2G First DSM build advice.

John Miller · Oct 12, 2020

Hello my fellow DSM addicts.

I apologize if this has already been discussed numerous times, but I want a more updated advice with the added context of my car. My dsm is currently a 97 gst, however I will be gsx swapping it over the winter. My intentions for the car is to make it more of a street class build. The main question is the engine hp. I will be picking up a rebuilt (stock internals, not forged) 4g63t to use in the gsx swap. I would like to see 400hp (to all four wheels) however I'm curious on how would be the best and safest way to hit that goal. If I do arp headstuds and headgasket, will the longevity of the engine be prolonged? Also, I'm curious if I need ecm link for my hp goals.

Thanks

Vegas Smith · Oct 12, 2020

A stock engine can handle that. ARP head studs might be the only thing you would need and you many not even need that.

Canadian_CD9A · Oct 12, 2020

You definitely need a tuning solution if you deviate from stock power levels by any significant margin - 400hp is way outside what the stock tune can do. ECMLink just happens to be the easiest solution and it's inexpensive for the flexibility you get.

The safest way to do this has forged internals but not strictly necessary, and head studs and a good head gasket are definitely "safety" items at that power level. It can be done on stock pieces, but the head could always lift the next time you mash the gas.

What do you mean by "street class" build? Autocross?

2Gjunkie · Oct 12, 2020

Once you upgrade your fuel injectors you will need a tuning solution. 400hp is beyond the capacity of the oem injectors, so yes, you will need something like ECM link, or if you are one of the 97s with a flashable blackbox, Openport 2.

Generally speaking, you should be able to meet your goals with a medium-size bolt-on turbo and supporting bolt-on mods. (And a good tune)

AWD-Tony · Oct 12, 2020

My 2g was pretty basic and 407awhp on the dyno. Externally gated FP green, act 2600, 255 pump, 660 inj, stock fpr, Safc, copper hg and arp studs. DD it that way for many years no problem.

You can get close to that number with a evo 16g or 68hta on ethanol and good tune. Ecmlink ftw

btw I think you asked this similar question 3-4 times now.

jed344 · Oct 12, 2020

Ecm link, Arp studs, Composite gasket and done. The stock internals will handle that just fine with a good tune. I have tuned a few that made 450-500whp and lived for years.

John Castillo · Nov 4, 2020

Stock internals can definitely handle it, good tuning solution and maintenance before anything.

keltalon · Nov 4, 2020

Some very good advice posted above. A modest tune is moret important to longevity than any parts you can ever install.

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2G First DSM build advice.

John Miller

Vegas Smith

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2Gjunkie

AWD-Tony

jed344

John Castillo

keltalon

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