Building Our Most Powerful Vortec 4200 Yet - Start to Finish

Today we go through the assembly of our first Ameri-Barra Vortec 4200 with Forged Molnar Rods, and Forged Wiseco Pistons. The hope is to make north of 1000 whp with this setup and really try to put the 4200 on the map!
T-Shirts: www.paccracing...

[@cesargomez1637]

20 years waiting for this.

[@TheSkatertyler7]

Blessedddd

[@donaldindividual-1]

I owned 2 Chevy trailblazers and the torque was better for pulling my boat than my F-250 with a 5.4 gas 2 valve. Smooth power too!

[@josiahkierstead1499]

@@donaldindividual-1the amount of torque those things made is incredible for what they were. And the power band is almost endless, it just pullllls and pulllllls

[@slfrules1]

The amount of ingenuity going into this engine is wild! Wish you the best at Sick Week!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks!

[@Low760]

I see it as more old school, people used to do things like cut the end off other engine cranks to fit to different motors, particularly in Australia, 308 Holden's got 350 chev cranks with Holden flywheel ends, Holden red motors had Falcon 250ci cranks with the flywheel flange welded on, other examples exist. I know b18 and b20 Volvo motors used Holden 6 cyl pistons also. But they were inferior to the mahle units.

[@HannahRoot55]

@@Low760Umm

[@domenicomonteleone3055]

​@@Calvin-Nelson hi 👋 from 🇨🇦 # YSW I wanted to know how your dad is doing !!!!!!!

[@eliasmelendez1271]

Just for your information, I'm a machinist and also a huge honda enthusiasts. Honda guy's when they run forged pistons and forged connecting rods they delete the oil squirters because you want to control oil pressure threwout the engine. Oil squirters reduce oil pressure for those nessessary items like bearings. Plus we also delete vtec because alot of people noticed that when you fall out if vtec your oil pressure drops causing premature bearing wear.

[@InexorableOne]

This is how hot rodding started. This is what used to make it awesome. It's nice to see it still exists. I dream of modding the 4.2 in my trailblazer

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Can't wait to see it run! I bet it is going to haul ass! Your Mom has to be one of the sweetest persons on this earth! She's awesome!

[@davidanderson2393]

I really admire the efforts and engineering that goes into your quest to get more power and reliability from the 4200, Happy Holiday's

[@roadrunner4404]

1000 at the rear wheels once you fine tune it. Love this build. I would be so happy to have a 700 hp version that lives a long life. Merry Christmas

[@ericbengtson3490]

The metal music when you were bolting the head down in high speed was great.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks!

[@edmahonejr.9364]

@@Calvin-Nelson I’m surprised that you don’t get the top of the cylinders machine for hoops to hold in the boost

[@Calvin-Nelson]

@@edmahonejr.9364 Haven't had a problem with it yet. Only trying to make 1000whp. That probably won't be needed until like 1500whp

[@edmahonejr.9364]

@@Calvin-Nelson Awesome I really enjoy watching your videos and what you’re doing with these 4200s

[@gofastparts4u]

Man, I grew up on straight 6's and love these things. First was a built 225 Chrysler, then a 300 Ford and now I'm dying to do a 4200! The power you're getting out of these little motors is nothing sort of amazing! My '84 GMC 1500 needs a turbo 4200!

[@GreatLakesLogger]

I have a 76 c20 I'm waiting on money to build. I've been contemplating everything from sbc to ls to Om606, and now I'm thinking about a 4200. 😂

[@Low760]

Great work. Milling new parts is always fun. I'd love to see David vizard have a go at these heads, would be awesome to send one and a cut open one. Maybe Richard holdener could organise it?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

That would be cool.

[@sixx6sixx107]

I've been watching this channel for at least a year & never saw the nova wagon....🤔 time to go back to the beginning.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

That is what started it all for me. Look at the Drag Week 2005 coverage on the 1320 video Channel.

[@joesf1026]

These videos get me motivated to finish my garage and start on my first 4200 build. Probably make around 1020 hp.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Do it!

[@joesf1026]

@@Calvin-Nelson oh it's happening

[@geoffreyadams6236]

Great to see what you are doing with these engines. I loved the end mill in a chuck, a true christmas miracle.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Lol. I knew someone would comment on that. It was the only I could get it to clear the rod without hitting it. Merry Christmas!

