Straight six supercharged potential? - Ford Forums

juarez · 03-22-2003, 20:24

I am thinking of buying an old I6 and getting it machined, reconditioned, etc. then supercharged, and replacing my current engine with it.

Firstly, what can I get done too a 3.9 litre straight six in order too improve performance, and make it supercharger ready? I have been looking at pavteks website and they have lists of machining services, but I don't know exactly what I would want done. Blueprinting, shotpeening, balancing and honing are all things that come to mind, and I will ring them soon and ask them what they think.

Now, if the engine is made ready for a supercharger (re-built in order too gain the most potential from forced induction), will it be very usable at all if I decide not to use a supercharger?

Also, what should I be looking at in terms of price for a supercharger? All I have found so far is powerdyne kits from $5500 - $8000 on capa.com.au, and I am not sure if these prices are reasonable, or over-priced?

Also, what should I be paying for a crapped out old engine by itself? Do I need too make sure it is still half decent, in order for it to be machined? I will have a look around at the wreckers tommorow.

Any guesses at what a machined and supercharged I6 should get, given that it will be dropped into an EA?

FTEWPN · 03-22-2003, 22:45

I dont know where you are from but there is a supercharged EF XR6 running around Melb. running a vortex supercharger with around 220 rwkw. Dont know if you have heard of it SIKSIX? He was at the autosalon in melb. a couple of years ago. I know the guy that did the build on that car and from what I have heard if you do things properly there is no reason why you shouldnt be able to make that kind of power.

As far as the price of those superchargers they seem a bit pricey. Herrod would supply, fit and tune a supercharger kit for around $7500 that would get you between 170 and 180 rwkw.

You could even get a second hand supercharger if you shopped around. I think I saw one before that was going for under $4000. Just look around in the trading post and on forums, and make sure you research everything thouroughly because if you dont you will wana change half your mods within 6 months

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 03-22-2003, 22:58

If you were to do it properly you would want to get both the head and block surfaces machined to ensure a proper seal. Depending on how much boost you were wanting to run you would want to fit low compression pistons. The other option is a decompression plate ( thick head gasket ) the second option is reversable if you decide not to run a super/turbo-charger, however the I6's have enough head gasket troubles as it is. The first option is more expensive but definately the better way to go.
Other than that, treat the engine how you normally would with a rebuild. Good quality slugs & rings, renew bearings etc, shotpeen the rods ( some aviation place is best to use with this ) ge thte bottom end balanced etc, run a cam suited to forced induction

juarez · 03-22-2003, 23:03

Well, heres the (basic, I know) specs from capa

EA-EB-ED 6cyl 3.9L Multipoint Powerdyne Supercharger

Water injection: Included
Stage: 3
Boost: 9-14
Expected kw (flywheel, I assume): 275
Price: $ 7,995.00

This probably means that 220 rwkw is possible with just a little extra effort (maybe some lighter parts and a tricked up head)..?

Do you know what siksix is running? how he set it up, and if he changed anything or just shoved a supercharger in?

Also, what ECU changes need too take place for the car too handle the 14psi boost? (seeing as it shits itself at more than 8psi boost, afaik)

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 03-22-2003, 23:19

oh by the way, theres an EBSS with a powerdyne kit running 240rwkw's so its definately achievable

juarez · 03-23-2003, 18:08

What about if I stick a V8 in?

The only problem is, I wont be able to use my nice JMM headers (I know Jim is copping a lot lately, but it would be hard too dispute that the headers are pretty damn good)

I was pretty smashed last night and I watched The fast and furious again, and despite all the bullshit in there, I couldn't get over that massive V8 with the huuuuuuge bonnet scoop, that would just be awesome on an EA, I reckon

So, I'm thinking a big V8 with a huuuge supercharger with a massive bonnet scoop would make me smile :)

What V8 should I be looking at, and what will I need too do to the chassis too support the weight and torosional motion of the V8 + super? Any estimates of what sort've power and torque I could pull? (I'm thinking of getting a Centrifugal super, or if not, get the other type and get a REALLY strong gearbox too handle the low-down torque.)

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 03-23-2003, 18:35

if you wer elooking to spend that kind of money itd be MUCH easier to buy a 5.0 EB and wack a supercharger on it than to go through the mechainal and legal hassles of fitting a V8 into an EA.

xr8_sprint · 03-23-2003, 19:59

By looking at the costs involved i'd personally wait the 2 years or so for the xr6-t engines to surface in written off cars....

there'll be cackloads of xr6-ts on the road in 12 months...

the new successor to the vlt and wrx :)

juarez · 03-23-2003, 21:50

Well, this whole plan involves waiting till I get my open license anyway, and thats about 2 and a half years away, so yeah, I can wait that long, but the XR6-t engines are kinda boring, cause they're already done up, and I kinda want to start from scratch.. we'll see, I guess :)

Bass Crazy · 03-24-2003, 00:07

Quote:

Originally posted by xr8_sprint
By looking at the costs involved i'd personally wait the 2 years or so for the xr6-t engines to surface in written off cars....

there'll be cackloads of xr6-ts on the road in 12 months...

the new successor to the vlt and wrx :)

I Agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!