Some of you may know that my original plans were to do a full built on the 3.5 as a winter project but last week I finally blew my DEK, its been an on going issue since I swapped it in. The DEK never really ran right, unknown detonation even with J&S and under no boost, I'm pretty sure that it was a motor issue (low compression in one cylinder) rather than turbo/tune/fuel/spark issue (long story). So a few months ago, I purchased a 3.5 with 40k miles for ~$500, I was going to do the works on it which would have cost about $3-$4k including machine work on the bottom end.

My concern now is that I've lost a lot of interest in the car lately. Doing another $3-$4k worth of motor work alone plus the inevitable tranny issues that will come from running large amounts of boost (probably costing another $1K-$2k) seems a lot to swallow now. So I'm torn right now trying to decide what to do,
here are my following options:

1. my buddy glenmoormax is doing a full build on a 3.5 also, he has all the components already ie pistons, rods,bearings.. etc... but the funny thing is he hasn't purchase the motor yet. So I was thinking I would just trade him motors, he buys a dek and I'll give him my 3.5 for it. Fair enough win-win situation. No cost for me to swap the DEK in since I have everything already and he doesn't have to hunt a 3.5 down.

2. Keep my 3.5 and leave it stock. Run no more than 10-11psi even tho I have EU ready to be installed and J&S. That would cost me about $1Kish, I would need cam adapters, PF TB, injectors. Basic 3.5 swap.

3. Keep the 3.5 and upgrade some of the components:
ARP rod and head bolts
HKS head gasket (would it works as OEM replacement?)
JWT TI Valve springs (already purchased)
Rev up oil pump
basic 3.5 swap componets
I figure this would let me rev it up to 7.2k safely but it would cost me about $1500. I should be able to run a little bit more boost 1-2psi at most.


All three options will be supported with EU and J&S so getting a good tune shouldn't be a problem. Tranny will become an issue regardless of which motor I go with but suprisingly, I'm still on my DEK trans that I swapped a few years back. Its holding up well considering what it has been put thru.

So when everything on the table what do you guys suggest I should do?

 

Option 1, I was thinking of building my motor as well. I would like to make the car faster, but I dont think I wanna make another big investment into this car.

 

Since you've lost interest in your max, Option 1. Anything else would seem like a chore, not a hobby anymore.

 

Since you're kinda losing interest in the car, I would chose option #1 as well. The other options are great but i dont think they are in your interest at this time

-matt

 

hmm, i choose option 3... lol i am back in town i will call you tonight.

 

I think its probably option 1 depending on if you want to follow thru. If not option two it will be, I haven't lost total interest in the car but just not wanting really to spend $1500. Who knows, I may go with option 3 still... I'm very indecisive right now.
Thanks for all the input. How much power do you think a stock 3.5 can handle? Also anyone know if I can use the HKS HG without getting bigger pistons since the gasket is 97mm?

 

if you do not go with option 1 just jump right to 3 ..... best to do it right and have peice of mind, cause if your plans are to run that much boost no matter what you say now you will try it later

 

if you don't do option 2 then im going to call you a b!tch fo the rest of y0 lyfe.

kkthx

 

I would trade motors with him. Sounds like you have just about had it and no luck with it either. I would go with the dek on 10psi, thats alot more then most street rides anyway. That way you will be at or near 300whp, relatively safe to the tranny as long as you drive it with care. Plus you will still be getting raped by that new max he has anyway....

 

hehe actually, on 10psi I will be in the mid 300whp without much effort. Yea, the sc is nice but he knows who would really win if the car was running right

 

looks like option 1 is in the works. I'll be looking for a DEK on car-parts. I'm also think about getting some Stone racing headers off ebay, does anyone know if the 3 bolt flange is the same as a budget/warpspeed ypipe? Same length as stock? I wonder cause I don't want to modify my feedpipe if i dont have to.

Soon I will have a 00vi and 4th gen LIM up for sale. PM me if any maybe interested.

 

Put it like this....a buddy of mine finally got his 3.5 up and running this weekend with his turbo kit. He spins thru first and second and a stock 3.5. Even if you build the motor to run higher boost, the traction will still be a problem. Just do a stock 3.5 with the turbo. Meximax hit 426 whp with a super charger. I think once you are in that line of power you will be happy. No need to build motor unless you can make the tires hook.

 

"edit"

FAWK it, gonna do just a stock 3.5. I figure I'm gonna need new injectors for the DEK anyways so I may as well spend another $400 for the adapters and tb to make this work. I do have my JWT HD valve springs for sale in the 5th gen classifies if anyone is interested .