Vortec 4200 Engine Differences

[@Militia.]

Every 4200 owner/builder is looking for this video. May it never get lost in the youtube algorithm.

[@livingthelife8443]

i think i just fell more in love with cars cause of this inline beauty

[@felixcontreras82]

Thank you I think you are the only person who breaks down this motors the correct way. Thanks again

[@robertwallace7567]

075h 7 lucid 2

[@robertwallace7567]

5.0)!( 092.0 30 17.,2.,2900 .8ch

[@robertwallace7567]

J0l7.979+08081 H5 , 979w7590 L90l746 37 55L0 97

[@robertwallace7567]

L50 4 9 70, 799 . H7 7 0

[@theskidfactory]

Hi from Australia. Could you confirm the trigger teeth pattern for me? Is the 7 tooth 6 even teeth plus 1? and what is the 4 teeth on cam even on the 06-08? Thanks.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Hey guys. It's an honor. It's 6+1 on 02-07 engines. 08-09 had 58x identical to an LS. The cam is a weird 6 tooth pattern from 02-07. In 08-09 they went to 4x identical to an LS. The cam sprockets interchange across all the years.

[@hutchdw77]

No sh**! Imagine having the SF lads hit you up!

[@yp360]

Can you go more in depth on using the stock ecu for boost? Also I want very badly to use this motor for my next drift car build. I know you’re a drag guy but if you (or any one else) had any input on how a 4200 might perform in a drift car, I’d love to hear it. I’ve also been binging all of your 4200 videos, great information and awesome builds!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Doing a drift build is totally doable. As with any drift car, the key is oil control. There is a guy in Sweden that has a really sick Volvo Drift car with a 4200. Check this out for more information. sites.google.com/view/vortec4200wiki/home

[@mythos000000025]

Great video on the differences between the years, could you do a video on the blocks themselves though? I'm pretty sure they're then same but no one talks about them

[@Calvin-Nelson]

They're pretty much the same, but there are some non visible differences, like the sleeves in the later ones are apparently stronger.

[@formeitwastuesday.1515]

I want one in my 77 impala since sime came with an inline 6. Im looking for a doner truck at the moment.

[@bertvisser6423]

So,I want a 2002 crank,06 up head,06 to 08 ecu,06 up rods and pistons. Also wondering if a 06 up intake cam would improve performance on a pre 06 engine.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

You do not want a 2002 crank. They are unique. You want a 2003-2005 crank. I'm actually in the process of seeing if an 06+ cam will improve my 04 engine.

[@rabmanrabman]

if im understanding that you just want all the best parts then you want an 06/07 complete truck and swap a 03/05 12 weight crank into your block.

[@michaelrobison1038]

one question I have is, will a 06+ cylinder head work on an 02-05 block?

[@MrJrryhy460]

thanks for showing, now I know why 2006 heads (larger port holes) prior to previous years(smaller port holes).

[@chadwinslow5493]

Very informative

[@pmcmadness]

Hi, I've got a quick question. I have an 05 trailblazer ls 4.2 but I think I've got an 06 engine. I recently had the exhaust manifold replaced. If the shop put on an 05 manifold instead of an 06, would it make a difference. I checked and they are 2 different part numbers. Thanks

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It may have a very tiny effect on power, but I doubt it. The 05 manifold has smaller ports and runners on the manifold.

[@RANDOMNATION907]

Would be interesting to swap one of these into a Jeep WJ. Those Jeep 4.0l are rather disappointing, imo.

[@BEANS-O-MATICtransmissions]

@nivlac57 So when guys are using the early crank with the late pistons/rods, are they getting them balanced?

[@xarrow81]

Questions not real good with cars but want to upgrade my 95 v6 (3.4) 5 speed camaro, would you think this engine would fit?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It would definitely be a difficult swap. People have done it before, but it's hard to squeeze in there.

[@scrapmetal_sleepers]

Great information here. Do you happen to know what the later model engines will take before the sbe pops?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

I don't.... Well not yet anyways. I think the key will be RPM.

[@leasttrending]

Are these engines easy to spin a bering

[@lucaslirette7643]

Can you just run the stock 02-05 ecu for a turbo set up and switch it to a 2 bar map sensor? My buddy and I twin turboed a 5.3 and were able to tune it with just a 2 bar map on it. Is this possible with the stock 1st gen ecu?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

No. There is no way to add enrichment with boost.

