Capote's 4.2L Turbo Build (ᴩʀᴏᴊᴇᴄᴛ ᴀʙᴀɴᴅᴏɴᴇᴅ)

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Capote

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The regulars are aware of this already, but i'm planning a Turbo build with the aid of an experienced friend. Decided to go the unconventional route and go for a rear-mount setup for a few reasons: to keep engine bay temps down, retain A/C, utilize airflow underneath the vehicle to aid the intercooler by further cooling down the exhaust (therefore making the air temps a bit lower before entering the engine), and to keep as much space up front as possible.

Why am I going Turbo?
Because I honestly don't want to do just another 5.3 swap. Yes it's a much simpler having helped a close friend do-so on his TB a few months ago, but power-adders for a V8 are more expensive. Yes, you can get even more power, there's plenty of parts, how-to's, and documentation out there, but what about guys like me whose pockets aren't too deep? I also want to be part of the small number of 4.2 enthusiasts out there to have a Turbo'd 4200. Some guys call this engine the "American 2jz" These engines have a lot of power to offer, that power depends on how much you want to spend to get "X" amount of power.

What Turbo are you using?
Small frame GT37, really suited for a remote setup like this.

What kind of power am I seeking?
400-500HP range, running anywhere from 8lbs to 14lbs of boost, 8lbs daily driven. The donor motor I have to get ready for this build is a 2005, out of a TB with roughly 170,000 miles IIRC. This motor was well taken care of and maintained vigilantly. Most of all internals are being replaced with new GM, Mahle, or Clevite brand ones.

Forged internals?
I could not find any forged bearings or rods readily-available, so i'm just going to replace the bearing with bi-metal ones that Mahle has. The reason for me not getting forged parts is due to the lack of their existence, since there is nearly nothing aftermarket-wise available for this engine to begin with; as well as pricing for having them made custom. $1700* for a set of pistons and rods. We know that a 4.2 with bone-stock internals, average mileage & wear can handle Methanol Injection and up to 17lbs of boost, albeit that's not what you'd normally run everyday obviously on a street-driven vehicle: http://vortec4200.com/forum1/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=798 - Quite an informative & interesting read-through. So all-in-all i'm not as worried as I once was about internals.

Lower compression pistons?
I haven't researched into that aspect yet. But I can't imagine those being cheap to be made-up.

Plans for after this project is complete?
Bring it to the 1/4 mile track every month or so to have some fun and to get some spot-light on the GMT360's again as well as the Atlas LL8.

This build is not going to be anything quickly moving, i'm still in the process of getting all the parts for the 2005 engine for the 1st phase of this project. The first phase will be getting the donor motor freshened up with new parts, swap in the donor motor with Kooks headers I have waiting to go on. I am also converting over to Efans with a larger capacity Mopar aluminum radiator. Once everything is in place and the motor is running fine we can swap the PCM for a 2006 one, and wire that all together with the '05 harness. I just want to ensure the engine is operating properly prior to switching over to the '06 PCM and accompanying MAF sensor. Once the '06 PCM and everything is operating correctly I can go ahead and install the 80lb fuel injectors and have the '06 PCM relearn idle. Once this phase is complete, we can move on to the second phase and focus our attention to the Turbo aspect, the whole point of this build. Figure out the best location to mount the Turbo, scavenge pump, run oil lines, best places to tap into block and/or oil pan, install intercooler & intercooler piping, install BOV, run colder plugs, figure out a warning system in-case the pump fails, etc. Then lots of tuning and testing until everything is dialed in and we have everything running smoothly.

Any comments and suggestions as this projects progresses will be highly appreciated. This thread will eventually be full of pictures, knowledge, and insight to share as it continues.
 
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Capote

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Jul 14, 2014
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Atlanta, GA
Garrett GT37 w/ Red Powdercoat
IMG_20170917_230231.jpg
Limeswap's EV6 Injector Connector Harness
IMG_20171207_011731.jpg

Spare valve cover to be used on Turbo engine, painted in Rustoleum Gloss Black Engine Enamel so it's oil and fuel proof:
IMG_20170329_032016.jpg

Turns out I painted this over a year ago, when looking at the picture timestamp.... time flies...
IMG_20170329_032104.jpg
 
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mrrsm

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Re: Forged Internals...

