We Put A BIGGER Turbo On My Vortec 4200 To Try And Make 1000 HP

Today we are going for 1000 Wheel Horsepower on a Forged Bottom End Vortec 4200 in my 1981 Ford Fairmont Station Wagon.
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[@johnlewis8156]

The car is amazing! You and your family are literally the best 4200 builders in America! You took it from 400 hp to 800. And without a formula to follow. Do you know how easy it's gonna be once you crack the 4 digit code on the Atlas?! Remember how you struggled with the vvt in the Stude back in the day?! You are there! You will figure out the last little piece to get you there and then you will find out that the blocks crack at 1800hp!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

I most certainly remember. Thanks for sticking with us. We will be there in no time!

[@nicksautorepair6936]

The whole recipe is awesome! A sleeper car that nobody would expect anything from. Powered by an engine most people ignore. I love it!

[@Heiznwulfwoodworks]

So glad I found this ! I really hope this 4200 starts getting more aftermarket parts asap.

[@dreadnaught688]

I wish there was support to adapt these to good transmissions

[@whatta7793]

@@dreadnaught688 they came in front of the 4l60e stock, so I'd assume you can run a 4l80e behind it, a built 4l80e can handle plenty of power, even with a few upgrades to the 60e you can put some power to it, sunshell, shift kit etc

[@dreadnaught688]

@whatta7793 you can't put a 4l80e behind them. The atlas motors had a special bellhousing that doesn't mate to any of the legacy GM transmissions. They made a special 4l60e for these motors

[@greapsoho]

​@@dreadnaught688there are bell housing adaptors specifically for the 4l80e to the 4200

[@mvc2177]

@@greapsohonice. Got a link to that?

[@ericbengtson3490]

The wood grain on that wagon completes the look. Smooth operator Calvin and his sidekick Hobbs going for oneTHOUSANDhorses with a 4200. 43psi of boost oh my!

[@oldschool8432]

All right guys. Great episode. Had a 4.2 in a trailblazer with 3.73 gears 2WD. She ran really good

[@Low760]

I started following your Studebaker build on the forums when i was on holiday in the u.s in 2018, it's a great journey for someone who isn't a professional workshop. Also would love to see you use a hub dyno.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

We may just have to do that.

[@domenicomonteleone3055]

​@@Calvin-Nelson 2024 will be a better Year for us all, Calvin you Rock 🎸 keep up all of your great work you are doing and have your Dad with you more in the videos 📹 😊😊😊😊😊

[@KCadbyRacing]

Exactly what I was going to say @@Calvin-Nelson My experience (with motorcycle dyno) is that loading the vehicle/tires more and more robs power, plus a hub dyno would show accurate numbers on converter, transmission slip...

[@piquat1]

As a trailblazer owner, this ish always cracks me up.

[@MOESPEED2002]

Thank you for sharing your journey. It's been one SPICY party! Looking forward to what 2024 will bring you and your family.

[@michaelblacktree]

Hard to believe it's been 5 years. Like they say, time flies when you're having fun. 😎 BTW, do you guys have access to a hub dyno? That would solve the traction issues. Also, happy new year!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

We're working on that.

[@J-Whit]

What a great video and an awesome journey. So many people dont realize how difficult it is to even make the power you've already made. Great job, and keep it up!

[@JDGeorge240sx]

Sounds like mix between the Toyota 1jz and 2jz engines. A hint of Nissan RB series too. I know they're all inline 6, but it just sounds so damn good! I have a 1jz personally. Im subscribed now!

[@ReallyJ.O]

Aussie viewer here and it’s just insane reminds me of the Barra so much massive turbo and big fuel system and they make such decent power really looking forward to seeing some time slips

[@thewraith6360]

Damn looks like its time to find a hub dyno! Not sure if that turbo will make it but im very impressed at the amount of beating that motor takes, if you think about it. Its a very tame entry level build, no billet rods or crazy i beams, no custom spec'd pistons with thick wall wrist pins, no sleeves, and chinesium head studs (iirc). Dont try that with a 2jz especially with stock mains! I know for a fact the g42-1450 replica turbos (78mm compressor wheel) have made 1050-1100 whp on a barra with a th400 so, might need to step up to a turbo with a slightly bigger compressor wheel, or a more over driven 76mm like the new 76/85

[@theguy9234]

I'm a datsun Z lover. So the 280z build really caught my attention. First time learning about this straight 6 motor. Didn't really know they existed.