[@rabmanrabman]

would a p12 ecu and harness + maf swap to an 03/05?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yes

[@Str8sixfan]

thanks once again for doing something different than LS in the GM world. Really good stuff here for those wanting to head in this direction.

[@rattyratstuff7125]

Was about to go buy a vette to build a newer drift car. Cause already has an ls1. Now I wanna Frankenstein another pickup or wagon with one of these and between 4 and 500hp on 2 tunes. 1 for skidracin 1 for highway pulls

[@TrailKing04]

The 4.2l i6 is such an underrated motor. Everyone looks for the V8 and everything. Nobody on here is doing anything with the 4200. The Atlas motor has ALOT of potential. It just needs time an more eyes on it. There an amazing engine. Thank you for being one of a VERY few ppl pushing the limit of this motor

[@rattyratstuff7125]

If I get my machine shop again (purchased one before the paradise fires and by the time I made space, the cops wouldn't let me up to clean out the warehouse where they were sitting) I'll be doing a lloott of work on these atlas motors. Hopefully I can get another 5 axis manual mill and cnc so I can prototype AND test internals. Goal it to start producing my own "ameri-barra" set that would include anything needed to get to 1000hp reliably or 1500 as a strip hero with meticulous maintenance. Kind of like J.P. racing did with the 1gz-fe v12 toyota and 1fz-fe 4.0 2j derivative.

[@eyeamyours5026]

Just towed 8500 lbs with my 04 rainier lol

[@JmanRx81]

I never understood why GM DC'd this engine. Such a fantastic and silky smooth powerhouse engine.

[@dougmedeiros8862]

Thanks For shedding light on a good thing👀👍😎

[@dougmedeiros8862]

And I been a longtime member of Inliners International

[@richb.4374]

I have an 06 Trailblazer with the 4200 and I love it. The best inline 6 I ever drove. Pulls very strong for its displacement.

[@Thumper68]

I agree I have the 04 version and it pulls very hard especially once you get to 3500 and above feels like a little boost kicks in but it’s just the vvt working.

[@ucsasinkings8296]

@@Thumper68 I’ve got an 02 with 440k on it and running strong it burns a little oil but what can you expect

[@randymeyer6482]

Mopar Slant 6 from the 60s!!! Bullet proof, and zero electronics...

[@JmanRx81]

@@ucsasinkings8296holy shit man!

[@coldblue32E]

I'm sitting here having upgraded from a 2004 Envoy to a super clean and well optioned 2007 Trailblazer not knowing the potential of the 4200 at the time, but wanting to turbo it in the future just to find the amazing work you and others have already done. Nice

[@zerohourdrift]

I need one of these ASAP... before they start getting expensive

[@carnage50x]

You can find them at any junkyard/pull apart. I've seen quite a lot.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

my local mechanics keep trying to get me to trash my TB even though the engine works fine. Makes me suspicious. haha

[@zerohourdrift]

@@carnage50x why am I just now realizing you commented on this lol small world😂

[@carnage50x]

@@zerohourdrift it's been 84 years...

[@carnage50x]

I've always liked this engine and knew it had potential. I wish gm put it in more vehicles as well as a stronger aftermarket Field.

[@JmanRx81]

Same

[@vinikoz2887]

Thank you for all the info man we appreciate it 4200s they starting to be more and more appealing everytime you go faster with them

[@rexmedina4561]

I have a 93 t100 on 35’s, sr5. The 3.0 is severely lacking in aftermarket support. I was leaning towards a 1uz, or a 2jz, or even a 4.0 from a newer taco since they are making S/C for them. But now, I’m thinking of picking up a 4.2 for a quarter of the price, and boosting the hell out of it lol

[@ZitroJose]

The engine coolant temp sensors are also in different locations. On 02-05 engines its in the block and on 06-later engines its in the head. So if you put a early head on a later block you won't have a place to put a temp sensor. I drilled and taped the upper coolant elbow to house one. Also coming from the repair side of the industry the biggest failure mode we see on these engines is broken valve springs/valve keepers not staying in place, causing bent valves in heads and misfires. This is on stock engines, I'm not sure why it happens but I've seen a trend of them failing this way. The only other failure I've seen is run out of oil causing rod knock.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yep. Good catch.