[@chrisestill8825]

I just watched Ron Covell’s video of making a water tank for Blondihacks and he did the same thing and called himself out for the faux pax

[@domenicomonteleone3055]

@@Calvin-Nelson Calvin this is a very important video more information on what ever you could share with us all would be much appreciated Thank you kindly respect back to you from 🇨🇦 #YSW Domenico Monteleone

[@scrapmetal_sleepers]

This is going to be so ridiculous, cannot wait

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks bud!

[@robwigglezz944]

Clever fixturing

[@balljointfd3s]

I love his build. 1. Your wife/GF (idk) sounds like a real sweetheart 2. I like how you didn't get greedy on the compression ratio, I see so many people pushing crazy CR's and end up with blown motors. 3. This is obviously a passion project for you and while I might have left a negative comment in the past I can say, I get it. It makes it so much more fun when you say can say that you were the first at something; even if others don't get it. So anywho, I wish you the best and can't wait to see more of this build. I also hope that Cheesecake was great! Last thing! OMG that is probably the most controversial ported head on KZbin! LOL! Please run into the Cleetus gang and get LS George to sign in!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

That's my Mom. Lol. Cheesecake was good.

[@sijonda]

Go get'em.

[@seancollins9745]

she made you a cheesecake and helped put the engine together, good man putting a ring on it !!

[@FrankieJames7]

Single handedly increased trailblazer prices

[@Calvin-Nelson]

We don't get enough views for that to happen. Lol. They made like 11 million of these things.

[@danielcarroll5667]

"Old blue eyes" and Elvis may have sang "did it my way" Y'all live it ! I'm thinking 13-1400 whp & eventually you having to "sandbag" to stay outta the 7's , merry Christmas to you wonderful folks & I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to see a Family like y'all , someone please have a slice of that cheesecake for me !

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas

[@Jesayou]

Its so wild that you are giving the engineers at GM the credit they deserve with this motor with a ton of effort by you. That line where you said GM thought that was a good Idea so you were doing it too, not many people notice that stuff, I'm glad your introducing another "cheap" platform to all hot rodders, tuners and racers

[@TheBruhaba]

You’ve gotten really good at video producing. Fun to watch! I came across the same Subaru wiseco some years ago when I built mine but between the modification effort and the cost for 8 vs 6 I called up venolia and had them make what I wanted. Best of luck! Looks like fun! Thanks for your efforts!

[@MrBigR928]

That Blue station wagon is a beast with this 4200🥰👍🏿

[@PikemanLures]

Side milling in a Jacob's chuck is not a good idea. the chuck is on a taper and can pop off with excessive shear force. It would be best to use R8 collets whenever possible. Love the video, looking forward to more content.

[@warrenlucier5796]

The crankshaft and harmonics may be the next bridge to cross. I'll say 1200 HP is gonna shoe up 👍.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

We will see

[@EdBoi18]

That's where a fluid filled damper would probably help. I've been kinda half ass looking to see if there's something off the shelf like Fluidampr that would work on my 3700 swap I'm starting, just for shits and giggles lol. Just throwing that idea out there

[@rickardfuzzboylindahl1571]

1350 HP !!! This is fun , Happy holidays....looking forward to see more Volvo stuff !

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@shannonsisk]

Can’t wait to see 1000+ whp 👍

[@g.o.b.2558]

NM🇺🇲 Stay blessed and Merry Christmas everyone!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@plumbs7199]

Love the Barra , Ameribarra banta ! Good luck ! I’m Aussie so have to go for the Barra lol!

[@nathand7560]

Yeah Barra stomps it ay man, but I love seeing people try different things 👌 Have you seen the Frankensix? Ford 300 six with a chopped up Cleveland head on it?

[@joshjohnson3005]

Fantastic stuff my man.

[@danielfmyers]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@pablojanski.2559]

Make a ring holding fixture to mount to your lathe tool post. chuck up a stone wheel in the chuck and use an indicator for your z travel. instant ring filing tool. you're welcome!

[@TheZaxx]

I have a '66 Chevy Van. It came with a 194 straight 6. I think a 230 and a 250 were options, but a V8 was not. The dog house won't fit a V8. I could modify the dog house, but I think I'd rather drop a 4200 in it.