[@prevost8686]

As a technician for many years I never thought that I would have any interest in a GM produced six cylinder engine yet here I am. You’ve put a lot of work into the content here as well as taking the 4200 to it’s limits of power versus durability. Almost all engines are capable of making crazy HP numbers but I like the ones that have the capability of making power and being reliable enough to run as a daily driver if necessary.

[@mcasteel2112]

You mean 682 ft lbs at the wheels with AC out of 251ci?

[@LoganC278]

Happy new year to you and the rest of the fam, hopefully 1000hp in the near future but I think in the grand scheme of things this is just another step forward in the right direction, you have certainly inspired many to look into this engine and I think thats a gift by itself

[@nickmudd]

I've been here for a lot of it 👍👍👍👍 love your content and I'm so glad your dad is doing well. My heart dropped when I saw the 1320 video of the crash. Keep on enjoying what you do!!!

[@edugj23]

Happy new year, it's been a pleasure to follow along ever since that comparison video with the LS/LT! By the looks of it, the dyno just can't handle that much power. But it's also a good idea to take a look into other potential mechanical issues. The results inspire confidence, anyway.

[@FredAllenBurge]

I think this thing needs either a G42 or a G45. VS and Pulsar have them available. The G Series turbine wheel is a big step forward from these older turbos. I have the VS G42 on my 5.3 and its been great, 1:1 BP at 22psi.

[@al73r]

Compound turbo setup!!

[@rigo4444]

yesss! compound is the solution :) . That engine is so robust that it seems like the perfect combination to me. I have for my project the same turbine as this project "precision 7576" and compound with a "precision PT6262" But my engine is 4 cylinders 2.0 L 16 valves .He is requiring more air and more injectors.

[@al73r]

100%!!!! @@rigo4444 Will also give him more usable power on the low end .. its a win win - check out the drag 2jz supra rocking a compound setup

[@Jared45513]

Thanks for putting in the EXTRA work of documenting all this. It has been fun to watch the progress, i learn a lot from you, your dad, and your mom, and more important for me, motivating to get working on my own stuff... Im like "Well Calvin built an entire race chassis and a custom intake this month.... I have to get these rings gapped" lol.. Happy new year to you and your family!

[@matthewschneider2089]

Dude!!! Never gets old!!! Watching inline make that horse power!!!!✌️

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

You have inspired me to look for a 2000's Trailblazer as a platform for my 41 Ford.

[@danieljames5875]

Hey bud, You've answered every reply or message that I've ever sent you and I appreciate that very much. I would say pull a cheat code and install a air to water to get your 1000hp... we all know you've been there several times at the Flywheel. I can't wait till you get the death star engine started. You are the absolutely best man for the job. Others are able to do it but you will be the guy that will set the bar and get 100's of people psyched up about it and do it in a way that people can learn from. Good luck and thank you for your input into the car culture & community... Happy new year and God-bless you & your family...

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks man. I think we have the problem identified. We will know soon. Appreciate the suggestion!

[@fuse8052]

Very cool to hear FasterProms mentioned here. I love his channel. Jeremy is amazing at what he does.

[@busabro6533]

Turning up the boost and making less power is from two things. Obviously the trans is hurting and won’t help but charge temps at 300 plus degrees is thin air even though it’s pressurized bring the charge temps down and you will see power increases dramatically. If the trans plus the charge temps don’t help the power then your turbo isn’t capable of the air flow to meet the 1000 hp goal. I would love to see a compressor map on the turbo I suspect it is inefficient at the higher boost levels and is far beyond its sweet spot . Good luck guy! Great content!

[@SkrtSkrtReview]

I have a Chevy trailblazer with that beautiful engine in it and I love the sound. I’ve recent begun my journey on trying to push its limits. You bless my heart and soul with the work you’ve done with the vortec. You also set a fire under me to do my best to build the fastest 4.2 vortec. I heard about your content while doing some research on the engine in a forum but this is pure bliss to listen to. Love to see you hit 1k horsepower with the vortec to show its potential. I love that sound.

