Engine Build
 

So I picked up a spare VHR from a 2008 G37 and planned on building it slowly overtime. Long story short that timetable has moved up significantly due to bearing failure, the most likely cause is the stillen underdrive pulley.

The car still runs but I'm sure it wont survive much longer under any kind of abuse, so for now I'm not driving the car as I don't really enjoy the idea of throwing a rod.

I'm doing a "budget build" here and my power goals are no more than 600whp, I'm more concerned with long term reliability than big power. The head is quite capable of making that power and really needs no work done. I am confident the 28rs .64 can hit close to 600whp on high boost/pump so I have no plans on upgrading the turbos.

Here is my parts list:

Wiseco 96mm 10:1 pistons (.020" over)
K1 Rods w/ARP bolts
ARP L19 Head studs (OEM head gaskets)
Calico coated OEM bearings
ARP Main Studs
CSF Radiator
Z1 Motor mounts
All new gaskets and seals

Currently I'm waiting on pistons as the 10:1 CR is custom order, so the machine work wont start for another 4-5 weeks most likely.

Unfortunately it seems that no one makes any kind of race bearings for the VHR yet, so coated oem will have to suffice. Having the full rotating assembly balanced including the stock pulley should help prevent any issues as well.

Real Auto Dynamics will be handling the build for me. Normally I really take pride in doing this kind of work myself, but I just don't have the space for this kind of project anymore unfortunately :(

Watch this space over the next few weeks for pictures of parts and tear down of the VHR, hopefully followed closely by the machine/assembly work :tup:

good luck with the build, I will be watching closely and taking notes. ;)

I am very interested in this, as I am doing something similar. The only real difference thus far is I am doing 9:1 compression pistons.. more boost! :excited:...

Sucks to hear you had to move up your plans, but glad to know you were almost ready.
Looking forward to seeing the outcome of this engine build.

A long overdue update:

I took apart the spare engine and got the pistons/rods/block to the machine shop about 2 months ago. It took a few weeks to get the proper main/rod bearings spec'd and ordered but the engine is back from the machine shop and waiting at RAD to start assembly.

Right now I'm waiting on a few things from nissan that shipped today: engine rebuild gasket kit, oil pump/pickup, and all the timing chain components. Engine assembly should start this week with the short block and next week I'll be dropping off the car so we can pull the engine/kit to swap over to the built block.

I got a nice delivery today from Sam @ GTM

http://i.imgur.com/EzqDms7.jpg

.86 housings (stage 2), aeromotive 340lph fuel pump, and ARP main studs. I decided if I'm going to do this I might as well be able to break 600whp :tup:

I'll be breaking in the engine with my existing fuel setup/tune, once spring comes i'll upgrade the injectors and drop in the fuel pump and then its back to the dyno for some new numbers.

oh and here's some piston porn (top coating prevents heat soak into the piston and keeps it in the chamber for more power, side coating reduces wear on the skirts from dry startups)

http://i.imgur.com/j50vrUQ.jpg

:drool:

This makes me wish I would have built my motor and stuck with my single turbo...

Excited to see results. GL with the process

Very similar to my setup. I have the K1 rods, ARP studs, and Wiseco 9:1 pistons. (We had our rotating assy balanced, and they removed metal on the pistons to match and the car is crazy smooth. I hope yours will be also.)

Staying posted. Thanks for your time showing us.

Coop

nice stuff!

I had the pistons/rods balanced and then the full rotating assembly balanced with crank pulley and flywheel, so this better be smooth as butter!

Build looks awesome! Very similar to what I would like to do at some point. Would you mind giving me a ballpark idea of what labor costs on something like this?

machine shop costs were about 1600, and another 350 for coating services (pistons/bearings). that will vary depending on the shop of course.

as for engine assembly and installation id say anywhere from 3-6k, its difficult to ballpark these numbers since theres a lot of factors

Thanks! It is definitely a subjective question, since there are so many factors involved. I appreciate the info.

Glad to see the ball is finally rolling on his build cant wait to see your car on the road.:tup:

It's nice to know that there are 4 built motor VHR's in the North East