I know you've already visited this link... but for others closely following your Bat-Turbo-Engine-Build and still very curious about the existence of any High Performance Con-Rod Set:

https://gmtnation.com/forums/threads/after-market-hp-con-rods-for-gm-4-2l-ll8.16552/

...and quite a while back... I picked up this Complete Set of GM OEM Quality Mahle Pistons and Wrist Pins via eBay for under $70.00 from an LLC who apparently did not understand what they really had... and perhaps there are still a few sets of these available. What might also prove helpful about this link is that my Photobucket images regarding the Complete Piston Specifications can be used for referencing other Vendors who may be producing Forged Aluminum Slugs for your Build:

http://s557.photobucket.com/user/60...RENGINEREPAIR/GMMAHLEOEMPISTONS?sort=3&page=1

I would recommend using the appropriately sized "Howards Cams Spirolocks" for the better retention of the Wrist Pins vs. using the stock "C" Half-Moon Spring Clip Locks.

So Far... So Good, Brother...

For anyone who wants to visualize rather than just imagine what all of this "Easy Breathing" Turbo-Charging Hardware Looks Like Under the Hood ...and on the Engine ...Take a gander at THIS Article. It might be nice for @Capote to be able to email the Original Builder on this Project and get some additional empirical performance information ... Directly from The Horse's Mouth:

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-1108-turbocharged-vortec-inline-six/
 
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Capote

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Re: Forged Internals...

I know you've already visited this link... but for others closely following your Bat-Turbo-Engine-Build and still very curious about the existence of any High Performance Con-Rod Set:

https://gmtnation.com/forums/threads/after-market-hp-con-rods-for-gm-4-2l-ll8.16552/

...and quite a while back... I picked up this Complete Set of GM OEM Quality Mahle Pistons and Wrist Pins via eBay for under $70.00 from an LLC who apparently did not understand what they really had... and perhaps there are still a few sets of these available. What might also prove helpful about this link is that my Photobucket images regarding the Complete Piston Specifications can be used for referencing other Vendors who may be producing Forged Aluminum Slugs for your Build:

http://s557.photobucket.com/user/60...RENGINEREPAIR/GMMAHLEOEMPISTONS?sort=3&page=1

I would recommend using the appropriately sized "Howards Cams Spirolocks" for the better retention of the Wrist Pins vs. using the stock "C" Half-Moon Spring Clip Locks.

So Far... So Good, Brother...

For anyone who wants to visualize rather than just imagine what all of this "Easy Breathing" Turbo-Charging Hardware Looks Like Under the Hood ...and on the Engine ...Take a gander at THIS Article. It might be nice for @Capote to be able to email the Original Builder on this Project and get some additional empirical performance information ... Directly from The Horse's Mouth:

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-1108-turbocharged-vortec-inline-six/
Thanks for the info and once again providing links to your Photobucket. I've actually come across this article before on HotRod.com and have it bookmarked. I'm loving that custom intake manifold. I might be upgrading my fuel pump like he did. I have some Walbro ones saved just in-case.
 
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mrrsm

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Without knowing whether or not you have pulled off the Crankcase-Oil-Pan off of The Donor Motor yet... I wanted to mention my concern about the matter of the dynamic motion of your vehicle... lurching off the line in a Drag Race...and if your Oil Pan is without a Proper GM OEM Oil Baffle in-dwelling... you could run a serious risk of two problems ruining your Project Turbo Build:

(1) When the Christmas Tree Light pops "Green"...and you go... The Oil inside the Crankcase will tend to shift and slosh suddenly upwards from the Deep Well of the Oil Pan and rapidly rise like a Wave up the steep incline in the back of the Oil Pan and to the rear... thereby possibly making Direct Contact with the rapidly Rotating Assembly and causing the Crankshaft Throws and Counterweights to whip that Mass of Motor Oil into a Useless Brown Froth that will resemble something like Beaten Egg Whites in a Blender.