[@edwardstark8377]

Why would you put up an older head on a newer block? Maaan. You have to do the opposite. I own a 04 trailblazer with the P10. Got a complete 2008 engine. Im gonna swap the crank of 2004 to the 2008 engine and rewire a P12 PCM to get the best ever vortec. I confirm 2007 head works well on 2005 block.

[@ZitroJose]

02 trailblazer had rod knock, had a free 07 engine with a bad head. Cheap is why.

[@AOGDC10]

Thumbs up even before vid started playing!!!!

[@michaelblacktree]

Good info! After watching your videos, I want to stuff a 4200 into my BMW.

[@ProjectCarTV]

Would be nice in a 5 series. I had a 530i with a Garrett GT40 and it was awesome until a guard rail bit me and caused frame damage. Just a slight dinger on the highway but it was enough.

[@safetyfirstintexas]

Likely hood interfearance

[@ProjectCarTV]

What do you think of the removable sleeves in the block? If you were to use an aftermarket ECU what would you use? Megasquirt perhaps?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

They're not really removable. I use Megasquirt 3 Goldbox.

[@ProjectCarTV]

@@Calvin-Nelson Replaceable i meant. I read somewhere that they're replaceable, but that of course is the internet. The block does have sleeves correct? I live in San Diego and I'm close to Darton Sleeves. Currently working on an 04 Trailblazer LS. This video was really good to see the difference in heads. Are you using the stock head studs or aftermarket like ARP? And head gasket? I've been looking towards Cometic or whoever makes a multi layer steel. Eventual goal is a remote mount twin turbo setup at the rear axle. I have two genuine Garrett GT3076r's that came off my 05 Audi Allroad project.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

@@ProjectCarTV I'm sure that you could sleeve a block. Not really worth it in my opinion. The stock blocks will take some abuse from what I've read and experienced. All the stuff we've done is with the stock engine. Not even opened up. They come factory with MLS head gaskets.

[@ProjectCarTV]

@@Calvin-Nelson gracias!

[@ProjectCarTV]

@@Calvin-Nelson Thanks a lot! I'll have to do some sleeving no doubt though. I ordered a 4l60e from Monster Transmission that's good for 1000+. I saw the stock rods in your video and although they're pretty beefy I think I'll go with Pauter. I'm lucky to be where I'm at in San Diego, so many good companies in this city. Crower, Pauter, Carillo, Darton. Not to mention machine shops. I have a spare block that I'm going to be taking for machining soon. Using two 3076's automatically puts me well above 500hp. I may use a stock block for testing. I have a lot of work ahead. Still have to find a daily driver to take the Trailblazer off the road. One that I won't be tempted to f**k with. I can't even buy a used Hyundai Elantra because the 2.0L engines are shared with Mitsubishi and I'll be tempted once again lol. Thanks a lot. I've been following your channel but never commented.

[@joeschlotthauer840]

*Is the aftermarket getting involved...*

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Not really. Not enough demand.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

The engine is no longer produced

[@Calvin-Nelson]

@@shadowopsairman1583 Neither is a 2JZ and they have plenty of aftermarket.

[@rhostatton8944]

if only....at keast one can dream

[@joeschlotthauer840]

@@shadowopsairman1583 *A 1957 Chevrolet or 69 Camaro isn't either, hence the name "aftermarket"*

[@luckautofab4461]

So in a nut shell its pretty much like the ls engine world.. Use the later model pistons rods, and cylinder head on a earlier model block/crank.. because of ecu options(in this case a stronger crank) I guess there was no changes made to the block between years?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

I think they did very minor things. They're all pretty good.

[@parkerbethke]

Sounds like 06-07 is the golden year.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. The early motors are very capable too.

[@joeschlotthauer840]

*Have you done a build using all of the premium parts of all the engines with a detailed description of the parts, if not, are you....*

[@chrisholden2952]

Following

[@NYGSucksButDex_]

What’s funny about this engine is that it seems to be a hybrid between the ls and jz (probably the 2 most modded engines in the world other than the k series) and I’ve never seen anybody swap these before (which I find even funnier because all people do is swap the ls and jz lmao).

[@Judge_Jon]

There are some older videos of MK3 Supras with 4200's floating around.