[@supercuda1950]

Richard Holdner posted one of these engines running on propane using a distributor and propane mixer. Thanks for the video.

[@BigBlock402]

Love this engine build. I think its amazing that you found an off the shelf piston that will work with just a minor mod. I wish you the best this year. Hope you bring the Fairmont to No Name Nationals in 2023.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks. We will see.

[@floatingdoc4757]

As always, impressive to see what you're doing with this engine. I've been a Nelson family fan ever since I started attending the GRM Challenge. My guess for power output on this one is that you're going to surely reach the 1000 HP mark at the crank, quite possibly even 1000 WHP or more. Stock crank and block still, and a remarkably modest budget, very impressive.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks for following. Either of those numbers would be great!

[@russellzacharias3535]

You've "convinced" me, now IF I ever get to building one, who knows. What is not to like? Music selection par excellance Good word, fettling. Math I can understand. Paying attention to details at PRI. Custom tooling and fixtures. True hot rodding. Parts used for "not original purposes", modifying pistons and rods...but not really exotic, I mean in terms of machining fairly straight forward, that you could do it in house is a bonus. Best of successes in the New Year!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@riffraff9000]

Yep, I learned a new word today, "fettling." (And this spell-checker thinks I spelled that wrong. lol)

[@hendo337]

It's as much of a shame Holden didn't get the Atlas 4200 as it is that Ford USA didn't get the Barra and Chrysler US didn't get the Hemi 6. I can remember when this engine first came out the car rags gave it a little coverage. I remember being blown away by the turbo 4.2 Trailblazer trophy truck. I was always mystified that they didn't replace the crappy 4.3 V6 in base Silverados with he 4.2, the idea of a 4.2 with a 5 speed manual in a reg cab short box 2wd Silverado seemed really exciting to me, a base engine worth having with 270hp, the strength, durability and economy of an I6. In around 2007 HRM had a survey asking readers what they wanted the next generation Camaro to be powered by, I had to write in the 4.2L I6, again, it would have been great in a car with a 6 speed manual making around 300hp as the base engine. Even if GM couldn't implement iVCT and DI into the Atlas 4.2, I think they are morons for not designing a DOHC I6 with all the tricks instead of a crap V6, they could even use tricks like a pair twin volute turbos they designed for the 2.7L I4. They could easily scale that engine up to a 4L I6 and eat the 3.5 Ecoboost for lunch. I believe that an I6 has legitimate advantages over a V6 in a RWD application where it will easily fit. It's also a platform that is strong enough to survive under boost through a long warranty period. Ram is supposed to be making a 3L turbo I6 to replace the Hemi. Great stuff, you're doing the kinds of things I wish I could do. My 2004 GTO 6spd has the engine out right now... maybe I should be going Atlas 4.2 turbo instead of another LS or 408 stroker iron block.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yup. There is still time to have fun with them.

[@actifenpleinair3784]

the new GM 3.0 liter diesel is an inline 6 and gets outstanding MPG

[@Bolton115]

Always wanted to take a new GTO and stick in a real Pontiac 389 or even 421 Super Duty V8, using the new style engine management, of course. Those old Ponchos made torque like no LS, cube for cube. You can get aluminum heads and all manner of EFI intakes and headers and whatnot. Would just be awesome to have a real Pontiac powered GTO.

[@ericbengtson3490]

Those ports looked great!

[@Nefariousrouge]

Now let's see it scream!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Soon. Very soon!

[@DrArtshotrodrehab]

Great video sir Merry Christmas

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!!

[@philbetthauser9547]

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Calvin .

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@dannymitchell6131]

This is the stuff I love to see. This seems like a great platform, hopefully the aftermarket starts to adopt it a little bit more.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. It's coming.

[@dannymitchell6131]

@@Calvin-Nelson Awesome, we can't all have a 2JZ.

[@HannahRoot55]

@@dannymitchell6131 Where are you from ??