(2) If this occurs... Oil Starvation is only momentarily away as soon as the Oil Pump Pick Up Tube attempts to suck that Brown Froth up inside of the Gerotor Oil Pump ... and it stops functioning as a pump. The Gerotor Oil Pump can only pump a straight, solid stream of incompressible Liquid Motor Oil. But if that life giving liquid becomes this Foamy Oil Froth ... Then the Gerotor Pump will simply squeeze down upon the Air Bubbles in the Oil Foam and the Maximum Oil pressure that should be at 65 PSI will suddenly drop to "0". If this happens ...instead of moving around 11+ Gallons of Oil Per Minute through the Engine Oil Galleys and Bearing Surfaces... they would rapidly heat up from Friction via Metal on Metal contact and this would unfortunately doom any motor under such conditions of approaching 7,000 RPM in a Racing Build with No Oil inside to protect everything from harm.

When you perform your Tear Down... Please compare what you discover down inside your Crankcase as either having an In-Dwelling Oil Baffle as depicted in these attached images... Or Not. If you find anything contrary to having this Necessary Baffle being riveted in place within your Crankcase-Oil-Pan... please let me know:

http://s557.photobucket.com/user/60...NEREPAIR/TRAILBLAZERENGINEPARTS?sort=2&page=4
 
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Capote

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That was a concern of ours as well. I know the TBSS guys have an aftermarket baffle available to fix their issue with oil starvation during launches. If there is no baffle, I'm sure my friend can fab up a modification to the oil pan to include one.
 
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mrrsm

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If it comes down to cases... Never mind the effort to fabricate one... I'll just give you the exact Crankcase-Oil-Pan shown in those images. Just think of of it as being my contribution to your Turbo-Charged Bat-Blazer... If yours turns out to be 'naked' down inside ... Just say the word here in this thread and after posting some images of it... send me a PM with your particulars. I'll cover the cost of the S&H of it as well. You know... We ALL want you to succeed here... in a very big way, Brother. :>)
 

Sparky

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Dec 4, 2011
12,927
I don't know how the oil pickup tube in the I6 oil pan is, but I think one of the best things you can do to prevent oil starvation at hard launch is relocate the tube. This extends the pickup towards the rear of the pan instead of the front stock location.
 

Capote

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If it comes down to cases... Never mind the effort to fabricate one... I'll just give you the exact Crankcase-Oil-Pan shown in those images. Just think of of it as being my contribution to your Turbo-Charged Bat-Blazer... If yours turns out to be 'naked' down inside ... Just say the word here in this thread and after posting some images of it... send me a PM with your particulars. I'll cover the cost of the S&H of it as well. You know... We ALL want you to succeed here... in a very big way, Brother. :>)
That'd be much appreciated buddy.
I don't know how the oil pickup tube in the I6 oil pan is, but I think one of the best things you can do to prevent oil starvation at hard launch is relocate the tube. This extends the pickup towards the rear of the pan instead of the front stock location.
The pick-up tubes are pretty cheap, so it wouldn't hurt to experiment modifying one to do-so. Good idea.
 

Capote

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Changed the title, not 100% about the rear-mount setup anymore, i'll focus more on that decision once the other motor is rebuilt and in the truck. Also thinking of sticking an '06+ head on there since it flows better, it'll give me some extra power over the '04 head. Found some pretty decently priced ones. I didn't really care to switch heads at first, but after thinking about it forever, I might as well to gain every ounce of power I can. Having custom cams would be too expensive to have done, the blanks alone are hard to get your hands on. Sticking the '06+ valve cover will be complimenting choice as well, the later year coil pack design was much better (albeit waaay more pricier per coil pack than the earlier design).

-Found another source for connecting rods: Molnar Technologies Inline 6 Cylinder GM Atlas 4.2 Engine Rods (4340 Billet Steel)
They're more budget friendly than Pauter's: CHV-230-603-1520F: GM VORTEC 4.2L L6 Rods (4340 Chrome-Moly)
-Found a company that makes header flanges for the 4200: Chevy 4.2L Inline 6 DOHC Header Flange Maybe we can fab up a custom turbo manifold instead of using a stock manifold with a bolt-on up-pipe. They have some preformed flange studs available as well, that are already formed and matched precisely to the shape of the ports.