[@TheAwmartin]

“HotRod Garage” did a supercharger (or maybe it was a turbo) build on one of these engines. It’s been a while since I watched the episode. (From an 04 I believe)

[@lacquerthinnerlarry4546]

I have a 06 trailblazer and a 3rd gen camaro just looking for a trans

[@mpetersen6]

A worked with a guy who's nephew put a 4.2 in his 37 Chevy Coupe. At Cars n Coffe people would ask why not an LS or SBC. His reply was any idiot can put an LS in. He just wanted to be different. Theres a 32 Ford Highboy up in Canada that has a Jag 4.2 in it. Just to be different.

[@button-puncher]

EPIC video! Thanks for the wealth of information!!! How's the height compare to a LS with a truck manifold? Any forged piston or rods out there? ARP head, main, or rod bolts? I'm just starting to research this. I was going to do a LS and a remote mount turbo on my Astro van but this looks like an interesting option. Thanks for helping out Holdener. I'm interested to see his upcoming tests too.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

This should answer the majority of your questions. sites.google.com/view/vortec4200wiki/home

[@button-puncher]

@@Calvin-Nelson You rock! Thanks!

[@jonathancallender8185]

What a great site. Well done 👍🏻

[@palkokity8235]

So, if I have a 2008 or later 4200 and want to throw on a turbo, I would have to get a p12 ecu and switch to an earlier crankshaft? Does the p12 work with the later 58 tooth reluctor wheel? I am trying to search online and everything that I see is for V8s and other engines.

[@Shane-Singleton]

I've had my eye on a Trailblazer as a second vehicle. The specific one is a 2006. So thankfully the upgraded head. Thanks for putting this video out.

[@lorencoger5045]

I have an 07' 4200 that spun a rod bearing, and its too far gone for the crankshaft and rod cap to be machined! I found an 02' 4200 what do i need to do to make it work for my 07'? Can i use the 02' lower( block, crank,) and use the 07' head, oil pan, n timing gears, or will it not work that way?

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

Engine, not motor!!

[@prevost8686]

GM has a problem with success. The few times that they have designed and implemented good powertrains they’ve always ended up ruining it. It’s like actual success scares the crap out of them.

[@JackS425]

I cant believe the earlier cranks only have a 7 tooth pattern. No wonder people have a hard time diagnosing misfires on these things.

[@ricardojimenez9628]

Hello budy one question, i saw that you have a lot of experience how can install on these engine a t5 transmmission, is there an adapter for this transmission?? Any idea??

[@thehammermanduke]

Good Stuff!!!

[@cryofroze_2552]

Does anyone know if there’s a video about swapping the newer parts to the older engine? I have a 03 trail blazer

[@vinceyoung5912]

So basically use the 2006 and newer engines

[@mobilemowers]

So friend has an 07 2x2 with bad engine / rod knock till it warms up after short time drive comes back. He got a deal on an 04 4x4 thats clean. Seems the crank and cam teeth count are the same. Only issue maybe the vvt on the cam as they changed 06/up ? If that isn't an issue should work fine since change rails or what minor things over. Don't thing oil pan isissue. Yard was saying they should interchange according to Hollander. Thanks

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. Should interchange. Like you said the VVT is the only question mark.

[@modeverything1]

Did any of them get a forged crank? In some of the 3500v6 (non vvt) GM put a forged crank in them, and others got a cast, but they all got the PM rods.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

I don't think so.

[@wil8115]

another great vid thanks, Calvin.

[@kouriedonahoo1940]

You can expand virtual VE in HP Tuners for the e67 and 4200 into 3 bar while still utilizing the MAF for NA conditions.

[@benandjakehuston6321]

Can you confirm that? You're speaking from experience?

[@charleslowe522]

What about the block itself and the main caps. Also, what does it take to get an 08 block up and running, I mean what aftermarket ECU? MS Squirt?

[@five12man]

Dude, so obvious you want the refresh model! Great breakdown, excellent detail, got the 4200 in my mind for a project. Def an '06 to start 😎

[@rattyratstuff7125]

Have an sr20de sentra here at the shop rn. Really want that motor. Also have an 06 trail blazer at the shop. Really want that motor too haha

[@five12man]

@@rattyratstuff7125 That's a shoehorn! I'm back on my old bullshit, straight power train "swap" into an 80s hearse. It will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine

[@blackericdenice]

I'm glad I found your channel. I bought a 2004 TB with 65k miles in 2008. I still have it and it now has 178k miles. I'm picking it up today from the transmission shop. They rebuilt the tranny because the tc blew up. It's a great suv less the bad mpg. It has never fail an emission test.

