So, to those of you that dont tend to keep up - my rings are DEFINITELY shot. Pistons may be cracked, not sure. Compression is around 60psi. Car still runs, it just smokes like crazy on start up. Anyhoo, I decided instead of doing rings and possibly pistons, I'd go for broke.

I tossed around the idea of Toms stroker motor. All the parts are custom made to perfection - I just cant wait so I went with Toms short block as I knew I'd be good to turn up the boost and have more fun.

This coming tuesday, I begin ripping my baby apart and removing the engine. Tom says we're about 3 weeks from completion (officially putting my deposit on friday). He's going to get my head, VCT delete, cam gear and all the other items (water pump, t-belt, head gasket) and he will assemble the whole package using ARP head studs.

Then, I'll get the whole assembly back, and begin installing the motor. After its all done, I'll put on 500 miles, then it goes on the trailer and the SVTF is enroute to Toms for his final touch of dyno tuning.

Should run around 20-22psi and pump out around 350whp. If I can find an FRPP intake manifold; I'll make a new IC-TB pipe and have it tuned for ~25psi and see what she'll pump out then!

I can't wait, I have all my ducks in a row and I should have the fastest car I've ever owned.

....I have a feeling I'm gonna need some slicks!

I'll take pics and document the whole process...231whp (12psi) with a beat motor to a ~350whp SVTF that terrorizes the city of Baltimore. I can't wait to send even more SRT-4's home in shame... [;)]

Damn that does sound hot. Sounds like you do have all your ducks in a row. Good luck

Congrats and good luck man, it sounds like its gonna be mean as hell!

Yeah, I cant wait to feel 100+whp - the car is super fast at 12psi (13.6 @ 106) and it pulls so hard; or did.

I have nothing but confidence that Tom can get me to the next level....

let me know if you need help for the removal process...you have a quaife diff yet? if not, it'd be a perfect time to upgrade since you'll have the motor/trans out of the car. they're pretty easy to install

Sounds like you will have a nice ride after all said and done! Heck, I was all excited after I installed a tune on my car, I could only imagine what a built motor would feel like! I wish I had some money laying around to do an overhaul like that! Would love to have a few more horsies to wax a few cars around here! How much money will you have wrapped up in the motor...if you don't mind me asking![:D]

Would porting the head make any difference in performance? Would it be worth my time to do this, or would I need to modify something else to make a significant difference?

good luck man. i am going to be doing the same thing sometime. but thats down the road, i hope that v\c completes the whole thing now

i dont even want to know how much money you are about to put into it, lol

Um, really, its not that bad.

For the motor itself, its a good deal. I did some calling around, and I asked a few shops how much it would be to install pistons and clean up the cylinder walls in my motor. $1000 JUST for machine work. JUST for pistons.

For $2500, Tom is machining the block, Wiseco 9.0 pistons, Eagle H Beam rods, Billet main caps, ARP Main bolts, ARP Head studs, work to oil pump and oil gallies, and some other things that I just don't remember. Basically, worth every penny. Plus, Tom is building it....you just can't get much better than that. [;)]

Originally posted by JSSVT04
good luck man. i am going to be doing the same thing sometime. but thats down the road, i hope that v\c completes the whole thing now

I just got it tonight - STUNNING!! I cant wait - three weeks and it'll get to have its time to shine!

My motor comes apart tuesday, so you should see mine comin back to ya! [;)]

Will the transmission stay alive at that power level? What will your peak torque be, approximately? The 6MTT285 is only good to 210 lb-ft (285 N-m) sez Getrag.

According to the others out there pushing the levels I plan, I should be fine. I'm pushing 230 right now and its been fine. I also dont 'shock' the trans either by dropping the clutch. On a drap launch I rev around 4000 to give some spin (no wheel hop). Worked out pretty good, I somehow got a 2.0 60ft. (My friends/ co-workers say I'm not a drag racer - but Mike 1 is yet to topple my 13.6 pass with his '06 STI[;)])

Hope Tom will chime in on the power levels...or 03 Orange, Finalley (sp?)...

First off', congrats to the Saints--goin' strong. Anyhow, with regards to the major motor work coming up', that sounds exciting. Good luck with that. This is more of a rhetorical question, I suppose, but how exactly did you fry your motor? Anyhow, i hope the transformation of your car is as exciting as it sounds. Best'!