whats sooooo good about a 4.1?

[83turbomon]

whats so good about a 4.1 anyways, that happens to be all I hear is 4.1. Is it really that much better than a 3.8?


Ill probably get a beater anyway..... so it dont matter.

 

[dr_frankenstein]

well it all comes down to potential.

the 4.1 has a bigger bore. which in general equals bigger engine, which if you go by the ol'standby - there is no replacement for displacement.

I see it as a bigger bore that offers less valve shrouding. which equals better breathing, which makes more power.

the downside? well the 4.1 has a weak deck.... and headgaskets are a buicks nemisis..... so the weak deck offers little to help in the clamping of the head. most would say a 4.1 block is good to about 450-500 hp..... but then your on borrowed time.

the main advantage is, it doesnt have to work as hard to make the same hp number (though limited to 450-500) especially in a NA combo or a street driven engine.

A.j.

 

[SGRIM]

IMO, nothing

 

[mat231v6]

IMO, nothing

lol

 

[charlief1]

IMO, nothing

Hey Mr Big Bucks.:tongue::tongue::tongue: Some of us just can't afford the toys you have.:smile:

At the power levels we're operating at the larger displacement helps make power in the car. We aren't trying for 1K HP like some one I just quoted.

 

[mat231v6]

At the power levels we're operating at the larger displacement helps make power in the car. We aren't trying for 1K HP like some one I just quoted.
__________________

lol we might get close to the tens if we all work together, but lately everyone has been real quiet about what there doing. more heads are better than one.

 

[SGRIM]

If you only want to go mid 10's you should be okay. I have just heard of too many spilt down the middle... I just hate to see someone spend the money to machine the thing and get it right and one good shot of extra boost and BLOOM

 

[BeanSS]

well it all comes down to potential.

the 4.1 has a bigger bore. which in general equals bigger engine, which if you go by the ol'standby - there is no replacement for displacement.

I see it as a bigger bore that offers less valve shrouding. which equals better breathing, which makes more power.

the downside? well the 4.1 has a weak deck.... and headgaskets are a buicks nemisis..... so the weak deck offers little to help in the clamping of the head. most would say a 4.1 block is good to about 450-500 hp..... but then your on borrowed time.

the main advantage is, it doesnt have to work as hard to make the same hp number (though limited to 450-500) especially in a NA combo or a street driven engine.

A.j.

That's where im trying to get (450 - 500 hp mark) I'll go to the track every blue moon but my car will be a street daily driver well it will be swapping the daily driver duties with the next car Im getting!:tongue:

 

[b4black]

Let's keep in mind we are in the before black section. Nobody is running 10's here or splitting blocks.


We don't have many options performance-wise. So if you are rebuilding a motor, you might as well get a 4.1 and start there. The 4.1 can more than handle the power that this forum will be making.


My goal is 12's with a carb/turbo. I know the 4.1 will handle that. 4.1 block, ported heads, and roller cam should be a good foundation to work with.

 

[charlief1]

One of these days you're going to have to show us what you've been up to Rich. I know you have a 4.1 that you've either been planning on or in the process of building.

 

[WarWagon]

He's got the secret recipe!