#24314 - 02/04/05 03:18 PM
Vortec 4200
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toyman01
Junior Member
Registered: 02/03/05
Posts: 2
Loc: South Carolina
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Has anyone out there messed with the 4.2L I6 from GM? I aquired one to put in my 70 Chevelle. It looks like the biggest problem is going to be the trans as this motor doesn't use a std. chevy V8 bellhousing bolt pattern. I don't want to use a auto and am looking for a 5 or 6 speed to bolt up. The one out of the Chevy Colorado should fit but after turbocharging this engine should be 300-400HP and I doubt that trans will take it. Any ideas? Thanks.
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70 Chevelle 250 Turbocharged
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#24316 - 02/05/05 10:16 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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LeeLites
Member
Registered: 06/10/00
Posts: 511
Loc: Franklin TN USA
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hello....well, seems we hear from here and there about those working with this engine....Glenn Self Racing has been working with this engine recently....but, they dont use the computer set up....WHAT A RELIEF TOO!!!!!-there is still HOPE!!!!!!! .....LOL....seems what i have found out they are using bare bones approach -a "good ole" 4 barrel and headers approach with cams change.....
seems there is ALOT of good discussion of turbo and Fuel Injection on all these Inline engines....why not start with proven head work and a good 4 barrel set up ? has always worked, always will....seems they are getting good results-I have always thought that would be the way to go with the new Inline 6-glad someone has already found out that is a GREAT approach -and more than likely less $$$$ input.....
I am sure many have great plans-keep it up....
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#24317 - 02/05/05 10:50 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Greg
Member
Registered: 09/30/03
Posts: 237
Loc: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Well for me it's because I'm already more comfortable with computers and EFI than I am with carburetors. I'm 19 so I grew up into an injected world, it was never something new that came along. And while I can see the advantages of carbs I'm just more inclined towards EFI.
From what I read too, EFI is really the only way to do turbo setups to their full potential. But I've never actually done a turbo setup (on my first) so.....
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#24318 - 02/05/05 10:51 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Greg
Member
Registered: 09/30/03
Posts: 237
Loc: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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As for the 4200, I think it's great that there's a new generation inline for us to play with. The more research and development into it the better I say. I haven't worked on one but I'd definetely take one if it came to me.
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#24320 - 02/06/05 06:53 PM
Re: Vortec 4200
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LeeLites
Member
Registered: 06/10/00
Posts: 511
Loc: Franklin TN USA
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hello..nice comments...have you had both Fuel and carb engines? Which do u like for raw power?
we all have our choices..i like my fuel injection vehicle, but for raw performance I prefer my drag race setup up and daily driver carb set ups-i built them for performance and carbs do that,,,for those wanting the Fuel Injection, Have you spent $$$$ on modifying your cylinder head 1st? so more air flows? TRY that 1st with a carb-i guess till u do it it doesnt seem right?...what do you think?.......seems NASCAR and MOST drag racing groups know where performance can be found...yes, Fuel Injection can be fun, but......
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#24322 - 02/07/05 04:34 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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LeeLites
Member
Registered: 06/10/00
Posts: 511
Loc: Franklin TN USA
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hello..Excellent point...sounds like a GREAT set-up....my comments are related to Inline 6 engines . specifically carb vs fuel injection setups.....
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#24325 - 02/07/05 10:03 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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LeeLites
Member
Registered: 06/10/00
Posts: 511
Loc: Franklin TN USA
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hello..great comments!!!!!! thanks!!!!!!....so, has any Inliner here gone from a performance carb set up to fuel injection ? I would love to hear what that person says specifically about Inline 6's and the plus's and minus's of this change....what I am specifically talking about is the Inline 6 we all enjoy....
Also, has anyone done a Bolt-in Lump yet and compared differences?