[@GeeCeeAte]

RBs, JZs, and Barras are taxed wayyyyy too much nowadays. Then here Calvin is leading the way, showing us a 350$ American engine that can do more stock than any of those things can do built. The world owes you a gigantic favor for opening our eyes to these things. Thank you Calvin (and Pops Calvin)!

[@OhWizzer]

this is my first time ever hearing about this motor. i always thought chevy just used a 4.3 or a 5.3 for the trailblazer / envoys. gotta say im a big fan of this platform now

[@hondatech5000]

Excellent work. Thanks for all the great content over the last few years.

[@barettstrecker1582]

Hats off to you for pushing this platform to where it is now. I’m excited to dig into mine this summer. That being said I’m surprised Precision suggested the 7675 Sportsman. That turbine just isnt big enough or efficient enough to get the job done especially on a big displacement in-line 6. Your eMAP values confirm this. I would personally suggest a 7685 or 8085 Nex Gen from Precision. All the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder cars breaking records are running those and making absolutely crazy power. I’ve actually been told by the guys at English Racing that after the 6466 just jump right to the 85 series turbines. Skip the 75 series turbines completely. You have an older video kinda touching on this as well. I think it was an old GT35 that you were running and while it’s eating suggested it could reach a number, you found that with the larger displacement engine you needed to move up in size. Hope this was helpful and I’m looking forward to seeing what 2024 has for you and everyone else digging into the powerplant.

[@Fasterproms1]

Fantastic video man!! really wanna find one and start building it !

[@jittychitty]

Those strong little engines seem to have a really promising future for pumping up!

[@trunk8d]

I just love this. I've been enthralled with your teams progress. And i hope to find easier installation parts for swaps in the future for this engine. I'm considering a foxbody Cougar for install.

[@governmentcalamari9785]

The best measurement of whp is running it down the 1/4 or 1/8. Dynos are nothing but a tuning tool. Also to touch on your point of putting the 4200 on the map. You have 100% done that. As a gm guy I remember the first time anyone every mentioned the 4200 to me in a “performance” application. It was going to be a off-road setup with nothing to done to the engine to for reliability. Never heard about it from that point on. Until You,tony Angelo,and lucky costa really brought attention to the 4200 platform. I’m continually hearing about the 4200 in forums. 550-650 whp in a street car is going to put 99% of the guys who “you need X amount of power or your slow.

[@JH-vf8rm]

Happy New Year 🎉 Thank you for blessing us with non-typical KZbin content. Not knocking on most other car channels but it’s nice to finally see something different yet very interesting and entertaining 😊

[@nicksautorepair6936]

I just stumbled upon this channel. 1/31/23. I’m hooked! Even though you didn’t hit your goal, that 4.2 liter is making amazing power!😊

[@stevec5280]

Personally, I'd recommend addressing the B to B ratio. In addition to sorting out the trans. Also, a hub dyno seems like the next logical step. Y'all doin badass work 🤙

[@mross302]

900whp through an unlocked auto is about 1100 flywheel hp. Id say its making good power

[@Itsdarooster]

What's up brother happy New Year's I hope your channel really blows up cause your voice is calming and informative plus you're a patient dude plus your father is a genius like yourself I look forward to seeing all the awesome content that's in the future thank you for your information

[@robwigglezz944]

I think you need one of those transmission overflow containers that will drain back into the trans. Might have been low on fluid once it spit it out.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It has one now. Lol

[@robwigglezz944]

@@Calvin-Nelson awesome. Did you find any damage in the trans?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

@@robwigglezz944 Haven't torn it apart yet. We'll probably pull the pan to see if it is a glitter bomb.

[@z1berzerker]

Glad to see you are still on the planet 🌏 👍😎 Happy New Year... keep push 💪 the Atlas

[@Wreckedekcoupe]

The hurt auto trans is definitely not helping the 1,000whp goal like you stated, but it proved to be a reliable 750whp setup no problem. I also think other turbochargers would help make the 1,000hp goal.

[@tomasjones3755]

You're an 'Allright Guy' ;). Really like this build

[@user-ek3iq9pf4q]

Hi! Don't stop, next year everything will definitely work out. Happy New Year. Good luck!

[@jclaybaugh2]

Keep at it, our brother in speed!

[@lanceboyett9034]

Brother, you may not have made your mark on WHP, but I have faith in y'all and believe in all my heart that you will not only reach your goal, but you're going to exceed it. 🙏🏻💪🏻😁💪🏻

[@RestoHubAU]

Epic journey, looking forward to seeing where you take this build in 2024. Hapy new year!

[@bluecollarperformance1331]

Great video as always. I won a dyno shootout in 2008 on the 3rd pull when I pulled the reference hose off of the bottom of the wastegate and put it on the top and sent it.

[@boostedgringo5885]

Very timely release since I just messaged you about this on FB for my personal dilemma. That turbo should meet your goals honestly. I’m pretty sure your issue lies in the transmission and or the converter. I really appreciate your tenacity, I have gone through similar issues with the 4g63 (some documented on my channel). Just get that transmission fixed and get to the track. If you’re up for a winter road trip, our track is open year round. The fact that the engine held the boost safely may have just made my decision. I’m certainly not afraid of high boost as I run mid 60s regularly. HNY!!!

[@WhiteManXRP]

the 4200 fits so well in there.... sick shit Calvin+dad

[@richb.4374]

Happy New Year Calvin to you and your family! Here's to a 1000hp dyno pull.

[@rigo4444]

Friend, excellent video as always! Happy New Year!

[@380.motorsports]

I think you are right about the transmission and drivetrain losses combined with tire slippage. 1000 is probably there but measuring it gets tough.

[@panissepadilla3539]

I love the level of knowledge on the Vortec 4200!

[@camino6431]

You expressed some concerns about the exhaust pressure vs boost pressure in your engine and how much they both were going up as boost was increased. I would like to suggest that you watch the video that David Visard did about "Over 90% of turbo cams sold did not do the job!" He makes some observations that I think might help you. Just a suggestion.

[@CrazyTony65]

Big valves, big head ports, and big intake runners, on top of the turbo, as you said.

[@TrollFalcon]

Love that Fairmont wagon 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Pistonranch]

Hats off to you for all that you have accomplished. Keep the faith, I am sure you will hit 1000whp very soon! Pretty sure that engine has already produced near that power!

[@crsnhppr8256]

Man what y’all have done with these engines is great. I’d love an all forged low-boost (5-6psi) with a good cam for low end torque for an efficient reliable unique engine in a 60’s IH scout for daily and off roading.

[@CrazyQbin]

Here from the start and love to work man don’t give up happy new year to you and ur family

[@AJv-kb2pc]

Need to do this test with a manual trans might be a lot easier to get the 1000hp

[@whatta7793]

Holy guacamole this thing is NASTYYYYY. How am I just now learning about the 4200?! That thing is nuts bro, wishing you the absolute best with this engine. Subscribing to keep tabs on it because once again, GNARLY!

[@MC-oi3br]

May you and our family have a safe and happy new year!

[@JD-rq7il]

Happy new year! I have a crazy idea! How about a smaller turbo, like a 68/70, fed by something in the 80/83 range, for a good compound setup! I love compounds! Haha

[@jkreviea]

Happy new year, Calvin.

[@bvward]

Calvin, we all know that the secret to a good dyno session is a good Amish breakfast beforehand...☺

[@MikeLJ-ku7ov]

Outstanding job with that motor

[@mastercricket7626]

I have been wanting to get one these straight 6 ever since i found out about them cuz as u already know inline 6 are naturally balanced of primary and secondary nvh throughout the rotating assembly , but not everyone knows this hence y 2j , rb , b58 , bara , all inline powerhouses and of course Chevy bit back with the vortex 4200 and I want to build one with a awd , maybe even on a oem trailblazer that has the 42 already in it then just mod the pics outta it lol ... much respect brotha peace and love bro keep it rad stay safe and build on l8z fam and have fun.... ps y not go wide open side pipes 😅 or be ignorant like i do and just have a 18" hood dump straight off turbo 😂.... keep at it bro you got this and you have opened up sooo sooo many eyes on this platform.. Keep at it bro your pioneering this platform

[@rajcam80]

Great stuff!!!!!

[@StevenAndrews]

wish i could have run into you at PRI. love everything you're doing.

[@4BillC]

There is no doubt that you guys have put together an amazing engine. But being it's only a 6 cylinder to make that 1000hp, it's going to need a lot of boost. Just full send it and get one of those 98mm turbos. It'll do it, but will have a lot of lag.

[@5lcalais1]

At 43 psi it shouldn't have an issue making 1000, we make 1000 on 32 psi in barras here in Aus and they're only a 4L ,I honestly reckon it's the exhaust being too small holding it back, don't need back pressure on a turbo car, manifold and turbo provides plenty, I'd be going about a 4.5" dump with a 4" system, this is what we do on big frame turbos here 👍 It's 4.2L it's bigger than some v8s lol shouldn't be struggling like that.

[@Sleeperdude]

Very cool love the car

[@adamspencer3620]

As always man I love your vids

[@Fackler91]

Happy new year!

[@metalcharlie]

Brilliant judgie

[@niall21]

Your channel is so fun. Best of luck in 2024! I've recently had some RB20 problems in my Datsun and it really got me wanting one of these or more likely a 3700 because I have an uncontrollable urge to pick engines based on sound alone and 5ers are 👌👌. It's really a shame that it's the manual transmission options that have held me back. The RB20 into a 280zx was basically a bolt-in job with some wiring work but the 4200/3700 would be tons of work.

[@robwigglezz944]

Sounding spicy! I like it

[@coalstang]

can’t wait to see the next dyno session. 👍

[@Sincitytowingandtransport]

Happy new year 🎉 I think you need a bigger turbo and a better transmission ever thought about putting a manual behind it? I know y’all got one for your na car but after watching tic performances grub worm it got me thinking! Love what your doing 😊

[@kennynelson2269]

Might have done a little damage when it puked the fluid out.. it sounds rowdy as hell. Should be knocking on 1000 for sure.. awesome job man.. love the car

[@dontdowhatido6503]

How does the dyno graph look. Maybe if you can’t the the torque up just try to get the engine to make the same torque higher up (different cams?) because the math means that 750ftlbs at 6000 will make less hp than 750ftlbs at 7200. Also it has a lot of back pressure so maybe more exhaust valve lift and duration? I’m not an expert at this just throwing ideas out😂. Love your vids man can’t wait to see what you do with this engine and the Northstar engine too. Happy new year🎉

[@ze_german2921]

Compound turbo set up :-)

[@jamalcole1985]

Great video brother!!! That intro kinda had me impatient 😅

[@Mr._Flunky]

Was thinking about the continued problems y'all are having with the transmissions on the 4200s. Steve Morris was having similar problems getting his transmissions to hold up behind his SML, and it ended up being the torque converter too close to the pump face and not enough flow in and out of it. And when he spaced the trans away from his engine .150 or so, his problems went away. Maybe something to look into.

[@victorthecarguy3126]

Incredible achievement that you have made this hold together with so much boost. Engine dyno time?

[@robertpatton7442]

Great job! I was definitely also thinking that the clutch or converter, etc. could be slipping etc. It seems like you need to do wheel hub dyno for some accuracy there, and for RWHP, I would think a manual is the way to get the biggest number or have something that doesn't slip the torque converter too much. Good luck. Also, for THAT much power, I have to wonder how much more cam duration would help. I also wasn't sure about the intercooling setup.

[@dilsher12]

A true 1500CC injector on E85 and 95% duty cycle should make 1000 HP at the flywheel . So this tells me the tranny is sapping a lot of power . Looking forward to the 2024 content !!

[@HOTRODPOKEMON]

Port the head happy new year my man epic content

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It's already aggressively ported. Happy New Year!

