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3.0L engine combo terminology

muntus

Veteran CEG'er
Joined
Dec 30, 2004
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Location
Los Angeles, CA
There are lot of terms being tossed around about the various 3.0L engine combinations commonly used on this board. Some make sense, some don't. I'm not trying to redefine the terms or overcomplicate things with yet another explanation. I'm just making an attempt to simplify things for clear discussion and for the benefit of new members.

To simplify matters, engine combinations should be discussed in terms of block, heads, and intakes. As I see it, there is one stock and three modified V6 engine setups that work on this platform. These engines comes with different camshaft options, intake options, throttle body options, etc., but for our discussion, when talking about the ENGINE, we won't include which cam, which Contour intake, which Contour throttle body, or what size injectors. Just block, heads, and intakes.

The first is a Stock 2.5L engine from the factory. It has 2.5L block, 2.5L heads, and 2.5L intakes. This setup came on V6 equipped Contours, Mystiques, and Cougars. The SVT had better cams, better flowing intakes, etc., but just reread the previous paragraph so we all don't get confused. We're talking only about the engine combo. Here's a visual:




When you blow up this engine, you may wish to upgrade to a 3.0L engine. As I see it, there are three engine options available with many different variations. The following are the three options.



The first upgrade to a larger block is a Hybrid. This term is thrown around all over the place and is used, often times, incorrectly. A Hybrid engine is one that uses a 3.0L block, 2.5L heads, and 2.5L intakes. It is called a Hybrid due to the fact that it uses a block and the heads from two different sized engines. You can learn about what it takes to install a Hybrid into your vehicle by searching the archives. Here's an image:




The next three liter engine is a Port Matched 3.0L. This combination uses 3.0L block, 3.0L heads, and 2.5L intakes. Due to the fact that the intake ports on the 3.0L heads differ from the ports on the 2.5L intakes, you have to match the ports to make them work together. Here's an image:




The third combo you may wish to use is sometimes called a Full 3.0L. I really don't care for this name because it is ambiguous. The name doesn't indicate what type of engine it is. A better name might be a Long Block 3.0L but as long as everyone is clear about what the name means, who cares? In any case, this combination utilizes a 3.0L block, 3.0L heads, and 3.0L intake. Here's an image.






You have a lot of options within these engines, but I don't think the name of the combo should change just because you used SVT cams or if your 3.0L intake came from an Escape.
 
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You've got it on the dot. Tired of these noobs coming in and making up their own :censored::censored::censored::censored:ing names for stuff. :mad:

The names that correspond to you pictures, and if anyone doesnt like them... tough :censored::censored::censored::censored:.

1: 2.5l (duh)
2: Hybrid (who does this anymore? not worth it, full 3 liter will be as fast / faster and easier to drive)
3: Port matched 3 liter (joey's LIM modified engines fall in here along with bugzuki plates etc)
4: Full 3 liter (it does indicate what engine... its a full 3 liter. 3l block, 3l heads, 3l intakes. Cam choice does NOT change the name)
 
its in the 3L forum "read first - FAQ" thread which is already stickied.
 
I'm glad you all like it. :cool:

I remember when I used to ask dumb questions about a 3L swap. I asked the same questions that had been asked before(even if I tried not to) and, since then, I've accused noobs of not searching. The thing is, not everyone knows how to search well and even if they do, they find ambiguous, and sometimes, contradictory opinion that looks like facts. Confusion ensues.

With simple pictures like these(created in Google SketchUp so they're really 3D), people can be directed to look here or the pictures can be copied and pasted in a reply. Less bickering and more learning.

Btw, I think the Port Matched 3.0L is the awesomest. I used to try to get people to call it a "Split Port Conversion," but it didn't catch on.:laugh:
 
Which setup gives you the best horsepower or speed?

read more threads before you ask questions. I would just junk your car now, cause from the sounds of it, you are just gonna destroy another engine when you get done with the swap. I wonder how many of engines you will have to go through before you learn your lesson.
 
Hey what's your problem. You've never done anything wrong or what. If you wanna see an SVT in the junk yard, maybe you should trash yours, because I am not letting go of my SVT.
 
Hey what's your problem. You've never done anything wrong or what. If you wanna see an SVT in the junk yard, maybe you should trash yours, because I am not letting go of my SVT.

my problem is you just trashed your SVT because you wanted to know how much speed you could get, then you follow by trying to figure out how you can get more speed. I dont want to see any SVTs in the junkyard.... Ok well I am lying there, cause I do want to see one in the junkyard so I can pick it up for cheap and NOT BREAK IT.

If you want help fixing your car, then ask. If you want to build power thats fine too, but seriously, you are going from just killing a car with boy racer driving to find out how fast you can go to asking how you can go faster. Really I hope you get your car fixed, but I also hope you learn your lesson, and finally I hope you learn to love your car enough that you dont have to drive with your foot crushing the accellerator while you are using all your strength to force your car into gear.

BTW, your next expensive lesson after this engine will be synchros, blocker rings, and probably a differential if you keep going the way you did in your first couple weeks of SVT ownership.

BTW, I dont have an SVT, I have a GL that I have been lovingly taking care of for a few years now, while building it up. Betcha its got at least a little more power now than a stock SVT, and I betcha it will run for YEARS and I will continue to enjoy the car.
 
Didn't want to sound mean or anything, but I am pretty frustrated already (by parents and girlfriends, friends, etc.) about them telling me how I just ruined my car. Hey I know I did, but I learn by my mistakes as everyone here does. Speed is the first reason why I bought this car. I own a SAAB 9-5 turbo and wanted a manual car. Probably wished wrong. Should of used that money in more upgrades for my SAAB.
 
Didn't want to sound mean or anything, but I am pretty frustrated already (by parents and girlfriends, friends, etc.) about them telling me how I just ruined my car. Hey I know I did, but I learn by my mistakes as everyone here does. Speed is the first reason why I bought this car. I own a SAAB 9-5 turbo and wanted a manual car. Probably wished wrong. Should of used that money in more upgrades for my SAAB.

:facepalm:

You dont get my point. There is nothing wrong with wanting a better or faster car. You just need to calm down and quit chomping at the bit first though. You need to learn to love your car and to love being able to drive it.

Upgrade that Saab and learn how fast you can destroy a turbo with that driving.
 
Ok, so what do you recomend for me to do? I was happy with the performance the stock SVT gave me. I was barely going to do a tune up and was also going to order a borla catback when that terrrible disaster happened.
 
being stooooopid

being stooooopid

wow why not just meet up and go slapper style on each other?

get back on the subject.

now as far as comparing the 3.0l hybrids

maybe somebody could start another thread about this.

perhaps dyno runs driveability issues. $$$ to swap or maintain

the full 3.0l swap - why not just drive an escape or taurus?

3.0l short block swapped hybrid makes sense

the 2.5l intake on 3.0l head just sounds stupid why use the dual runner w/o benefits..

and just so nobody gets confused.. i've done none nor ever been in one.

and lastly how feasible would it be to do a 3.0l in a ZX2 escort?
 
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