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#24326 - 02/07/05 10:31 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Bruce
Active BB Member
Registered: 05/03/00
Posts: 670
Loc: Boise, ID
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Not being familiar with the Colorado parts, do the manual transmissions use a separate bellhousing or is the bellhousing a non-removable portion of the the tranny? If removable it should work with the 6. If not you can always make an adapter plate, like hooking a TH350 to a 235, to connect a conventional pattern bellhousing. You will probably want to space the flywheel out a similar amount. You will definitely need to rebalance everything when you add the clutch etc to the motor.
Also, not sure on the crankshaft, but make sure you can find a flywheel that will mount up and support a clutch that will handle the power this thing will put out.
I definitely understand your wanting to use a manual trans, but in this case an automatic would make things considerably easier.
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Inliner #1916
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#24328 - 02/07/05 09:20 PM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Drew, II # 4211
Active BB Member
  
Registered: 08/10/03
Posts: 1773
Loc: Glassboro,NJ,USA
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Personally,EFI to me is a mystery sometimes. That's why I pay a local shop to work on my van. But I wouldn't have it any other way for every day use. It's smooth,efficient,miserly on fuel, so all I have to do is just point and shoot. My '55,now that's another car altogether and the most fun to drive;carbs,noise,and getting noticed.It's part of my era and I ain't interested in changing it.And,NASCAR will stick with carbs because it's the smart thing to do. It's easier to control(rule bending) and cost less $$$ then EFI. F1 has no limits on engines and computers and that's why I don't have to see a race on TV. The winner will be a German in a red car because they spend the most bucks. :p
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Drew Mid-Atlantic Chapter
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#24329 - 02/08/05 05:26 PM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Greg
Member
Registered: 09/30/03
Posts: 237
Loc: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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"have you had both Fuel and carb engines? Which do u like for raw power?"
Well I've never looked into to a good carb setup to be totally honest. Well, not beyond asking price. I figure for about the same money I can build a EFI setup. I'm not really in a place to test both myself although I admit it'd be interesting. The EFI is almost certainly the better system in concept but for a L6 the carbs have a lot more R&D behind them. Could be close.
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#24330 - 02/09/05 12:31 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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dano69c10
Member
Registered: 12/07/04
Posts: 21
Loc: Ontario, Cali
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Hey toyman01, I thought that engine had a front sump oil pan and would not work in chevelle etc.? Dano
_________________________
69 C-10, L-6, 3 on the tree! No p/s, no p/b, no airbags, no a/c, no tilt, just a truck.
"Takes more than a coat of paint to make it at Thunder Road."
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#24331 - 02/09/05 08:01 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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tlowe #1716
12 PORT ADVERTISER
Active BB Member
  
Registered: 04/01/04
Posts: 2327
Loc: Dysart, Iowa
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if i remember correctly there was a write up on these motors and component interchangability in one of the car mags about two years ago. i'll see if i can dig it up. as a guess does the old2.8 v6 bell bolt pattern line up. tom on the fuel injection debate, they both produce good power numbers with correct tuning. the fuel injection will win with it's more precise metering over a larger rpm level. sorry lee
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#24332 - 02/18/05 07:46 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Hemiman
Member
Registered: 02/18/05
Posts: 31
Loc: NY
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Wow!, I finally found someone else working this swap! I'm knee deep in this also. My 4200 is going into an old Dodge Power Wagon.
The ECU is a huge problem here. It's so integrated to the host vehicle, (Trailblazer). That it may be impossible to re-program for stand alone operation. I has been done, but GM is unwilling to give up any info. I've discussed this with just about every aftermarket programer with the same results: "we can't help you with that engine".
Some other roadblocks are the variable cam phasing & the coil on plug ignition.
However, I have found some who can help:
MoTec: Can program thier M-600 Computer to run this engine. Real high-end full race stuff. $5000.00+
http://www.motec.com
Westers Garage: May be able to use the ECM from a 3800 Camaro or Firebird to run the IFI and Ignition. But not the cam phasing. They are also triing to hack the stock 4200 ECM to get my engine to run.
http://westers_garage.eidnet.org/scprice.htm
Dave Kelton (Dr. K.) Has access to software & may be able to crack the stock ECM. I sent him my VIN and he's working on it now.