[@marlo0oty213]

I've seen some of your vids. You are always missing with the tranny and the tcm,, so what happened? Why did it blew up?!

[@blackericdenice]

@@marlo0oty213 I guess because I install a Corvette servo a long time ago. It was shifting to 2nd. too hard for a long time.

[@marlo0oty213]

@@blackericdenice still you had a chance for a manual tb or some other gear to try other than the 4l60

[@blackericdenice]

@@marlo0oty213 I would like to install a 6L80.

[@marlo0oty213]

@@blackericdenice I can’t wait to see that. Good luck but I guess the trans housing is different you may have to make a custom adapter plate!

[@badwabbit1973]

so what's the rod upgrades as knocking 4200 seems everywhere

[@faygoforthejuggalo]

Could you run an 04 motor in an 07 would the phasers mess up it running correctly

[@theboogyman4985]

Great video 👌🏼, 4200 vortec i6 are great motors, change oil every 3000 miles, it's good threw

[@seanbrosnan2074]

My mom has a old 2003 trailblazer with a 4200. 120,000 miles, beat up a little but in decent condition. Transmission is like 20,000 miles cause it died at 100,000 (I don't know why, mom had to get it replaced). Going to dust it off, has been outside sitting for the past year, get it inspected and add maybe the ss body kit to it and some bigger tires, and do e85 swap with some boost and it will be prime.

[@Smittyschannel]

Isn't that an awful lot of compression to be adding a turbo to? We were always told use a low compression motor if you're adding boost

[@Calvin-Nelson]

And on the 5th day God created alcohol, and everyone made more power, and it was good. You can get it from the pump these days. It's pretty sweet

[@jessesims4654]

After watching this I want to put an 06-08 head and pcm on my 02 envoy. The kids love when I red light race ricers. It sounds pretty nasty through a 40 series flowmaster at 6500 rpm also.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Careful. Headbolts like to snap.

[@jessesims4654]

@@Calvin-Nelson duly noted. I assume you're talking about disassembly. I would definitely go back together with new ones. Thanks for the info.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

@@jessesims4654 yes. Disassembly.

[@kipholder8577]

Do they make better head bolts for the 4.2 that will resist snapping like ARP bolts??

[@Calvin-Nelson]

@@kipholder8577 I have found that gen 3 LS head bolts are just about the perfect length and thread. You want the long ones. The Vortec 4200 head bolts don't snap going together. They snap trying to remove them.

[@FELiPES101]

holy crap the exhaust ports on the 06 are like 30% larger than the 05

[@wildsubstance1449]

is it possible to run a turbo 400 or turbo 350 or a 700 r4 transmission behind the 4.2

[@elvisflores4612]

I have 02 engine that engine is good. Or not???? What engine do you recommend????

[@markgriffin847]

Great video. I have watched this video many time studying and learning about the 4200. Thanks

[@timcountryman961]

Wow. Such an informative video! Thank you! So is the '02 to '05 the 4.2l/254 and the later engines the 4.2l/256?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Nah. They're all 254s

[@casestyer1166]

Im thinking about a high rpm build. You spoke of these 4200's revving to 10,200 rpm. What valvetrain and rotating assembly would they be using?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Definitely have to shim the lifters to essentially make then solid. Another hot ticket is to use Ecotech followers. They are stronger, and interchange. Not sure what to recommend on valve springs. I found a set of 2JZ valve springs that will work, I just don't know if it will work at 10,000 RPM. These engines have very bad harmonics at around 6,500 RPM. Guys that are taking them to 10,000 RPM run like 7,000 stall converters. Basically they just get through the bad harmonics as quickly as possible. I would probably be wise to put cams in it so that it will make power at that RPM. Billet cams are expensive, but you probably can get away with a regrind. In my opinion the stock cams are pretty decent and you can do a lot with them. Not sure if they'll support power at 10,000 rpm.

