Engine Rebuild for 97 Gst - Looking to go for 350hp

[505talon]

Hello,

I havent been on here in a while. I sold my 92 talon and now I have a 97 gst. I recently blew the stock motor by throwing a rod and im getting ready for a rebuild. My goal is to reach 350hp. My head is fine on the motor and I am looking for advice as to the exact parts and method to go. I have been talking with thedsmgraveyard.com. any insite would be helpful.

 

[chukolac719]

There isn't an end-all parts list, But these are the parts I would choose to start with. The real trick is to make the parts work together harmoniously. Tuning will ultimately be the deciding factor in how well your car performs, tuning is everything here and how long it can last. There is lots of information available to you on the VFAQ. I think RoadRaceEngineering has an upgrade path that will steer you in the right direction.

 

[4cedFed]

If you plan to keep the car for a while, I would just invest in a 6bolt.. Your best bet by far.

Put a set of arp Headstuds and a mls head gasket and it will handle around 500whp on stock internals so 350whp wouldn't be a problem.

If you do plan to do a rebuild with your 7bolt block, go with acl bearings, Evo pistons and rods (they are better and drop right in), arp head studs and a mls headgasket. You can ofcourse go with a better piston/rod combo but for the price and goal your looking for, Evo internals are the way to go.

 

[gsxeclipse97]

The stock engine can handle 350whp, if it's already apart I would go on ahead and do the evo rods/pistons: big 16g, 190 or evo 9 fuel pump, fmic, bigger injectors 560-1000 pending what you long term goals are. Tune dsm link, evo scan/flash, wide band.

 

[TAL0NTSi]

The stock engine can handle 350whp, if it's already apart I would go on ahead and do the evo rods/pistons: big 16g, 190 or evo 9 fuel pump, fmic, bigger injectors 560-1000 pending what you long term goals are. Tune dsm link, evo scan/flash, wide band.

Agreed. I'd start with ECMlink for sure.


I would also look into a few different vendors as far as parts go. Or at least check out the vendor feedback section before you start purchasing those parts.

 

[505talon]

I figured the evo internals would be the way. Whivj evo tho?

 

[gsxeclipse97]

I figured the evo internals would be the way. Whivj evo tho?

Evo 9 would be the best way to go if yor going that route. Also if you can pick up a evo crank shaft also. It weighs less than the 2g one does 5lbs or maybe a little more.

 

[clipto]

Any build will handle the 350whp yes that means a stock rebuild too. The easiest way to obtain it is a evo 3 16g will get you close but a fp3052 is way better and just get supporting mods, walbro 255, ecmlink, 1000cc injectors and pump gas daily 350-360whp setup imo, oh and have fun with wheel spin .Just do what you want to do shop smart save money 350hp is pretty easy to obtain.

 

[WES_393]

Any build will handle the 350whp yes that means a stock rebuild too.

+1 the stock 7-bolt can handle quite a bit. Evo internals would be a nice upgrade if you don't want to throw in stock internals. A 6-bolt swap definitely wouldn't hurt, but there isn't anything wrong with beefing up a 7-bolt either. That's your choice.

But since you asked for a parts list, here's my vote:

OEM or Felpro Composite head gasket
ARP head studs
18g, 20g, or something of similar size and flow
ACT 2100 with disk of your choice
Walbro 255lph fuel pump
Injectors are up to you, I personally wouldn't go too huge unless you plan to run E85.
Emissions and balance shaft delete. If you live in CA the emissions might be an issue.
And of course all the maintenance you can think of including the entire timing belt assembly, oil pump if it's pretty old, and maybe have the head checked by a shop while it's out.

 

[clipto]

+1 the stock 7-bolt can handle quite a bit. Evo internals would be a nice upgrade if you don't want to throw in stock internals. A 6-bolt swap definitely wouldn't hurt, but there isn't anything wrong with beefing up a 7-bolt either. That's your choice.

But since you asked for a parts list, here's my vote:

OEM or Felpro Composite head gasket
ARP head studs
18g, 20g, or something of similar size and flow
ACT 2100 with disk of your choice
Walbro 255lph fuel pump
Injectors are up to you, I personally wouldn't go to huge unless you plan to run E85.
Emissions and balance shaft delete. If you live in CA the emissions might be an issue.
And of course all the maintenance you can think of including the entire timing belt assembly, oil pump if it's pretty old, and maybe have the head checked by a shop while it's out.

The act 2100 yes and all other basic supporting mods for fuel and drivetrain.
But the 18g or 20g are a waste of money imo because there slow laggy and for the price there are better options.Best to stick with eather the 16g, 35r, or fp3052. I choose these number becuase these are the number I have seen dynoed on pump gas if that is the route he is taking.Oviously you can take any of those beyond those power number with race gas or E85.

 

[chasedardis]

Im doing the same type of build right now. Go with Evo 3big 16g , supporting mods and look for an already built 6 bolt which will probably be your best route( I got a 6 bolt with 2g pistons and 2g head for 1k on craigslist). Buy the book "How to build a 4g63t" I forget the author its a must for any dsmer.