256-543-7165
Squire Inc: They can clean up your harness and defeat the VATS.
479-243-9115
Speartech: John Spears has a lot of experience with GM EFI including the 4200. His shop did some programing work on the 4200 for GM and he had them running on a test stand with the stock computer! (see photo's on his website). However, GM took all the stuff back when the project was completed. Maybe if enough of us ask, he'll do some work writing a program so our 4200s can run stand-alone.
http://www.speartech.com/
I hope this helps, I've been at it for about 6 months now, and still don't have a running engine. But I'm that much closer. Let me know how you've made out.
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#24333 - 02/21/05 12:10 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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glenfred
Member
Registered: 02/07/05
Posts: 5
Loc: SE Minnesota
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Have you ever looked into MegaSquirt to control that engine? I have heard a lot of good things about it. It’s a Do-It-Yourself programmable electronic fuel injection controller that is very reasonable priced. (i.e. from $200 to $500 not $5000+) It is an Extremely versatile kit for nearly any engine and can even provide ignition control with MegaSquirtnSpark. Just go to http://www.msefi.com/ It is a lot of reading but it is worth it. I plan to install a MegaSquirt on to my 250 in the future but that is yet to come. Hope this can help.
_________________________
Glen
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#24334 - 02/21/05 04:39 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Hemiman
Member
Registered: 02/18/05
Posts: 31
Loc: NY
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Yeah, I've been watching them closely, (I post over there under Hemiman also). Been waiting for the Ultra Megasquirt to be released. Seems they haven't been doing much with it as of late though. I'd go with the Megasquirt II, but even that's not availible yet.
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#24335 - 04/27/05 07:55 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Hemiman
Member
Registered: 02/18/05
Posts: 31
Loc: NY
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Well I finally got my computer problems resolved, (I hope). Got it set to run the engine stand alone. Now I've sent my harness out to Speartech to have it trimmed out.
Now I've got to solve transmission issues. The 4200 only comes from the factory with and automatic. I'm going to use an NV4500 5 speed. So I've got to find a flywheel and bell housing.
Bell housing: The 4200 has the same bell housing bolt pattern as the GM 60deg V-6 as well as the Jeep 151 4cyl. I'm planning on going with the Jeep bell housing since Advance Adapters makes an adapter to mate the NV4500 to this bell housing.
Flywheel: The 4200 uses a 160 tooth flex plate. The Vortec I-4 and I-5 also use a 160 tooth design and they are offered with a manual trans. Unfortunatly GM has a different crank flange on these two engines. So, I've sent my Vortec 2800 I-4 flywheel out to the machine shop. Some other flywheels to consider would be Buick V-6 & V-8 flywheels, all 160 tooth, but still need the center hole & bolt pattern for the crank changed.
Oil pan: The 4200 is cast aluminum with a front sump. My 4X4 needs a rear sump. So I've been checking with fabricators to see if we can cut and weld to move the sump to the rear. Too bad GM didn't make the pan symetrical, then all I would have to do is turn it around. I still may try this approach since it is quite close.
I'll try to post some photo's when I get a chance.
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#24336 - 04/27/05 11:09 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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uglydog56
Member
Registered: 07/30/04
Posts: 5
Loc: Charleston, SC
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To partially answer the original question, I spoke with Glenn Self on the phone about the potential for this engine when I saw the naturally aspirated one in Hot Rod that made 590 HP with a 3-2bbl setup on it. He said the engine needed extensive custom work and some custom (read: mui dinero) pieces to get it to make big power. He also said the cylinder head made it worth it. I asked him if he was trying to turbo his way to 650hp (which is the number I needed) which way would he go 4.2 or 292 and he said the 4.2 would be his choice. We didn't get into detail on computer at all, I was mostly concerned with durability. If you are serious about the swap, they have done some work on this engine and can help you out.