[@dannymitchell6131]

@@HannahRoot55 Why are you asking for people's locations on the internet? Not being confrontational but it's a strange way to step into a comment/reply/thread, especially with bots and phishing. Where are you from? If it helps, me and OP live in the same country lol

[@MrKornhole]

Reminds me of some of the wild stuff that we did to our circle track engines like putting a 12.5 to 1 forged 350 Chevy piston in a Ford 300 straight 6. Not as hard to do as you think.

[@Bolton115]

Pistons don't really care what make the bore is.

[@ivandukemusic]

The series on the 4200 is very informative. I think I am going to try to do a stock junkyard with a small amount of boost. I have never done a turbo or any ecu tuning but this looks like a cheap easy option. Thanks for sharing this with us!!

[@prevost8686]

I absolutely love the background music.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks

[@Edward135i]

16:40 Pretty cool George ported that Head when he still worked at Fasterproms, he's like a real celebrity now.

[@michaelblacktree]

This engine is gonna be spicy! Can't wait. 😎

[@jameshyatt9631]

I guess you feel confident the crank is up to it based on what you have seen so far! All the best of luck at Sick Week!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. GM is usually pretty good at making strong cranks. Thanks!

[@balljointfd3s]

@@Calvin-Nelson How do you think about the Main Bearings holding up?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

@@balljointfd3s they've held up on every other engine we have done.

[@The_King_Smitty]

with that port job its gonna shoot for the moon

[@SloppyMechanics]

Here

[@McChevy]

I would like to thank you for your Videos, I have a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer 4200 and learn a lot from your Videos...

[@biastv1234]

As an Australian, the Barra is awesome, but the 4200 has an extra 200 cc’s. So you are probably on a winner

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Eh. Turbos definitely even the playing field.

[@nerd1000ify]

High output Barras are often de-stroked to 3.9L for higher revs, so rpm limits are also definitely a factor.

[@jafferm1938]

Awesome videos. I love these engines

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thank you very much!

[@chrismartin6544]

Saw you an 1320’s sick week Video I like you are doing different stuff new sub. Keep up the good work.

[@unclecowboy2003]

These are badass little motors it’s great you’re sharing your journey with everyone thank you

[@Calvin-Nelson]

You're welcome

[@paddle_shift]

"Push it down in" that's what she said 😂

[@BigFun4Life]

Thanks as always for sharing your knowledge..Merry Christmas 🎄

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@hondatech5000]

Over 9000!!! Excellent work Calvin Merry Christmas video looks cool

[@RogeriusRex]

9001

[@tommozzarella2671]

Best of luck with going deep into the 8's guys & happy holidays!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks. Merry Christmas!

[@josiahkierstead1499]

LS George would be proud

[@papajon-1000]

Excited to see the progress!

[@craigfiles7067]

Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@daniellundmark3336]

Great work! Im guessing around 1050whp

[@peterbarlow8912]

When I had a F150 6-stick I heard about this engine and thought sweet! D’oh not in a pick up! Now we have a F150 2.7 twin turbo getting a steady 20 mpg (3.75 rear).

[@zrxdoug]

I'm guessing 1140hp with new and improved ludicrous boost levels..color me optimistic. 😁 Hope all the new forged bits add a butt-load of longevity to this little beast. Merry Christmas to you & your amazing family, thank you again for the entertainment and insight you bring to the table.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas

[@jimskatr103]

this channel makes me want to build my trailblazer!!

[@T3CHET]

Merry Christmas Calvin and crew

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@riffraff9000]

Love the editing! 🤘🤘

[@ryandeweese363]

Just rebuilt my 2008 ram 4.7 engine and it also has 3.66 bore size!! It beats your Subaru compression height at 1.16 and therfore would eliminate the need to machine the pistons down to lower the compression height....Love your channel and since everything turned out great with the (2008) 4.7 I've been doing my homework on what engine I'd like to build next...acquired a 92 mercury capri I'd love to drop a 4200 vortec in , and do a rwd conversion, deff need to do some more homework, Love the channel and content!!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks man. The next important part is the pin size.

[@thomasward4505]

I like your old school oil can, don't think they make those anymore because they're probably too dangerous

[@Calvin-Nelson]

What? Dangerous? How?

[@al73r]

Ha this crazy I ran those pistons ... Sounds like I'm supposed to build a 4200

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Do it!

