Thread: Thinking about taking the plunge...

I know I know, I haven't gotten the car fully running yet (it drives great, boost is great, still needs tuning).

I'm debating whether or not to take the plunge into the world of VVL, on my current build. A few questions I'm curious on...

I know I need a different headgasket, as the Cometic DE headgasket has a different part number, and from what I've read, the ports don't quite line up, or something to that effect.

Now as far as the head goes... What head is the most common head that can be found, complete, and in good condition? I'm planning on having the shop here do some serious port work to make it flow as much as possible.

What manifold (I keep hearing N1) is best, especially in boosted applications?

The exhaust manifold I have in use now can be transferred with no issues, is this correct?

What cams are the most widely used cams? Springs and retainers?

I'm not looking to build a MONSTER, but I need to be able to compete with local competition Honda heads here.

I'm planning on dropping the 99 P11 tranny while this is being done (while I'm in Iraq) in favor of the newer P11 LSD tranny. Keep in mind that this car is becoming less and less a street car.

Thanks, and back to searching I go

im fairly new but are you looking to stay n/a or boost it . if n/a from what ive read n1 intake manifold is a waste, cams sr16 or n1 you dont need springs/retainers for either but its good for piece of mind,header,fuji/Gspec custom/ebay or build your own.this is my setup
sr20ve
sr16 cams
thermoblock spacers
3" intake
ebay 2.5" header
calum ecu
fidanza flywheel
maybe some gspec pulleys

and people have said this will get me about 180-185hp also i have a safc2 and lm-1 wideband for fine tuning

He is boosted... N1 manifold all the way

Exhaust manifold fine... just maybe some port matching.

Looks like I am converting you

Also for trans... I really like the B15 with P11 final drive.... Although I still have zero miles on mine... Just looks good on paper.... and floor

What size turbo are you going with? If large, springs and retainers are a must so you can gain full potential in your poweband (revving to 9krpm on sr16 or n1 cams). Also, what compression ratio are you going for?How much boost..

You can use Sr20ve or Sr16ve cylinder head
Metal head gasket
o2 induction or custom ----> http://www.rossmachineracing.com/intakepartspage.html

Since you plan on porting the head "serious port work to make it flow as much as possible." I would just make a custom exhaust manifold to match the exhaust flow
Stock SR20VE cams will do fine.
Spring and retainers depending on how high you're revving the motor.

Get a stock 20V metal headgasket.

SR16 heads are around check the sr20forum I saw one posted for sale for like 350 or something a week ago.

I would keep the stock manifold until someone proves the n1 makes more power.

I would keep the head as stock as possible, because if it breaks you will want to kill yourself haha. Just kidding, but seriously for what you want to do the stock head will be the last of your concern.

Your exhaust manifold will have to be port matched for the VE head.

If you want to compete with the honda boys, use the sr16ve cams. You can rev them higher on the stock springs, and if you get an sr16 head you will be set. The only undesireable part of those cams is the high overlap. No big deal though. It will work. Keep the stock stuff and you are good for 8k all day long. Just don't do it on the sr20ve cams.

Tekki I'd pick up some SR16 cams and get some Brian Crower valve springs just to be on the safe side. You might find that your reving out to 8800 or something. 02 intake manifold Daxx had a extra one but he sold it tho lol.

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

As of right now, I'm planning on keeping the 3076r with the Protech EL manifold, when I transition to the VE head. I may end up going with a larger turbo (I have a friend with a 35R that's willing to straight up trade )

I'm keeping the bottom end as it is. Like I said, the only thing that wasn't touched was the sleeves. Everything else has been massaged, or replaced with forged goodness. CR is 8.5:1
As far as revs go? I'd like to be able to take it up to 9000~9500rpm, max. I take the DET that I have now, up to 8K, with about 500rpm to spare.

TEKKIE-really depends on what your goals are. porting the head is a great idea if you want that extra edge but not really necessary. port out your exhaust manifold to match, sr16 cams w/ cam gears, ported to match head n1 intake manifold, springs & retainers of your choice and rev that beyatch out till it stops making power.
drew

why do people keep telling him SR16 cams? isn't the 20v the best cams to boost on??

IIRC, the only difference in the head gasket is the oil passage for the head. sicne your using a DET block, I don't think it matters what head gasket you use.

N1 manifold and TB is badd ass! 90mm TB, nice short big runners and it can fit up to 8 injectors. all for under $500

also, using a VE head the CR will be around 9.3:1 depending on the head gasket thickness.