2.3 stroker for a 99 GST.. Good idea?

[1bad92awd]

I was just wondering what you guys think about swapping a 2.3L stroker kit in for the stock block in my 99 GST. I have owned dsm cars for over 4 years now, none of them stock. 2 of the 4 cars were awd 1g's and then a 96 tsi fwd and now my GST. The reason I ask here is because it would be good to hear some opinions on a built motor for a gst already pushing pretty close to 400fwhp. So in reality what I'm really asking is, how beneficial would it be for me for the money I would pay? Ideas? Comments?

 

[JWoodley]

Traction is gonna be interesting.

 

[fourreGsixty3]

So what do you do with the car...and what do you want to do with it? I think a 2.3L DSM is a good idea. Its the way Ive been heading for a little over a year. The TQ low down will diffinately break streets loose, but if your at the track, and have drag's, then it will get you going in a hurry, and it will help spool up a larger turbo quicker. Depending on your turbo size currently you may need an upgrade to make the stroker help, and not hurt your performance. A 20G is the smallest I would go, and many others will say the same...other then that your budget, and drivability are the limit


That old V8 saying is true but with a twist...There is no replacement for displacement, and a BIGGER turbo

 

[DSM4me44]

Traction is gonna be interesting.

I just saw my buddy put in a 2.4L stroker. His car is very impressive with that. He only has a 60trim and is running 11s. You might want a GT35R or GT37R to go with your stroker set up.

Oh, when your getting things together for your swap. Do yourself a favor and get some performance axles. I have a feeling you might be hearing a lound *SNAP*.

 

[absolute_DSM]

Traction is the main problem. If its your DD, your off boost power is a little higher. More torque low end.

 

[fourreGsixty3]

I just saw my buddy put in a 2.4L stroker. His car is very impressive with that. He only has a 60trim and is running 11s. You might want a GT35R or GT37R to go with your stroker set up.

Oh, when your getting things together for your swap. Do yourself a favor and get some performance axles. I have a feeling you might be hearing a lound *SNAP*.

My buddy had a 60-1 T4 on his 2.4L swap. Axles weren't his problem though...hard launching with loads of TQ. doesnt agree with tcases, and trans. . The 60-1 is a .69AR T4 ,and that thing spooled up crazy...similar to a 16G...but with a lot more punch. You cant think of turbo's in the same way with strokers, as with 2.0's...you want bigger like GT35's, and what not, cause spool will be there when needed.

 

[1bad92awd]

Thanks a bunch for the feedback guys. I guess what I was tryin to figure out is because the car is a GST, is it worth the money in building up the engine to handle more hp? The car already has loss of traction on low boost in 1st and 2nd gear, so I figured I would have to get some better tires than the Azenis and better axles.

Absolute ~ How much for the kit?

 

[eclipsegsx1736]

I have a 2.3 and LOVE the extra torque. It's not just about the faster spool and higher torque at full boost, but about the low end off-boost torque that it provides. It's super fun on the street AND the track.

For those who like to rev high, you can still rev a stroker quite high as long as you don't do it every day. A properly built one can handle 8000 rpm all day with no issues, and definitely 9000+ every once in a while. You have to remember, a 2.3's piston speed is higher than a 2.0, so a 2.3 at 3500 RPM is like a 2.0 at about 4100 rpm, and a 2.3 at 9000 rpm is like a 2.0 at over 10,000. Strokers "sound" like they're revving higher than a 2.0 even at the same RPM because of the difference in piston speed.

Around town, you reach 3000 rpm and it's already time to shift. Sure, you can take it to 4 or 5 around town too, but what's the point? I love being able to blast up a hill at 2000 rpm off-boost, but then hit 30 psi and take it all the way to 8000 rpm and feel that torque shove you forward.

PS - Those Azenis are definitely NOT drag tires or straight-line grip tires. They're a very soft compound but a VERY stiff sidewall tire. They suck in a straight line but are hard to beat in corners especially for the price.

 

[1bad92awd]

Thanks a bunch for the info. As long as you brought up the tire issue, what would you recommend because after winter I'm getting new tires and I'm kinda lost with what is a good tire for a GST with a little get up and go.

 

[fourreGsixty3]

Along with the stroker kit I would invest in an LSD. That should help with traction As far as a stroker kits cost...well thats really up to you, and what companies pieces you want to use...just for an example SBR has a kit with Wiseco piston's, and Eagle rod's for $1100, and or you can go with Crower rod's, and ROSS piston for like $1400 I believe...or just go all out for $2500, and get FFWD Conection's stroker kit.

As far as tires I'd say stick with the Azenis' for the street, and have a set of drag's for the track

 

[Got Rice Galant]

I don't want to step on anyone's toes but I have been contemplating what route to go with my 91 TSI. Its only fwd. When I upgrade internals i'm pretty much going to just go with an eagle/wiseco combo and keep it a 2.0L. With the extra torque from stroker you'll deffinately have a lot of problems with traction. Extra power isn't the only way to go faster. I am not trying to tell you what to do, I am just giving you my suggestion.

Depending on how much money you have to spend. Get a decent set of cams and springs, like a set of 280's for example. You will lose some low end torque but again, that will help with traction. You can usually find a set of eagle rods and wiseco pistons for $700. Snag some main and rod bearings and throw an lsd in the tranny. To me, thats your best bet for a FWD. Others will respond and probably flame me but i've been researching it so long I thought i'd tell you what my opinion was. Good luck.
Pete

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Check my profile...I will let you know how my traction does. I have talked to a couple people on DSMLink and they said with LSD and any ability to drive a FWD car can get it to hook fairly easily. My 95 GST was 477 and with DOT Street tires I could hook in 2nd gear no problem by feathering the gas...this setup maybe be a bit more extreme though. But I fully intend to pull it out to 8500 to help that. BTW total for my stroker kit, Crank/Rods/Pistons/Bearings - $920.