Hey guys, lately I have been toying with the idea of swaping in a 4.2 out of a trailblazer and slapping a turbo on it. After seeing some guys in prostreet put down some serious power, I figured why not since they are dirt cheap engines. But the thing is I have no experience with the transmissions that they come factory with. I am pretty sure they are a version of the 4l60e with a funky bellhousing, but im not sure. Also would there be any possibility to bolt up a t56 to it? So what do you think.

Remington

 

you can use a t56 on it, you just have to make it fit inside you cabin.

 

anybody else know the specifics of bolting up a t56 to a 4.2????

Remington

 

I don't know about the trans, but you really ought to check out the 4.2l I6 a bit more. I don't think it has aftermarket support like you need. Or at least it didn't recently.

As far as I have seen, the only computer program available is the stock one, and you're pretty much on your own for harness mods (if you need them). Maybe that has changed, but that would be a much bigger deal buster than the transmission interface.

'JustDreamin'

 

Also the oil pan is a little funky. The "hump" is at the front of the oil pan, not the back like the camaros, and has a hole in the hump to pass the front drive axel of the 4x4. If installing in a car, youll need to modify the k member or a new pan. Also the 4.2 is a tall engine that may not clear a cars hood.

 

yeah I know about the goofy oil pan, I already have a buddy that is a fabricator that said he would hook me up there. Yeah the only place I know of so far for flashing the computer for vats is the dealerships so I was actually thinking of a megasquirt system, should have mentioned that earlier though.

Remington

 

I believe to control it like you intend to for turbo'ing.. you need an aftermarket fuel management system. $$$$

I don't think anyone makes software to control that computer yet.

There is supposedly a Malibu wagon with a turbo Trailblazer motor running 8's.

The initial purchase may not cost that much... but unless you can fabricate and are very resourceful the costs will add up fast. I'm sure the only stock internals the big HP guys are using is the crank.

 

I also heard about that Malibu wagon over in the Forced Inductions section... If you're seriously considering the swap, go measure a 4.2 and measure your engine compartment to see if it'll fit with a reasonable amount of work. I wish I would have looked into it before I started on my V8, because my Jag's engine bay naturally lends itself to the I6 layout.... hmm maybe that V8's not so bad afterall

Oh and btw, I like the idea!

 

The trans is indeed a 4L60E.

The only tough part of operating the 4.2L with an aftermarket computer would be figuring out how to control the cam phaser. I guess ya could just lock it out, but I keep trying to figure out how to use it.

 

yeah megasquirt is a standalone fuel management system. you can get setup with it for under $300. its pretty awesome. www.bgsoflex.com. they make it but its sold through different vendors.

 

The cylinder head on the 4200 is 32" long. Add 2" for the balancer, and a smidgen at the back for the distance to the bellhousing surface.