Well, just wanted to give an update on some changes and let you guys know that the project isn't dead, just been on a hiatus rather. I have been saving up some money over the past few months after limiting myself on frugal spending and eating out too much. I seriously considered driving and hour up to RetroLSX and buying an LY6 6.0 off of them. Reason for not doing so:
1. I can pretty much build the turbo motor for that.
2. An LY6 6.0 has 364hp stock; a Vortec 4200 with an '06+ head, proper tune, and a turbo can make equal power to that or 400+ depending on how much boost you're running.
3. It's more budget friendly to just turbo a Vortec 4200 in my case. Nothing I have driven ever stays stock. So imagine how much i'd end up spending on LS parts and upgrades (cams, heads, intake manifold, larger throttle body, headers, tune, etc.). It'd end up being thousands of dollars over the years. I'd like to be able to start another project at some point in the upcoming years. Maybe swap the left-over 4200 into something light to really take advantage of it.
4. I'm not really savvy on 5.3's or 6.0's in general. I'm more comfortable and knowledgeable with the Atlas LL8.
5. The best for last; nobody has done this on this platform since Mike's Envoy. Me and @Traz are the only ones planning a build right now. Turbo builds are just plain awesome and spark interest. I feel for the direction I've wanted my truck to go, this is a good choice.
 
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Sparky

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Dec 4, 2011
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Turbo is more unique plus it could be a pain to V8 swap the platform, from all that I've read.

What's better about the later coils over the earlier coils?
 
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Capote

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Turbo is more unique plus it could be a pain to V8 swap the platform, from all that I've read.

What's better about the later coils over the earlier coils?
It is a pain, lot of stuff you gotta make work and fabricate. The engine sits way farther back and at a slight angle when you put it in a GMT360 that had a 4.2. Rear cross-member has to be cut and the center moved back a few inches. The driver's side header is so close to the ABS pump that there would of been no way to run any exhaust. So he just removed it... The passenger side header had to be beat flat on one runner, because it wouldn't of fit due to making contact with the fenderwell. You need a shortened EXT driveshaft. His original was too short and an EXT was slightly too long. That held up completion a few days. I don't remember what exactly went on with all the wiring, but Brandon had to rewire more than just the PCM, something related to the rear climate controls? All that was something I really didn't want to deal with or have the downtime for. I also would have nowhere to put my truck while this would all be going on. His property is already full of costumer's and/or friend's projects all parked. With the turbo build, the motor can be built and prepped in the garage taking up little room and just moved back to my storage unit right there in town when needed. Or kept in his garage all the way until it's ready to swap in. Then the rest is just test fitting the turbo piping and getting all the other components fitted and installed, truck tuned, then we're golden.
The later coils had a longer lifespan and better conductivity or something like that. I can't find my source to quote exactly the differences. I believe there was something on Trailvoy about it IIRC. I just don't like the prices on those at all, but it is what it is.
 
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mrrsm

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If these On Topic Sites have not been previously “Discovered... and ...Covered” elsewhere in this Thread... I thought @Capote would appreciate viewing these sources showing some interesting Intake manifold Material fabrications and Designs needed to build portions of the Turbo-Charger System for the GM Atlas Vortec LL8 4,2L Engine:

https://www.theturboforums.com/threads/vortec-4200-l6-turbo-build.372350/

...and when the time comes to Fabricate the Exhaust Hardware and Headers properly designed and built for the Turbocharger(s) on the LL8 Engine Platform… This company called “SPDEXHAUST” … makes Custom Headers and a wide array of Mix and Match Exhaust Components to Order as required:

http://www.spdexhaust.com

Here is the Link to their Latest PDF Catalog:

http://www.spdexhaust.com/pdfs/2018 Catalog with May 1, 2018 Price Sheet.pdf

Here is an example of their available "Ready to Weld" Exhaust Manifold and Header Flange Options for the GM LL8 4.2L Engine:

http://www.spdexhaust.com/pdfs/HeadFlanges/Vortec_4200.pdf

SPDEXHAUSTFLANGES.jpg

SPDEXHAUSTFLANGES.jpg

You can NEVER have enough resources to review for such an Ambitious Project as THIS One.
 
