(Videos) 4.2L performance build with dyno

Mooseman

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Dec 4, 2011
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I have watched Richard Holdener do a lot of builds and testing on LS engines and he just happened to do some work on a junkyard 4.2L. It's gonna be a series of videos starting with this intro, calling it the Ameri-Barra 4.2 in reference to the Aussie Barra inline 6.

 

Mooseman

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Dec 4, 2011
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This next one is rather lengthy (over an hour) which was basically a live stream discussion on the mods for the engine. I haven't watched it yet.

 

Mooseman

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Dec 4, 2011
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Another hour long live stream about the 4.2 and comparison to LS and LT engines.

 

Mooseman

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Another almost 2 hour long live stream talking about the turbo manifold.

 
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Mooseman

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Mooseman

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It's finally on the dyno but, it has low compression. Watch him break ALL the head bolts.

 

Mooseman

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Mooseman

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Another long live stream.

 

Mooseman

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Another long one.

 

Mooseman

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Finally on the dyno!


The one thing I got out of it was that this engine doesn't like or need headers in a stock application.
 

Mooseman

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Boost! Wow!

 

Mooseman

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More talk

 

Mooseman

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Propane?

 

Mooseman

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More talk.

 
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Reprise

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Nice find, Moose :thumbsup::tiphat:
Except now, I'll probably spend a couple of days watching all of these. :compu-punch:
Gonna bookmark this page for later reading...

BTW, the 'Hot Rod Garage' series on Motor Trend has an episode on this very thing -- comparing the LL8 to the Barra. Only 30 min, but nice to see them building two of them (one stock, one for boost). And breaking head bolts, just like we do :hissyfit:
Looked it up... it's in Season 7 -- "Does America Make A Better Barra"

I'll warn now... it has an ending that's a bit disappointing... but they promised to come back to the project and make another episode on it.
 
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Mooseman

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Dec 4, 2011
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These engines are gaining in popularity now that they've been out of production for 12 years. Either they like a challenge or it's just a damn good engine. Back in the day, swaps like these were few and far between. Personally I only knew of @limequat 's Supra.
 
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Mooseman

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Dec 4, 2011
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Just posted, he compares the 4.2 to the old 4.3 Vortec, both NA and boosted. Guess which wins?

 
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