4.1 V6 worth pulling from bone yard?

[Marty]

I was wondering if the older 4.1 engines would be as durable as the 3.8? Since they have a larger bore it makes for better valve unshrouding plus more cubic inches. Did they use the same cranks?

 

[qwknuf6 jr]

Yes the same cranks and same heads most of the time

 

[6PacktoGo]

Originally posted by Marty
I was wondering if the older 4.1 engines would be as durable as the 3.8? Since they have a larger bore it makes for better valve unshrouding plus more cubic inches. Did they use the same cranks?

The crank is the same as the rolled fillet crank in the turbo engines. The block is similar to the 14 bolt 84/85 block, considered weak by many. Only one shelf stock turbo piston is available, a Federal Mogul hypereutectic piston rumored to be discontinued soon. I'll take all the 4.1s anyone will give me.

 

[Intercooler]

Yes, discontinued on the pistons. I know a place that has a few sets in stock of various sizes if anyone needs them while they are around.

 

[Marty]

Are certain blocks better than others? What cast numbers are good and what year of manufacture?
Thanks,
Marty

 

[Intercooler]

Originally posted by Marty
Are certain blocks better than others? What cast numbers are good and what year of manufacture?
Thanks,
Marty

In my sig. Last year 84 is best and another good casting is 051.

 

[Two Lane]

Ahhhh...

Aren't the cranks somewhat different than the 3.8 Turbo crank?

Rolled fillet on the mains, but not the rods?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

( Double your $ back if this is wrong! )

 

[KendallF]

Originally posted by Two Lane
Ahhhh...

Aren't the cranks somewhat different than the 3.8 Turbo crank?

Rolled fillet on the mains, but not the rods?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

( Double your $ back if this is wrong! )

Can I collect on that? I would go take a pic of the 4.1 crank in the garage but I'm too durn lazy, unless there's $ involved. The NA cranks are what you're describing; the 4.1s got turbo cranks with rolled fillets on rods and mains. It's worth checking before you pull one from a yard though; if it's been rebuilt ofttimes a NA crank went back in.

 

[Marcus]

I always thought the 4.1s were neat motors. FWIW I have one (complete with the rolled fillet crank,heads,timing cover etc.) for sale CHEAP on the Parts For Sale Section. Marcus

 

[Two Lane]

Thanks, Kendall...the (alleged ) 4.1 at a local motor warehouse
apparently has a NA crank, then. No sale!

Did not know that all years of the 4.1s had the better crank.
Good pics at gnttype.org of the good one.

 

[Two Lane]

Marcus,

I thought you had a couple of guys mud wrasslin' last night over who was going to go & get the motor ??

What's your asking price ?

Is the crank std/std?

I'm sure you'll sell it soon!

 

[ttypenssrider]

on what cars and what years
did these 4.1's originaly come in?

 

[Intercooler]

Originally posted by Two Lane
Marcus,

I thought you had a couple of guys mud wrasslin' last night over who was going to go & get the motor ??

What's your asking price ?

Is the crank std/std?

I'm sure you'll sell it soon!

I said I would take it but I think he is looking for the BBD (Bigger Better Deal). Oh, I won the mud-match!

 

[b4black]

Originally posted by ttypenssrider
on what cars and what years did these 4.1's originaly come in?

Here's a list:
http://www.flash.net/~rjgeorge/252V6.htm

 

[Marty]

Assuming one used the same ported heads, intake , turbo, etc. from a 3.8 and installed it on a 4.1, how much of a power gain might one see? Maybe some one has done this?

 

[JToups386]

Originally posted by Marty
Assuming one used the same ported heads, intake , turbo, etc. from a 3.8 and installed it on a 4.1, how much of a power gain might one see? Maybe some one has done this?

That's a loaded question, based on many variables. However, In general terms, it's worth 21 cid, right? Well, on average we TR's make a minimum of 1.5 hp per cubic inch, (give or take a little), so therefore, a very generic assumption would suggest around a 30+ hp gain. With the right mods, the gains would obviously multiply.
There are certain specific things that have to be done and accounted for when converting to a 4.1, but many, many people have done so with success. The key is to find a good core block, NO CRACKS, and a good casting. I believe "INTERCOOLER" can offer you much valued advice on this subject. I have been told in the past, they tried to put the cleaner castings in the Cadillacs, per them being higher cost cars, but that may be just hearsay...

 

[Whitettype86]

4.1

Will see what my 4.1 does

 

[Marty]

Thanks for the replies.