To go stroker or not?

[SpoolinPelican]

I have been reading a lot on engine builds and other stuff on motor builds focusing more on going to a 2.0. I know I have an 058 block and what needs to be machined and clearenced, that is not my question. What got me started on this is a friend said that going BT (PES 28 kit) will put me close to the threshold of the stock rods and Im the type of person that only likes doing things once(right the first time).

• Since I am only going to a t28 do I even need to do rods?
• Are all aftermarket rods for these engines the same length?
• with the ABA crank and stock bore I will net 132cc but with 83.5mm bore I will net 252cc. What is the benefit vs cost on these i.e. would I see much gain from staying stock bore/ would it be that much more gain to go 83.5mm?
• As for pistons, will any aftermarket ones work or do they have to be special to clear the valves?
• Would the power benefit be worth it with a "small" turbo

Im tired from reading lol so I probably forgot some questions. If you have any input/comments/suggestions/info feel free. TIA guys

[Pete@IE]

Here's the deal- upping the displacement will get you more torque out of boost and slightly faster spoolup. You will not likely make any more power because it is quite easy to max out that turbo even on 1.8L of displacement. If any it will be marginal.

To answer some other questions- YES, you could hurt the rods IF you start REALLY wailing on it, aka cranking down wastegates, making your setup have a huge torque spike. Even k03 guys have made 300+ wtq and that's plenty to break a rod.

So, if you DID decide to do the motor, I would simply do a set of drop in rods (144mm c-c x 20mm wrist pin), if the bores are in good shape. If the bores are not in good shape I would use a set of 82.5mm bore pistons. We have both in stock. We have stroker pistons in stock too but I really think it is unnecessary in your application.

I would avoid going 83.5mm, that is basically the last possible overbore, and its also very thin as far as the head gasket seal goes. I usually build them 82.5 or 83mm so that there is a bit of meat left and at least 1, if not 2 rebuilds.

[pipe7284]

you1ll be fine with stock internals on a that pes 28 kit. Is when you get to a gt2871r that you are borderline to making a window on your block. There are plenty of members here on stock internals and running a gt2871r with a good tune and no problems.

[A4Rob]

Need a PES T28 kit? Click sig

[djwimbo]

Rods wouldn't be a bad idea, but they also aren't a necessity at this point.

Any piston designed for the 1.8T will not need any additional clearance. If you did go to a stroker setup, you would need to buy stroker pistons at that point(they're shorter). On pistons, I wouldn't jump into the 83.5mm just yet. A 82.5-83mm would work just fine. It seems like the 83.5mm is leaning more towards the ragged edge. Esp. since nobody makes an 84mm.

Upgraded rods will all be 144mm length as long as you stay in the 1.8T block. Integrated Engineering and Scat rods are generally the same price, and comparable quality. You may be able to get a deal through a supplier buying both at the same time. If you do go to an overbore, buy your pistons first. Once you have your new pistons in hand, then go to the machine shop. They will be able to bore the cylinders more accurately if they know exactly what dimensions the pistons are.

Honestly, if you're thinking about going BT, you'll probably want to go bigger in a year or two. Doing the internals now, would save you the hassle of doing it later.

[SpoolinPelican]

Thanks for the info, I will save on the rods now since they arent "required" and keep them in mind if I do go bigger later. The car is my DD(I have other fast cars) which is why I went with the smaller size turbo.

[Pete@IE]

Just another important note-

The piston must match the stroke crankshaft being used. I saw a few references to "any" piston and there was a fair bit of talk about stroker motors and such on this thread so I just want to make sure there is no possible confusion.

People have popped motors on stock apr stg3 kits, so don't think a t28 kit pushed to the ragged edge is incapable of blowing it up. Stay with reasonable boost levels and most importantly nice smooth power delivery- no huge spike of boost or torque, and it'll likely last a long time for you.

As with anything, there are weak stock motors, and freaks, some guys have no luck and others push the limit and get away with it. Just play it safe and keep it reasonable and you should be ok.

[SpoolinPelican]

Anything is possible, thanks!