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Capote

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If these On Topic Sites have not been previously been “Discovered...and ...Covered” elsewhere in this Thread... I thought @Capote would appreciate viewing these sources covering some interesting material fabrications and designs needed to Turbo-Charge the GM Atlas Vortec LL8 4,2L Engine:

https://www.theturboforums.com/threads/vortec-4200-l6-turbo-build.372350/

...and when the time comes to fabricate the Exhaust Hardware and Headers properly designed and built for the Turbocharger(s) on the LL8 Engine Platform… This company called “SPDEXHAUST” … makes Custom Headers and Exhaust Components to Order as required:

http://www.spdexhaust.com

Here is the Link to their Latest Catalog:

http://www.spdexhaust.com/pdfs/2018 Catalog with May 1, 2018 Price Sheet.pdf

Here is an example of their available Exhaust Manifold and Header Flange Options for the GM LL8 4.2L Engine

http://www.spdexhaust.com/pdfs/HeadFlanges/Vortec_4200.pdf

View attachment 86332

You can NEVER have enough resources to review for such an Ambitious Project as THIS One.
Much appreciated buddy.
 
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16vcabman

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May 10, 2018
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Ortonville, Mi
I would also suggest finding sufficient place in pan for turbo drain oil and put hole and tap and then plug until you need it. Same for pressure feed.
 
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Capote

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I would also suggest finding sufficient place in pan for turbo drain oil and put hole and tap and then plug until you need it. Same for pressure feed.
There's a few bungs in the side of the block, that I know others have used for that.
 

mrrsm

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If this action is performed... the Entry Port for the Returning Red Hot Turbo-Bearing Oil MUST be placed LOWER than the Spinning Crankshaft Counterweights and Other Rotating Assembly to prevent interference with any Piping Port welded up inside and intrusively sticking through that Port. The other overarching issue is the importance of directing that Hot Oil away from those radically rotating components to avoid Whipping the returning Oil Stream into a Useless, Brown Meringue Foam.

That Oil Stream should also be Piped Below the Oil Baffle Plates... and allowed to enter the Pooling Motor Oil in such a way as to prevent any Turbulence that causes Air in the Crankcase to Mix in with the Motor Oil ...forming the presence of Air Bubbles in the Lubricant. Air Mixed in with Motor Oil WILL compress en route through the Oil Pick Up after it enters the Gerotor Oil Pump... and can cause the Pump to partially cavitate.

The other bad outcome happens when that Pressurized Bubbled Up Air/Oil Mixture gets pumped through all of the Oil Galleries... and upon entering the Crankshaft and Connecting Rod Bearing Feeds... it Fails to provide enough Hydraulic Oil Pressure to prevent the Aluminum Silicate Bearings from making Direct Metal-to-Metal Contact against the Rotating Crank and Con-Rod Journals when those Air Bubbles...Compress.... If this catastrophic phenomena happens... its "Bye - Bye Motor".
 
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WonderboyT

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Jacksonville, FL
Capote,
Just tuned into this thread and so glad. I am in the planning stages to do exactly what you are doing for my 2005 GMC Envoy which I hope to make into a family-toting-sleeper. All the info you have provided, as well as, others has been very helpful. I spent months on trailvoy reading of all the difficulties of swapping in a 5.3L and like you eloquently stated, it's just not worth it. If I can find a donor engine that directly bolts into my vehicle without having to cut the crossmember or anything else for that matter, that's a win. I'm looking forward to hearing/seeing your progress as it will inspire me to get going on my project.

Lastly, I know I've been long winded, but what are your plans for a transmission upgrade and braking power for your "bat" mobile?

Best of luck and FLY Navy!
 

Capote

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I'm not ever going to actually be able to start this project. There hasn't been any physical progress since I started this thread. Some parts aquired, but nothing in order for me to begin the rebuild on the other motor. Allocating money has been a big issue for me when it comes to everything involved with this task. Something always came up that I had to spend it elsewhere. Not to mention I have fell on hard times and lost my job 2 months ago. It's pretty desperate times for me.
I hope the info here and anything @Traz posts can continue to help you. As of now, the only thing I may do in the far future is gap the rings and run a meth kit. Boosted isn't going to happen.
 

Reprise

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Sorry to hear this news (not for the vehicle; the other stuff).
Fingers crossed that you land a job soon. :grouphug:
 
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