building a q4 motor, looking for some tips, idea's, ect.

[speedy]

well, this is my first complete engine build. ive tore down a q4 to the block, going to "rebuild" it as practice once, then rip it back down, reclean everything, have some stuff powdercoated and put it back together. i was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as far as performance, i have a new 086 head at the machine shop(if they still have it, its been there for 3 months waiting to be picked up ) it was ported along with the intake, new valves and valve springs. i was thinking about going with w41 pistons and w41 cams, but i also have the oppertunity to purchase 226 cams(these would require tuning though). the car has a 2.5 inch exhaust with new cat, and i have a flowmaster muffler for on it, im going to be searching for a header most likely rather soon. i though about going with a bigger throttle body and bigger injectors but im not sure theres much to gain, the car has a spec clutch wich feels pretty good yet so depending how it looks i will put the back in along with the fidanza flywheel, i also found a flywheel that is actually 2lbs lighter then a fidanza and was used in racing applacations but im not sure if i want put that in or not, the car already has a 3.94fdr trans and im going to put in 92+ subframes and swap the motor mounts to the 92+ style, making this car 92+ spec, during this time wich i would like to also ditch the cooling lines that run into the throtle body and swap the coolent tank to the 92+ style along with the radiator, hoses, ect.

my questions are as follows.
1. how can i prep the block to be powder coated without having the worry about damaging any machined surfaces.
2. should i hone the cylinder walls, or take it to a shop and have them check them out, or resleeve them?
3. can i use 92 v6 subframes or are q4 subframes specific and if so, how??

thats all for now...

[dhenderz]

Go to quad4forums.com. No better place to get the info you seek.

[SuzukiGhostRider]

Powdercoat it BEFORE you go to the machine shop. Tape off the deck, oil pan area, etc. Obvious spots.

You'll most likely need at least a hone.

If you need to have it punched out (over bore) you'll need new pistons too. If you do that, I'd go with Diamond or Jet. Make sure, of course, you get provided the new rings and rod to piston bushings. Also, since it sounds like you're planning on W41 or higher cams, I'd be sure to get the 4 valve relief pistons. Might even want to dome them a bit to up compression a point or two Stock is 10:1 but 12:1 with 226 cams would be quite fun!

I'd also upgrade the rods to a set of Eagle ESP forged rods.

Have your crank checked over by the machine shop. If they say it needs to be turned, DO IT. Obviously, you'll want new bearings, main and rod.

I'd do a new oil pump,pickup and gear just because you're there and those fiber gears aren't know for longevity.

Remember! Max decking on a Quad between the head AND block is .020 or you'll need to adjust with a special order, thicker head gasket. In other words, between BOTH head and block,neither should be decked more than .010 each or a combination of .020 total.

Be sure to have your cylinder head: Stress checked, cleaned, pressure tested and you might consider a valve job too. All part of "doing it right the first time" ideals. Something I'm a BIG fan of. I'd do an 086 head. Best head flow wise ever put on a Quad.

Other than that, just make sure you buy a good torque wrench, take your time, check your clearances (bearings, oil pump lash, etc.) and use all brand new seals and you should be good to go.

Oh, and be sure to use plenty of Assembly Lube when putting the engine together.

On the subframe note, afaik all Beretta subframes are the same, regardless of engine/trans type.

SGR

[Chad91GTZ]

Subframes are different due to the trans mount 92+, other than that spot on as usual SGR.

Good luck getting 226 cams haha. Make sure you pay attention to not only torque specs but angle as well. Most of the fasteners on the Quad are designed to be torqued then set to a specific angle afterwards. Some say this doesnt matter, but if it says throw an extra 37 degrees of rotation on that bolt, you probably should.

If youre upping the compression significantly, spend the cash on a copper headgasket.

[SuzukiGhostRider]

Oh, yeah, forgot about the later style trans mount.

As to 226 cams, I know a guy who has a few sets. PM me Speedy and I'll put you in contact with him.

And Chad is dead nuts about the degree torquing. You'll need a degree wheel for those odd degree settings, like 37*.

[speedy]

I also know a few people with 226 cams and other rare q4 parts. I know about q4 forums and stuff. Infact I met up with some people from the site.

[Chad91GTZ]

Well Mike, I want a set of 226 cams.

[scannerman]

why have you left the head at the shop for 3 months?

[Barry]

Rods pistons and boost are really all you need, other than good bearings gaskets and tune.

[speedy]

why have you left the head at the shop for 3 months?

i work for the railroad on the extra list, i work practicly every day, and when i get a day off, RARELY, i usually spend it doing something, most of the time i get to work on the car or engine is at night time... and i just never really had the chance to go get the head at the machine shop... plus its not at the front of my mind, its more or less one of them back burner things. lol. and usually if i work at night, i get off late morning and sleep most of the day, if i work during the day.. i still dont have the chance to go get it.

[scannerman]

well hopefully they still have it there. you're going to be needing it soon.

[SuzukiGhostRider]

Well Mike, I want a set of 226 cams.

Hehe, are you saying you'd like a PM with a name?