keep it a 3.8 id say go with the super coupe crank its forged. either way do you research before you just dive in. some guys research for a year before they even buy a part.

Yeah i was at 185/215 with longtubes, no cats, and 1/2" intake spacer.

[Synyster06Gates]

I'm just going to keep it a 3.8. Cam, windstar intake and tune, then I'm done. Saving the rest of my money for a Mach 1/Termi

[Matt56]

soooooooooo what are you gona do with that exrta block then

[Synyster06Gates]

I'll either sell it or use it for parts. Want it?

[l_shizzle_l]

I'm just going to keep it a 3.8. Cam, windstar intake and tune, then I'm done. Saving the rest of my money for a Mach 1/Termi

good idea too.

[Matt56]

I'll either sell it or use it for parts. Want it?

what are you askin for it, i just need a bucket naked block hahha