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Rick A. Cone Blue Sponge Racing
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#24337 - 04/28/05 03:32 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Hemiman
Member
Registered: 02/18/05
Posts: 31
Loc: NY
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Talked to Glen yesterday. He's now getting over 1000HP with the boost! The car and engine are going to be featured in an upcoming issue of Hotrod.
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#24340 - 04/30/05 10:44 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Hemiman
Member
Registered: 02/18/05
Posts: 31
Loc: NY
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The cam on the 4200 will lock to full retard (25deg) when no signal is received from the ECU.
My harness can now be trimmed out since I've had all the unnessesary inputs turned off in the ECU. My ECU is now only looking for: Crank Position, Cam Position, Fuel, Ignition, MAP, Air Temp, Water Temp, O2 sensor, Throttle Position, Knock sensors. Basically, all the chassis info has been deleted. It's calibrated as if the engine were on a dyno.
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#24341 - 05/06/05 07:34 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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uglydog56
Member
Registered: 07/30/04
Posts: 5
Loc: Charleston, SC
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Who did your ECU work?
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Rick A. Cone Blue Sponge Racing
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#24342 - 06/10/05 09:24 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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hotrodsbyray
Member
Registered: 06/10/05
Posts: 18
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yeah, who did the computer work - looking at that engine for my 57 chevy pickup!
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#24343 - 06/10/05 02:33 PM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Hemiman
Member
Registered: 02/18/05
Posts: 31
Loc: NY
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I know this sounds lame, but I can't tell you who did the ECU right now. I've got a contract with a magazine. My truck and it's mods are going to be featured in a series of articles, and they're a bit funny about me giving away too much info.
I can correct something I wrote before. The 4200's flywheel has 161 teeth not 160 as I noted before. The Vortec I-5 3500 flywheel is made of cast iron and wont machine easily or inexpensivly. So I sent my specs to an aftermarket manufacturer and they're making me a steel one. They'll stock it with a part number. They'll also have it available in aluminum for you racers.
I'll post more details as soon as I can.
Thanks,
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#24346 - 06/12/05 11:53 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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hotrodsbyray
Member
Registered: 06/10/05
Posts: 18
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is there a link or website for the "The 12 Port News"? this sounds like a good way to go since i worry the computer reprogramming mentioned by hemiman may not be available soon. hemiman - any idea when these articles will come out for us poor suffering six-souls?
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#24348 - 06/12/05 03:33 PM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Jim R
Member
Registered: 05/07/00
Posts: 243
Loc: Mt. Dora, FL.
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Ray, Go to the link to "newsletter". It is on the left of your screen. There you will be able to purchase a trial issue and/or join Inliners International. The 12 Port News is the official newsletter of the Inliners. Jim
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Jim - #2130
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#24349 - 06/14/05 08:47 PM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Greg55_99
Member
Registered: 06/14/05
Posts: 18
Loc: Boston, MA
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Might be of some help. Read this then pay attention to item #13.
http://www.jeeps-offroad.com/showthread.php?t=4740
Todd Kozak ( djd@acsworld.com ) has some 3500 bellhousings.
Greg
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#24350 - 06/16/05 07:23 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Hemiman
Member
Registered: 02/18/05
Posts: 31
Loc: NY
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Thanks for the heads up! My bell housing is being shipped as I write this!
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#24351 - 06/17/05 10:14 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Greg55_99
Member
Registered: 06/14/05
Posts: 18
Loc: Boston, MA
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Be still heart.....

http://www.smithracecraft.com/gallery/gallery.html
Colorado\Canyon 3.5L\2.8L bellhousing. Bolts straight up to a Toyota Supra Turbo R154 5-speed.
[img]http://www.jeeps-offroad.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4929[/img]
Greg
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#24352 - 06/17/05 02:20 PM
Re: Vortec 4200
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Greg
Member
Registered: 09/30/03
Posts: 237
Loc: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Those are some cool pics! btw cool name too!
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#24353 - 07/13/05 08:33 AM
Re: Vortec 4200
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hotrodsbyray
Member
Registered: 06/10/05
Posts: 18
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any more news on the 4.2 swap? wiring/cam changes?
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