[@BBsAuto]

I pulled an engine from an 07 and am putting it in an 08 I see the flywheel is different on it... Anybody notice this? I checked the cam phaser same and the crank sprocket also the same... So what is the reason for the change torque converter? Also it has a bearing in the back of the crank? Kinda like a throw out bearing but not Actually they are both from 08 but one is from a TB and one from an envoy. The year and date on the door was 07/07 but the title was 08

[@Calvin-Nelson]

08 should have 58 tooth. If it has the 7 tooth, it's not an 08

[@zuke9966]

Is it possible to put an 06 engine in an 08? If so what needs to change? ECU? and Harness?

[@aimvee45]

Your Knowledge is AMAZING!! Thanks for making this video. Keep up the work, and I'll keep following!

[@kesdersontheodore9887]

Hey brother I have a 2005 trail blazer ls wit a 4200 I just got an 1986 caprice four door I was wondering can I swap out the engine from the trail blazer into the old school box Chevy caprice? Thank your answer would help me a lot brother 🙏🏽💙💯

[@Calvin-Nelson]

When there is a will there is a way. Just have to get the tape measure out and see how hard it is going to be. Measure the length and height, available and make your decision. With a sawsall and a welded anything is possible.

[@slfrules1]

Those 06+ heads!! Ports are still a little lower/smaller than one might like to see but otherwise look like they're down to flow!

[@bk2life]

i know this video is a few years old now, but, why 'only 450' hp? that doesnt even seem worth doing a turbo or anything else? If you were talking in the 850 hp levels i would understand, but, a 6.0 with a cam is in the 450 hp levels. So, i dont get it?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

We've done so much more since then. Turns out a stock bottom end went over 800whp, and we are getting close to 1000whp on our built engines. It's cool if you don't get it. It will never compete with an LS. I do this because I like it, not because it makes sense.

[@fuhkoffandie]

you're going to laugh at me, and this sounds pretty ignorant, what I'm about to say. I just noticed something that makes the 4200 kind of bulletproof, compared to the V8 and LS motors: on the v8LS: main/rod-rod/main.... on the 4200: main/rod/main/rod.... Now, I know the LS can handle tons of horsepower. That basic v8 crank layout is in top fuel motors making 11,000 horsepower. I'm not saying v8s aren't strong. All that I'm saying is, just by the look of the crank in the Atlas, it should be able to handle tons of horsepower more easily, with less stress on that crank. If you ever want to see something really funny, look under an early 6 cylinder, or a flathead V8.... it amazes me, how few main journals you need, for engines with so many cylinders, LOL

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yep. Now you are starting to understand. I've seen the early 6 cylinders. Like 4 main caps. Crazy.

[@overbuiltautomotive1299]

yes i need know this as the wiki said a redesign happened thank you ill be using this with manual transmission may want to use in a 4x4 also any suggestions just subscribed .be blessed man

[@smoothoperator3203]

I've put an 06 engine into the 05 trailblazer and engine doesn't run, misfires as if out of time. Can I remap the ECM to accommodate the change? Been told it would never run. Any suggestions?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Should run fine. They have the same trigger type. I'd check to make sure the cams are timed correctly. Go though the basics. Check for bad coils, injectors, etc.

[@hermatred572]

A man who truly knows his craft. I'd wager you over the GM engineers on some of that info

[@georgef1176]

I’m assuming you can put a 06+ head onto a 02-05 4200 if you have a complete dressed 06 head setup?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yes

[@MrBigR928]

So everything on my 2005 engine sucks except the crankshaft 😭 That ok, she still runs like a swiss watch & hauls a** when I mash on it 👍🏿

[@Calvin-Nelson]

I wouldn't say that it "sucks". We've made excellent power with 02-05 engines.

[@gregkelly6835]

Probably a weird question but, how much difficulty in harness (and ecm) change would it be to put a early engine in an 06 and up?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Not hard at all.

[@joeinmi8671]

My usual tuner cannot flash '06-'07 computers. Any idea why? To add: These engines are very sensitive to oil change intervals and quality of oil. IIRC a full dressed engine is roughly 550lbs. About the same as an iron headed SBC. Theyre not light weights.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

No idea. I've never tried to flash one, so not sure. No they are way lighter than that. A bare long block is 320 pounds.

[@Christdeliverme]

Why the decrease in power on the last two years of the 4.2's production life?

[@joeinmi8671]

Possibly emissions or SAE rating requirements. Having driven and worked on all of them, the 08-09 engines are the smoothest, most power etc. in factory form.

