Honest 6bolt Question

[jerzeeog]

Ok guys before we start I've been reading all winter (literally) and I have done my research from reading everything I could find on VFAQs, other sites and threads here (mainly this one: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/new...-7bolt-6-bolt-7-bolt-six-bolt-seven-bolt.html ).

Now my question is NOT about differences nor which is better.

In my GST I got the stock 7bolt with 113k miles. I'm looking to rebuild the full engine (all forged internals, reworked head, new timing everything) basically a new engine. Also getting a PTE 50 trim with all supporting mods (fuel pump, injectors, intercooler...etc) and ECMLink (pro for GM MAF) with any and all necessary monitoring equipment.

Now my question is would it be worth it to just rebuild what I have or should I go the trouble of finding then swapping a 6bolt??

From all the readings I've done the split is about 50/50 so I wanted to know if any of you guys could chime in and if you did the swap advise why and whether it was worth it.

If you're going to respond please dont just say "get the 6bolt". Try to state why to go one route over another to help me make a sound decision.

P.S. The car will be daily driven and although my set up could net about 500hp after everything, I'm only looking to put down 350hp for reliability. Meaning if I have to de-tune it a bit I will.

 

[DSMReviver]

if there is nothing wrong with your 7bolt now and you are only looking for 0nly 350hp. i would just do nothing to the motor and just get a bigger upgrade turbo, injector, Ecmlink, and that all you would need.

remember, stm stock block black 2g put down almost 700whp. he did not touch any internals, only bigger turbos, injectors, cams, front mount intercoolers.

 

[jerzeeog]

There's nothing wrong with it aside from the lifting noise all these engines seem to love making. The reason I want to rebuild is to ensure like new reliability...I don't want to just add a bigger turbo and then have to deal with all the side issues.

That's why when I tune it I will ask for a max power map (just for bragging rights ) but still bring it down to 350hp. The way I see an engine and turbo running at 50-75% of it's potential will last longer than one running at 90-100%.

 

[DSMReviver]

i've seen people making 500+hp on 7bolt stock motor's no problem.

if you want to make more horsepower you don't necessary need to get a bigger turbo. evo3 works fined for your goal. you want more than that, just turn up the boost.

Maintanence, is important. without it, ever 250hp engine can die young.

keep your stock engine, swap lifters, and good maintenance. that car will serve you well.

 

[jerzeeog]

I've read on evo 3 turbos and big t28 and all those and although you are correct that 350hp is reached the turbos are at their limits. That's why I was looking at a bigger one (the 50 trim DBB).

Also most people are with those are running 350 crank horses im looking for 35o horses at the wheels.

 

[razrman8]

If you are looking for 350hp to the wheels, the 7bolt will be more than enough for that. Especially if you plan to rebuild.

 

[jerzeeog]

Thank you Razrman8 but should I rebuild or should I follow what DSMReviver stated and just do maintenance and upgraded turbo.

 

[razrman8]

Thank you Razrman8 but should I rebuild or should I follow what DSMReviver stated and just do maintenance and upgraded turbo.

If you are shooting for 350hp, I would say that your stock internals will be fine. I would do it. With rebuilding there is that reassurance and room for growth. So, IMO you will be alright. As long as your maintainenace is up to date. Nobody likes maintainenance, but its one of those things with DSM ownership. Got to pay to play. And who doesn't like playing.

 

[jerzeeog]

So since the engined could take 350hp with ease I could rebuild with OEM components. Or should I just OEM the bottom end and redo the head for better breathing?

 

[razrman8]

Do you feel like you need to?

 

[jerzeeog]

Not necessarily that I need to but like u said..."room for improvement". I know the 7bolt head flows well but it could always be a bit better. I think I have my answer though and Im gonna stay with the 7bolt as I intended. Thanks

 

[razrman8]

Room for improvement is always nice. But yes, I would stick the 7bolt myself. 7bolt.. For the win

 

[turboking15]

I would say that if you are going to go through the hassle of rebuilding it do it right do it once and go with forged parts.

Otherwise just do the maintainenance and go from there. I see no reason to pull a motor just to rebuild it with stock parts. Mainly because you say that you only want 350hp now, but the bug will bite you like it has many others and you will be shooting for 5-600 plus.

And sticking with the 7 bolt will make things easier for you, only thing i will say is if you do rebuild try to find a newer 7 bolt with the revised thrust collar.

 

[jerzeeog]

Is there any precautions that can be taken with the thrust bearing of the older 7 bolts. If I'm gonna open up the engine I would like to ensure it won't b crapping out on me later

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[jerzeeog]

I've saw this in machv motosports that I was looking to get as a precaution.

http://www.machv.com/conracmbcadk.html

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[LiquidX]

Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

You motor is currently fine for the power goals you want to hit. Once and when you hit those numbers and you feel like going for more, then consider saving up and build up a separate motor in the mean time. There is no rush to get these done and the 7 bolt will last you just fine.

Consider getting some revised lifters dropped in if you are concerned about the lifter tick you are experiencing. You don't even need to take the cams out do do it.

Just start with Link and then your fuel mods before getting anything else on there and you'll be fine. hitting your goals. I would however, consider putting in some ARP studs to just give yourself the security you are looking for and you can do those 1 at a time with the head still on. Maybe not the best way to do it but it's still do able.

 

[jerzeeog]

Lets consider I leave it stock as suggested, will a 50 trim turbo b overkill our should I just pop in something smaller like a t28

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[monster4g63tawd]

imo if you have the money to build your 7bolt then i would do it regaurdless of wether it could handle your goals at this point or not. there will most likely be a time when you want to step it up a little and if that time happens to roll around when you dont have the money to do it then you will be kicking yourself in the ass for not having done it now. im going through the same shit right now. trust me it sucks trying to build a motor when your broke as shit.
you dont want to sit around all year waiting for your taxes just to build it