Questions about the Vortech 4GK218-028SQ.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Oklahoma
Questions about the Vortech 4GK218-028SQ. Im thinkin about getting a 4GK218-028SQ for myself soon, so I am wondering these things:
1. Does the kit contain everything I need?
2. Will I need computer tuning?
3. How difficult is it to accomplish?
4. How does it affect drivability, Its my daily driver.
Any help would be appretiated!
Thanks!
<small>[ March 11, 2003, 10:01 PM: Message edited by: glitch77 ]</small>
1. Does the kit contain everything I need?
2. Will I need computer tuning?
3. How difficult is it to accomplish?
4. How does it affect drivability, Its my daily driver.
Any help would be appretiated!
Thanks!
<small>[ March 11, 2003, 10:01 PM: Message edited by: glitch77 ]</small>
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 553
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From: Columbia, MD
Re: Questions about the Vortech 4GK218-028SQ. The 4GK218-028SQ is the polished V9-Gtrim aftercooled kit for a 1998 LS1. I just had that same kit installed in my car two weeks ago (but for the 2001 LS1). The kit contains everything you need to install the supercharger. It also comes with a voucher for one Superchips microtuner, which you can use if your car is otherwise stock. But if you have a modified engine, you will need custom tuning.
The V9 kit should not affect the engine durability - DURING NORMAL DRIVING. If you are driving this car to work everyday, and run errands, etc. and thats all you do, and your engine is tuned properly you should be fine for several years.
Racing, however, is a completely different story. If you take your car to the track every weekend, and race every hotshot that you see on the street, then don't expect your stock motor to last long at all. If that's what you plan on doing, then you have three choices: 1) Wait until you get forged bottom end to get the supercharger, 2) Get the supercharger installed now and immediately start saving for a new bottom end, or 3) Forget about the supercharger altogether and go with heads, cam, and a little more compression (any maybe a little nitrous for insurance).
Good Luck.
The V9 kit should not affect the engine durability - DURING NORMAL DRIVING. If you are driving this car to work everyday, and run errands, etc. and thats all you do, and your engine is tuned properly you should be fine for several years.
Racing, however, is a completely different story. If you take your car to the track every weekend, and race every hotshot that you see on the street, then don't expect your stock motor to last long at all. If that's what you plan on doing, then you have three choices: 1) Wait until you get forged bottom end to get the supercharger, 2) Get the supercharger installed now and immediately start saving for a new bottom end, or 3) Forget about the supercharger altogether and go with heads, cam, and a little more compression (any maybe a little nitrous for insurance).
Good Luck.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,248
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From: Oklahoma
Re: Questions about the Vortech 4GK218-028SQ. Many thanks for the reply.
The only problem I see is that Im going to have trouble with my bottom end. Ive got 80k miles on my LS1, so bosting might be just asking for trouble.
Do you have any links to a forged bottom kit? I just dont trust myself peicing everything together myself.
Again, thanks for your time.
The only problem I see is that Im going to have trouble with my bottom end. Ive got 80k miles on my LS1, so bosting might be just asking for trouble.
Do you have any links to a forged bottom kit? I just dont trust myself peicing everything together myself.
Again, thanks for your time.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,341
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Re: Questions about the Vortech 4GK218-028SQ. You dont need rods. Just get forged pistons (9:1 compression)
Good rings and ARP rod bolts <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
A ported oil pump is a good idea too <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Run about 10-12#;s boost on pump gas with good fuel system and tune and you are laughing <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Cheers,
Chris
Good rings and ARP rod bolts <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
A ported oil pump is a good idea too <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Run about 10-12#;s boost on pump gas with good fuel system and tune and you are laughing <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Cheers,
Chris
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 553
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From: Columbia, MD
Re: Questions about the Vortech 4GK218-028SQ. Check out Thunder Racing's site. Go to the Engine/Valvetrain section. They're having a sale on forged internal parts. You'll need pistons, piston rings, and connecting rods. Altogether, it should be about $1400. Add $1000 for engine removal/install, and another $1000 to install the bottom end. That should put you right around $3400.
You might also want to check with your local F-body shop. They might be able to just get you a total shortblock swap for a little less $$$.
You might also want to check with your local F-body shop. They might be able to just get you a total shortblock swap for a little less $$$.
