Engine build advice VR Caprice HSV 185i

[BH78]

HI - new member, help!

So I've picked up a 'survivor' VR Caprice with a few HSV mods (185i, suspension and wheels). I'm in the process of bringing her back to her formor glory.

The engine is a little tired, hence, I'm starting to form a plan to chat to my engine builder about. Input would be appreciated.

I'm not tring to build a 'fire breathing monster' basically I want it to be confused as stock (with a little more pep). Similar to how the SV5000 motors were built (200KW).

I'm thinking:

• Standard 304ish capacity
• Increased compression using flat tops - say 9.5-10 to 1?
• Crow 4001 or Crane H268?
• Minor head work or Lewis St2 heads (stiffer valve springs)?
• Street terra rockers?
• 70mm throttle body
• B&M 2000 rpm stall
• Standard intake, HSV headers, exhaust and gears
• Usual machining, good gasket set, consumables etc.

Budget is circa $10k. The builder did something similar and ended up with 240HP at the wheels apparently.

Any suggesions or feedback? If something is a waste of cash, please let me know.

Thanks

 

[losh1971]

Go higher on that stall. You might struggle on that budget unless you build the engine yourself

 

[losh1971]

Plus you will want shorter diff gears and probably consider getting the trans rebuilt better and with shift kit.

 

[BH78]

Plus you will want shorter diff gears and probably consider getting the trans rebuilt better and with shift kit.

Stall was based on cam range +500RPM - what do you think I need?

How far is my budget off? Thanks

 

[losh1971]

Stall was based on cam range +500RPM - what do you think I need?

How far is my budget off? Thanks

@someguy360 has done a similar build he might be able to give you a better idea. I think you will want around 3500, maybe 3000 stall. That will give you room for a regear.

 

[BH78]

@someguy360 has done a similar build he might be able to give you a better idea. I think you will want around 3500, maybe 3000 stall. That will give you room for a regear.

Thanks, I'll read the thread in detail - looks like he went a bit further than I will

 

[Hole Denn]

Stall was based on cam range +500RPM - what do you think I need?

How far is my budget off? Thanks

those cams listed are basically stock cams for hsv, stock convertor stall is around 1800rpm
so your cam+stall choice you wont notice any difference

 

[BH78]

those cams listed are basically stock cams for hsv, stock convertor stall is around 1800rpm
so your cam+stall choice you wont notice any difference

Thanks, I might leave the converter alone then

 

[EYY]

Diff gears will be your biggest improvement - look at 3.7’s or 3.9’s. Those cams aren’t worth looking at unless you’re going with a standard rebuild. Go with a 276 or similar.

Converter stall speed is too low - look at 2800rpm or so. No need to do anything with heads but compression will help a lot.

Inlet manifold will be your biggest letdown.

 

[BH78]

Diff gears will be your biggest improvement - look at 3.7’s or 3.9’s. Those cams aren’t worth looking at unless you’re going with a standard rebuild. Go with a 276 or similar.

Converter stall speed is too low - look at 2800rpm or so. No need to do anything with heads but compression will help a lot.

Inlet manifold will be your biggest letdown.

Yes, its a standard-ish rebuild - trying to keep a very factory look and feel (with a little more go).

The manifold needs to stay, albeit may modify - aware of the issues.

I did wonder if the heads needed touching for this application.