[@driller524]

Awesome video Calvin. Seriously valuable info here. One question. How much does the long block weigh?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

A bare long block weighs about 320pounds.

[@driller524]

Thank you. That is much lighter than I expected. Some day I will get one and thanks to you will not have to learn the hard way.

[@izzydunn73]

The project I have in mind is taking the atlas and putting it in a z31 300zx frame and making a very fun car out of it

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Nice! Do it!!

[@benvin10365]

This video is great information.

[@SpaceRanger187]

so what year is the best to get. Or what parts do you change without having to have anything done.. seems like buy an 08 09 if you can

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Totally depends on what you want to do. For best parts available, you mix and match. If you don't want to turn the world sideways, any engine will work. If you want to use a stock computer, 08-09 is the way to go.

[@maxniffacent6120]

I have an 09 that just spun a rod bearing. I’m suspect of those squirters, what do you think?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It's possible. We've run the roods with piston oil squirter up to 713 whp and not had issues though.

[@mattbowden1139]

So can the 06 up head and cams be installed on the 05 down block? Or can the 05 down crank go in the 06 up block?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yes, and yes

[@mattbowden1139]

@@Calvin-Nelson outstanding. Thank you.

[@ZaphodBeeblebrox042]

@@Calvin-Nelson so if the later rods and piston fit on the 12 counterweight crank would the rotating assembly be unbalanced or does it not matter? Also Thanks for all the great information you share. It’s awesome

[@tonyrush8531]

Just wondering 🤔 if I could use the new type of ignition coils on an 03 trailblazer?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yes. I sell adapter kits

[@jamest.5001]

So it's much like a LS, they all will GO, only you may want a aftermarket ecm, do the later model heads fit the early engin? Great video, I appreciate the knowledge!!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

If what you are asking is do the LT heads fit on the LS, then yes the bolt holes line up. They changed the dowel locations, and again you have to come up with a solution for the valve order.

[@jonathancallender8185]

Looks like I’m 06 the chamber volume may have been reduced I see in the video on the exhaust side more aluminum in the chamber

[@Calvin-Nelson]

They do have higher compression.

[@DarkKokoro84]

Calvin, by chance do you happen to know the oem part #'s for the p12 ECU & the 12 Counterwight crank? Thanks!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

I don't, but you could probably easily find it on GM parts direct.

[@DarkKokoro84]

@@Calvin-Nelson i looked on rock auto but theres actually so many i wanted to be exact if possible.

[@bensonkilpatrick9981]

Hey buddy got a wrecked 09 Trailblazer I6 will that go in a 06 Trailblazer I6 with no electrical problems or anything

[@Calvin-Nelson]

09 has a different ecm, so no

[@bensonkilpatrick9981]

@@Calvin-Nelson thanks man getting tired of waiting for a 08 09 to show up needing motor....

[@NoSlackZak]

The 4200 God over here. Thank you!

[@jello3141]

My gmc envoy is trembling in fear

[@ЗРИВЪКОРЕНЬ]

Да как вы понимаете друг друга на этом языке.......

[@FDChappy]

Joining the Vortec 4200 club and going to do a frame swap with a '65 IH pickup. I'm wanting to do some work with the P12 ECU. What software are you using to do your programming. I'm just looking to delete a few sensors that won't be needed for my build and perhaps setup, if possible, a 2 or 3 driving mode system. Thanks for turning me on to this platform. I built a Spit6 back in the day and that was a ripper little I6.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

HP tuners is what I would use.

[@FDChappy]

Ouch $500 bucks, looks top of the line though.@@Calvin-Nelson

[@EddieGilliland-m3v]

Thank you, thank you verry much.

[@jonathancallender8185]

Anyone else get the feeling factory was about to boost power with a turbo or supercharger and then it never happened?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

There are pictures of a twin turbo engine they were developping.

[@524_td]

The days of 200 dollar 4200s are long gone folks... at least in my area :(

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Still finding them in ours.

[@TigsFixnFab]

Do all the newer parts " bolt on" to an 02 engine for a rebuild intended for turbo application?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yes

[@georgef1176]

I just scored a 04 atlas 4.2 with 106k miles for $300 bucks. Ran great in a rust bucket. My mint 03 envoy just hit 270k miles and finally started making the worn valve seat diesel sound.