Quote Originally Posted by psychos2 View Post
I do not think they know much about this engine at all. They talk about the # 6 rod bearing being the bearing that fails ,when it is the #1 rod bearing.
I agree but for other reasons. As someone who's spent too much time in a performance forum (for Corvettes), the "canned" answer sent to JHarris (the OP) was a bit to contrived.

Typically, modern engines have more than adequate supply for intake air. Making it colder won't hurt MPG and it might help a bit. It might help with power too...but only VERY slightly. Again, it's due to well-designed factory systems.

The ECM is the same issue. Factories want to get the best out of factory performance and any limitation will come from intake, heads, cam, headers, and exhaust. It's the mechanical configuration of an engine that will make/break it. Because of the ODB2 system and intake config, you see a 4k pound vehicle doing pretty well in terms of speed/performance. I think MPG could be a bit better -- but that's because ISUZU was looking for a flagship performer -- not necessarily a fuel sipper. If I got into the tuning parameters of this motor, I'd double-check the PE (performance enhancement) parameters to make sure it didn't hit power AFR sooner than "normal". Maybe another thing or two as well.

For the size motor (3.5L), a 2" exhaust isn't out of the question. Going bigger (and especially too big) will hurt off-idle and low-end performance. Not something you want to do to a street engine or one doing off-road duty. This is the kind of stuff you do for a 1/4m race car. And, the VX wasn't designed for that. If that's what you want to make it, you'll need to shoehorn a V8 along with that "Wolf" ECM.

Cats (since early 1990's) have gotten way less restrive. Plus, everyone has tried the gammit of mufflers. Short of doing this 2.5" exhaust and trying to get to 100mph faster, I think the OEM exhaust isn't setup that bad. I'd like it better if the PS didn't wrap over to the DS -- into a single outlet -- but that can be altered easy enough. There are a couple of nice dual exhaust systems on this board to emulate.

For real performance, ported heads, a cam, headers and retuning would be the ticket. I'm not seeing enough interest (in this forum) for that sort of thing. Considering the stock compression ratio is low enough, I think super- or turbo-charging is the way to go. Looks like a few have gone that route too!

I love the roots-style SCs I've seen. I think it would be cool to have one!

:cheers!: