Welcome Guest!!!

Thank you for visiting the GM Kappa Performance Forum. This forum is the only performance oriented forum for all GM Kappa Platform Enthusiasts.  We hope you will join and share your experiences.  Becoming a member is FREE! If you want to advertise on this forum, email KappaPerformance at yahoo.com.


Registration required to view the forum attachments. Below is a sample of the current top 25 topics.
Supporting Membership has many advantages.


More information on becoming a supporting member or vendor can be found on the sub forum; Site Help and Suggestions; thread - Supporting Members and Vendors.

Author Topic: 1 year on the replacement motor  (Read 2458 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Rogue

  • Premium Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 680
  • Karma: +2/-1
  • Location: Somewhere VA
1 year on the replacement motor
« on: October 22, 2015, 07:53:56 AM »
It's now been about a year since we replaced the motor in GXPsy. That was a pretty painful experience, but we've gotten over that part of it. We purchased a complete crate unit from ZZPerformance, and had a few install issues to resolve. Now we're glad we did. Oil pan interference, heater hose/cylinder head configuration, etc. The end result has been worth it. Our local GM dealer did the work for us, and in the process identified the engine as one of a special build for the high performance HHR. I do not know what the exact differences are internally, however the power is obviously higher than the original LNF (with GMPP tune) and the average fuel economy is at least 2 mpg better than before. Woohoo. More power, less fuel. The Mrs just loves blowing the unsuspecting rice rockets into the weeds!
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Johnny_gxp

  • Quick Shifter
  • Upgraded Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 258
  • Karma: +2/-5
  • Location: Central NJ
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2015, 09:06:39 AM »
Glad to hear it! I don't get to surprise people anymore  :( my car is too flashy now. Also, I do believe the HHR SS still made 260/260 unless of course it was just another GM hush hush like the old LS1 trams am. (States 325hp made 350ish)
Aggressive '08 Solstice GXP

Offline Sly Bob

  • Administrators
  • Shop Foreman
  • *
  • Posts: 8002
  • Karma: +19/-10
  • Location: Welland, Ontario, Canada
  • My new grandson
    • Kappa Performance Forum
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2015, 04:49:16 PM »
Glad the swap worked out well. If I lost mine I do know which way I'd turn. Maybe a V8 swap but I don't know...
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline Rogue

  • Premium Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 680
  • Karma: +2/-1
  • Location: Somewhere VA
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2015, 05:44:56 PM »
I don't know what the difference is either, but it obviously makes a lot more power, the torque curve is fatter, and the fuel economy is higher. A total win for us. If anyone has any insight kindly share it.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline JesseB

  • Tech
  • **
  • Posts: 91
  • Karma: +0/-1
  • Location: South Eastern Ohio
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2015, 09:28:26 PM »
Sounds to me like you ordered the LDK long block from them?
DDM Short Shifter, K&N Typhoon CAI, Solo HighFlow Cat, Solo Street Race Exhaust, Pwerks Charge Tubes, Pwerks Street Race Intercooler, AEM Meth Injection, Pwerks Valve Springs, Wiseco Pistons, ZZP 4340 Rods, ARP Head Studs, Pwerks Street Race Head Gasket, Pwerks Phenolic Spacer Set, ZZP Stage 1 Comp Cams w/ Upgraded Fuel Pump Lobe, Spec Stage 2+ Clutch, Spec Lightweight Aluminum Flywheel, Pwerks 5th Injector, Pwerks 700hp Fuel Pump, ...& A TURBO

Offline Rogue

  • Premium Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 680
  • Karma: +2/-1
  • Location: Somewhere VA
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2015, 06:52:28 AM »
I believe that is correct. Then we swapped out the LNF cylinder head and oil pan.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Sol Asylum

  • Premium Member
  • General Manager
  • *
  • Posts: 10324
  • Karma: +40/-66
  • Location: Tolono Illinois
  • THAT'S MISTER KAPPA ASSYLUM TO YOU!
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2015, 11:01:40 AM »
The noticeable change in performance could be due to the decline in performance of the old engine before it died or the fact that the old engine had a problem from the start.
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline Rogue

  • Premium Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 680
  • Karma: +2/-1
  • Location: Somewhere VA
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2015, 11:48:40 AM »
We have considered that. But, don't believe that to be the case based on performance comparisons to my GXP.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline TomatoSoup

  • Premium Member
  • Gearhead
  • *
  • Posts: 3359
  • Karma: +19/-13
  • Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #8 on: October 23, 2015, 12:47:11 PM »
The only difference I could think of would be internal friction.  That could increase mileage, but I wouldn't think it would increase power on a turbo car (presupposing the same turbo and tune).
"That is my theory, it is mine, and belongs to me and I own it, and what it is too." (Monty Python)

Offline roxer

  • Upgraded Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 427
  • Karma: +3/-1
  • Location: NC
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #9 on: October 23, 2015, 09:23:35 PM »
Think I read where the LDK produces about 10 more hp than the LNF.
2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport - Still kicking!
2008 Polar Sky Redline - Auto - Fully Loaded
2007 Mysterious Solstice GXP - Current list of Mods

Offline Rogue

  • Premium Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 680
  • Karma: +2/-1
  • Location: Somewhere VA
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #10 on: October 24, 2015, 08:49:56 AM »
I have heard some rumors (do not recall where) that the LDK compression is a bit higher. However, my first instinct was to think it might be a different cam profile. This motor seems to be more friendly to the automatic transmission.

Or, maybe it's all just our imagination.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Johnny_gxp

  • Quick Shifter
  • Upgraded Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 258
  • Karma: +2/-5
  • Location: Central NJ
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #11 on: October 24, 2015, 10:17:54 AM »
I read

LDK: 9.3:1, higher compression Pistons.
LNF: 9.2:1, and our normal piston head

That would be your extra 10 right there. But with that slight increase in compression to boost: that's a sure fire way to increase your numbers throughout the torque curve.
Aggressive '08 Solstice GXP

Offline Rogue

  • Premium Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 680
  • Karma: +2/-1
  • Location: Somewhere VA
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #12 on: October 24, 2015, 03:38:45 PM »
Higher compression pistons would most definitely produce better power, torque, and economy figures. Especially coupled with the boost effects of a turbo.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Rogue

  • Premium Member
  • Master Tech
  • *
  • Posts: 680
  • Karma: +2/-1
  • Location: Somewhere VA
Re: 1 year on the replacement motor
« Reply #13 on: October 24, 2015, 03:39:42 PM »
Johnny_gxp - That's interesting info. Where did you source it?
Go N.A.K.3.D..

 

Powered by EzPortal