Had a thought...

[jmanz69]

I've been working on a demo at the GM engine plant in Flint where they build the 4200 L6 engine. This thing looks like it was made for the aftermarket. Anyone thought about one in a truck. It has 275HP and 285 lb/ft TQ. Nice easy mounting, no EGR crap. ECM mounts right on the side of the engine. Engineer I've been working with said Service Parts has the parts to make around 500HP over the counter. Off road guys use this engine in desert racing. Can rev the crap out of it since it's DOHC. I know I can't afford it right now, but wondered if anyone else had thought about it.

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Engine sounds real interesting! I am not familiar with them but you could really surprise someone with it.

Jim

[john]

Yeah Ive thought about the same thing. I have one in my trail blazer and it pulls it pretty good. The GM site says it weighs 4600 lbs so it should pull a 1/2 ton pickup okay. I would like to see someone try it.

[jmanz69]

I don't know if GM has a stand alone engine harness for it or not. I think it's a great little package for the aftermarket. I think it would be cool. Wish I had more money, I would definately try it.

[Palf70Step]

Is that the new engine they are using in the trailblazer and new midsize truck?

Interesting...couple years maybe a replacement for the old 250.

[jmanz69]

Yeah, it's the Trailblazer, Envoy, and Ranier engine. They aren't using it in the midsized truck yet. The truck (Colorado and Canyon) gets the 4 and 5 cylinder. I guess I don't think of it as new since I've seen it for the last 5 years while it was still in development. I see you can get a complete engine on ebay for $1400 with ECM and harness. Nice little engine, all aluminum with twin overhead cams. Variable timing on the exhaust, I guess it makes a nice flat torque curve. Only problem besides engine mounts, I can see is the oil pan is front sumped. Might get in the way for the front cross member. Time for a new front suspension maybe.

[robertwb]

I've thought about it too-think I even read something about it already the hurdle seems to be the cast aluminum oil pan-one of those that's an integral part of the block for support-and they're TALL-but then our trucks have quite a lot of room under the hoods

I've read about a 500 HP turbo version in testing/R&D already

[stelth2002]

jmanz, your just the person alot of people would like to be in touch with. What over the counter parts are we talkng here. I have thought about that alot for a 4x4 jeep cause of fuel. That or a cummins. Whats the bellhousing like, etc. will it mount to a nv4500? whats it weigh and what are those 500hp parts. JT

[jmanz69]

I don't know about the exact numbers for the parts . The engineer at GM was telling me, the off road guys use this engine for racing and get factory parts from SPO and GM Performance to make 500 or so HP. I imagine you could find the parts if you went to a dealer. The bell is a bit different. I don't think a NV4500 would bolt right up, but I bet advance adapters will have a way in the next year or so. The starter is on the top of the bell, it's going to be a different bell. I know they use the 4L60-E with it, but it's a special bell. Would be great in a Jeep. Tons of torque and HP, plus light, I think it weighs around 400 Lbs complete with all accessories.

[jmanz69]

The oil pan is a stressed member in the trailblazer. The front axle passes thru the pan for a lower center of gravity in the truck. In a 2WD or a 4WD with a lift, it wouldn't be a problem. I bet someone will make a rear sump conversion for it. Just a matter of time. There are a lot of them in junkyards too. Soccer moms are crashing into stuff everyday while putting on makeup or making cell phone calls. I see 1-2 a day on tow trucks around here.