[@GIGABACHI]

Looking forward to your progress. 🔥✊ Happy Krishmas and Happy New Year to you and all your fine subbed people. 🥂🎊🎉🍷🍸

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@loFiFrequency]

Now this is Hot Rodding!

[@jamesguralski5156]

Awesome vids. I enjoy them! I have a 2009 Cadillac Escalade ext with a 6.2 Liter. No DOD! Thank god....

[@jeffleary1598]

At least you only had to mill 6 pistons..this is fun to watch

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yessir.

[@buckeyduck]

Great video.

[@jonathonbelton2387]

Hope you get at least 1200 out of it!

[@michaeldenton8610]

Great work! Can't wait to see the results!

[@miltgsxr]

awesome and thank you for this post! pass on the knowledge. best wishes

[@boostedgringo5885]

Reminds me of my Porsche hybrid engine using Chevy pistons and Mitsubishi rods with an offset ground crank. Ended up being a real hit in the 944 community. I’ll guess 1100 rwhp. Man I would have liked to see some copper o rings in the deck. That’s been a saving grace for me and high hp 4 bangers

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. They don't have to do that one other stuff til like 1500hp. I think it will be fine. I have a coolant pressure sensor, so I'll be keeping an eye on it.

[@boostedgringo5885]

@@Calvin-Nelson yeah it’ll probably be ok. It’s a bit bigger engine to spread the load. Like twice as big lol. It’s just such an easy thing to do while you’re there. Good luck and happy holidays!!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@steventurner476]

Merry Christmas to the whole Nelson family. Keep up all the great work Calvin.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@Hummin_Along]

Ok you definitely get a sub for mentioning Marty and Moog.

[@georgef1176]

Have you ever seen the picture of the Gm performance twin turbo atlas 4200? It was the R&D motor for the trailblazer SS before they decided to use ls2. it’s a sweet setup.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yes I have.

[@xozindustries7451]

Merry Christmas to you and your family from mine! Looking forward to a great New Year, great luck on your projects!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas!

[@Christdeliverme]

Get'em Calvin

[@alealfa496]

Thank you máster, nice songs

[@bobg3034]

Need some 1pc stainless valves!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

We've run the stock valves to like 30 pounds of boost. They should be fine.

[@davek556]

Nice build!!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks!

[@johnwjr2905]

Merry Christmas to you and rest of the Nelson family. Guessing at 1050 WHP. Best of luck and we'll all see the results.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Merry Christmas! That would bee awesome!!

[@Diesel257]

I'd love to see some of this tech applied to the 4 and (especially) 5 cyl Atlas motors.

[@mp5778]

Thanks for another great video. Excellent editing and music. Happy Holidays and a great New Year!!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

You're welcome. Merry Christmas! Thanks for watching!

[@charleslowe522]

Bought a couple of the Nivlac57 Atlas T-Shirts, they are great. I need to buy the 6>8 t-shirt, it definitely stands out. Just like my Ford Barra t-shirt, says " Ford Barra says f*** your LS".

[@betaripoff]

Never even known this engine even existed until you have made the Barra vs 4200 video. Now I'm really dying to see what tuning potential this engine has got in store, perhaps it may surpass the 2JZ as *The Superior Straight 6 of all time* ?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

That would be a very tall task. It will definitely beat it in dollar per horsepower, though up to a certain point.

[@MrMiked37]

I own 2 trailblazers that have these engines and boy oh boy do they make torque

[@bloatedgoatfpv]

Merry Christmas! So wouldn't it have been easier to drill the jets into the rods and use bearings with holes from the newer engines than mill the slots? Just a thought.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

That would weaken the rod significantly.

[@GeeCeeAte]

I think this is my new favorite channel! Haha

[@Fk8td]

I really wish there was more aftermarket support for this engine. I always knew it was a good engine to build offer and they are everywhere. If they had the aftermarket support, the 2JZ motor did I think they’d be at the 2000 hp Mark by now.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It's coming soon. Very soon

[@uptownsamcv]

AWESOME!!

[@BroomysGarage]

Is the Fairmont certified to go faster than 8.50 ? You’ll be able to go head to head with the cresta, as I believe it will still be over there for sick week & drag week 2023.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It is not, but the Volvo is. That is the goal. The Cresta is only legal to 8.50 if I remember right.