[@HOTRODPOKEMON]

I was thinking apex makes a good turbo pfi runs them

[@Greaseland]

Happy Boost Year🎉

[@thatturbotruck]

I think it's a combination of transmission/converter issues. I do think that turbo is a touch small for the engine size but I also think that it can make close to 1000whp but it's going to be at the end of it. Keep working out the bugs and it will come I would bet money that you will hit 1000whp next year just from the knowledge gained this year. Happy New years!

[@thatturbotruck]

I had an 8082 t4 1.25 billet compressor wheel eBay turbo that I think would have been great for this combo. It made more power per psi than a vs 7875 1.25ar turbo. But there is a tradeoff when trying to make big power with relatively smaller engines. A 1000whp turbo on a small engine is going to have lag where a 500whp turbo will come on almost instantly. Pick the turbo that's going to meet your goal. If it's an et then use the turbo for that. If it's a whp goal then pick it for that. Or if it's a deal like yours maybe have two turbo. One to hit your 1000whp goal then once it's done put the other back on for your et goal and you can sell or repurpose the bigger one.

[@thewraith6360]

doesnt need an 80mm to make that power a 76mm compressor will do it, it just has to be an over driver 76mm like a 76/85. The G42-1450 makes 1100 to the wheel through a th400 on barra setups and thats a 78mm turbo.@@thatturbotruck

[@thatturbotruck]

@@thewraith6360 the 8082 I replaced my 7875 with was a bigger turbine wheel. I wasn't compressor limited I was turbine limited on a single turbo v8

[@thewraith6360]

@@thatturbotruck Very vague and open ended statement but okay. Theres alot more to a turbo then just the turbine wheel, thats often over emphasized when there are more limiting factors that contribute to turbo characteristics, its usually housing AR size and compressor wheel that is the limiting factors before the turbine wheel is ever a limiting factor. The turbine wheel just drives the compressor wheel which is the dictator of how a much a turbo will flow, and the turbine housing AR contributes much more to back pressure then a turbine wheel does.

[@thatturbotruck]

@@thewraith6360 id beg to differ on the a/r making more difference than the wheel size. But otherwise I'm agreeing with you. On single turbo v8s you are far more likely to hit the turbine wheel limit before the compressor limit. A 78mm compressor wheel will go a long way for sure. But a 7875 1.25ar turbo you will hit a turbine limit before a compressor limit is what I was saying. The new turbo just happened to have a larger compressor wheel on the new one I got. I purchased it for the turbine wheel. I've moved on since then and have now went t6 s488

[@S4Meow]

Have you checked intercooler efficiency? I see that pressure ratio still being high and wonder if 43psi manifold pressure is truest what the compressor is seeing at the turbo outlet. If there’s a big enough pressure drop on the intercooler you could see 50+ at the turbo outlet. Worth checking if you haven’t already but I think you’re on the right path toward 1000 whp.

[@GMCJay_lly]

Commenting for support!!

[@paytonmac5665]

Your vids are great.

[@paytonmac5665]

ty

[@craige.1712]

New sub here,love your content...

[@SloppyMechanics]

Need to borrow that 85mm uhf unit? lol

[@udoabe]

No no, that isn’t a question. More turbo is always the solution. 😂

[@Whiterose2143]

I'm not the most knowledgeable about boost and how it effects ebp, but would increasing the exhaust diameter help with decreasing the back pressure?

[@5lcalais1]

100% it will, from what I could see underneath it's only a 3/3.5" ,needs at least 4" all the way through, personally I'd go 4.5" dump with a 4" system. All the big barra guys here in Aus do this with large frame turbos 👍

[@xozindustries7451]

Happy New Years. As nice as the dyno number would be like you said you can only run an 8.50 with the car so aside from bragging rights is it worth beating on the drivetrain to do it? Also it would be great to partner with someone to get a Reed case TH400 with a gear vendors overdrive on that car to make it more usable for drag and drive events

[@cunderthunt]

Do you ever go to Numidia Dragway? I’m a mile away and would love to look this over! Happy New Year 🎈 🎆

[@robsorgdrager8477]

It might be time for a power glide possibly a very built 4L80. Honestly what you have proven with this powerplant is mind boggling. The fact the stock bottom end can happily hold the power it does should instantly make this a popular choice.