Change of heart for powertrain: Thinking aluminum head 9.5:1 4.1 EFI V-6

[CaliWagon83]

I really like your approach in theory, 81cutlass, but unfortunately, this is definitely a project I'm going to have to farm out to a shop. I simply don't have the space, tools, or expertise to do it myself. From that standpoint, I just kind of want to keep it straightforward. I've followed fleming442's build, and while I have awesome admiration for what he's done, I've seen what a headache it's been trying to adapt newer computerized and DBW stuff to an older platform. As it is, I'm figuring I'm going to be into it for about $10k P&L.

 

[fleming442]

Deck the block for compression, and I wouldn't waste the cash on the heads unless you are putting a turbo on it.
The only real headache on my swap was the VATS simply because I was flying blind with the computer. I trusted that it would be removed in the tune, and it bit me in the *ss. Well, that and having a severely neglected core.

 

[CaliWagon83]

Forgive my n00b question, but do you have to take the pistons & crank out to deck the block? Most of the time I've seen it done, it's been on a bare block. Seems at that point, if you've already torn the engine down that much, why not do pistons?

 

[DRIVEN]

Do the rear gears and overdrive before you even touch the engine. Trust me, it'll feel like 50% more power.

 

[Turbolq4]

Do the rear gears and overdrive before you even touch the engine. Trust me, it'll feel like 50% more power.

I seem to remember seeing this somewhere before 🤔

 

[Turbo Zach]

Maybe we should move some of the popcorn stash over here?

 

[motorheadmike]

Maybe we should move some of the popcorn stash over here?

Feels more like this:

He needs Scroog McDuck money to make his dreams come true. But, then again I do enjoy some popcorn when watching a comedy...

 

[1evilregal]

Maybe we should move some of the popcorn stash over here?

 

[ssn696]

Have you considered swapping in an Olds 307 from 1983-1988? If you got a complete motor, ECU, harness and all the emissions bits, I bet you could get it refereed successfully.

 

[DRIVEN]

So, after getting the staggering quote for the frame-off restomod on my wagon, I’m re-thinking the powertrain strategy. I I’m thinking of doing an aluminum head, 9.5:1 compression 4.1 EFI V-6, like a FiTech type setup. My goal would be about 180-200 wheel horsepower.

Honestly, I get so much admiration and thumbs-up with my wagon as it is, at this stage, going the full LS3 restomod route seems a little excessive. Also, at the level of power I’d have with the 4.1, I wouldn’t have to worry about doing any major frame reinforcement.

What are everyone’s thoughts?

So, what's the current status with this project? I couldn't seem to locate an official build thread for your car.