NA-T Build Help

[HULKOUT]

I know, I know, and I'm sorry. But I spent the last 2 hours searching this site for the answers to these questions... I'm new here, but I know enough to be POSITIVE these questions have been asked over and over, but could someone PLEASE humor me just one time?

I've got a 1997 NA. I haven't gone to pick up the car yet so I don't know if it's got the vvt-i in it or not. I hope those started in 98 but it seems like it was 97 for some reason... just the voice in my mind telling me this... If I'm going to build it it is going to be as close to indestructible as I can get it (see parts list below).

Keeping in mind that I want an ultimate goal of 650ish RWHP, please help me answer these questions:

1.) Is it even worth it to build the VVT-i? No one seems to have anything good to say about those... I've heard problems with knocking due to too low supreme octane fuel. If its vvt-i I could run water/meth inj. or race gas to fix any knocking right?

2.) Or should I just buy a Non-vvt-i?

3.) What is required for a na-t build? Do I need a GTE head? Obviously I'll get a stronger HG, but I'm just unsure of the differences between GE and GTE heads. With the build I'd do (again, see parts list below) it shouldn't be a problem, right?

4.) Please check my parts list. Am I missing anything? I'm not concerned with EMS, Turbo Kit, Fuel System, or any of that right now. I realize I'll need it later, but this strictly build-up questions.


Block and head cleaned, bored, honed, made generally nice and new

Forged Pistons

Ring kit

Connecting Rods with ARP Rod Bolts

ARP Head Studs

ARP Main Studs

ARP Crank Studs

Bearings (suggestions on brand/ material?)

Ferrea Valves

Ferrea Dual Valve Springs

Ferrea Spring Seat Locators

Ferrea Titanium Retainers

Head Gasket (suggestion? I'd like to run 8.5-9:1 compression if thats safe. Is it?)

Some (most) of this may be (is) overkill, but thats the beauty of a build. I can get it driving, then build as I go and slowly up boost and power! Plus I want to run 650rwhp reliably for a long long time and ya never know when I'll need crank up the boost to smoke a Lambo or Paul Walker a Ferarri.

Sorry again if this is repeated, but I just couldn't find good answers and frankly... I was sick of looking!

Thank so much for the help that I know I'll get from the members of this awesome forum.

[Mr Ree NZ]

what tranny are you going to run?

The w58 wont hold up to your power goals

[HULKOUT]

Hey thanks for the reply. I know that the tranny wont work. Its gotta go in favor of a GETRAG 6spd or... something else? Any ideas?

[DrNick]

hey mate,
since you are planning to build it up gradually you can take off everything off that list with the exception of the headgasket.
you are just buying the car, you should enjoy it a bit now before rebuilding the engine (which is a hugely expensive task too).
for the time being put a 2mm headgasket on (remember if you are rebuilding it later the head will come off again anyway) and just enjoy 400ish rwhp.

[HULKOUT]

Well I have a supercharged 350z with which I enjoy 400rwhp... ha. So the Supra is a project. Even if I rushed the engine I'd have to do body work (missing panels) and ALOT of interior work.

What is required for the r154 swap?

[Mr Ree NZ]

there is tons on info in this forum about the r154 swap. Just do some searching for it and you will know everything :)

[HULKOUT]

I litterally JUST started looking into the 154 swap. I've been doing some searching and it seems to be the way to gor for my power goals

[Mr Ree NZ]

Yes indeed :) If I could locate an R154 from a soarer I would be far keener to do the swap asap but they are not common.

Oh if only money was no object ;)