/6 build
I forgot about the port and polishing, I will be doing that as well. I chose the buick setup because it was designed for a slightly larger engine and was also used on an engine with a turbo. It is quite easy to tune since it is a bash style efi system. I agree it would be easier to just buy an aluminum intake manifold and weld on injector bungs or purchase a clifford that already has the bungs and they just need to be tapped. I don't see the fun in doing something the easy way so why not build my own. I'm definitely thinking I will use the turbo. The compression on the stock slant six is nearly perfect for running a turbo. Obviously it is not the best for a naturally aspirated engine. Like I said the goal of the build is to learn as much as I can from it. I guess you could say while I have it running it will be used for pro-touring.
Well, I am just an old codger who is easily intimidated by new technology, and avoids it whenever I can.
Having said that, I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that, as complicated as it is to get a well-working turbo setup is on a slant six, and considering that there is proof positive that you can, without resorting to heroic measures like a roller cam, exotic ignition and wild rpm, you could build a motor like the one you want, and simply use a blow-thru modified 4150 Holley 4bbl and forget all about adding to the considerable tuning issues (and, many more) of a dedicated, home-brew EFI system.
Both Tom Wolfe and Ryan Peterson manage to make about 500 HP with setups that rely on 1 4bbl carb, and what would be the advantage in switching from this to an EFI, unless you are well-versed in the nuts-and-bolts and tuning of such a system and it is easy for you.
I would
RUN from the added complexity and "cut and try" problems that will undoubtedly arise, trying to get an EFI system to work well with a turbo application, but that's just the opinion of a guy who was well past his prime in the 1980s... older than dirt, and probably as dumb...
Three hundred horsepower was achieved by Tom Wolfe by running a stock slant 6 with one 4bbl added on, but he had to boost it to about 20 pounds to get that.
That is not a recipe for longivity, RE: piston life.
My guess is that stock, cast pistons won't live a very long life if asked to perform at much over 10 pounds of boost (15 with an alky injector.)
Ten pounds of boost won't get you 300 hp.
If you want an engine that will live under the boost conditions necessary to make 300 hp, I think you're gonna have to pony up for some forged pistons like the Wiseco ones in our car.
As a f'rinstance, I'd say that a 300 hp reliable turbocharged /6 would require maybe 16-17 pounds of boost, breathing thru a ported, big-valve head, using an alky injector and one 4bbl carb, that was maybe a 600cfm unit.
That is not a cheap engine (about $1,400 for the head, and $1,100 for pistons, rings and rods) but there's not much else to buy for it that's very expensive.
That engine would put a 3,000-pound car solidly in the mid 12's, and have excellent driveability, both on the highway and around town.
I think Charrlie's right, though... that cam you have is too mild for a normally-aspirated engine and has too much duration for a turbo /6. But, flat tappet cams are cheap for these motors. Listen to Charrlie; he's forgotten more about these engines than most of us will ever know...
We'll be watching your build with lots of interest and enthusiasm. Keep us posted!!!:blob:
