Twin Turbo Catera

[TitanCTS]

I was in the market for a 2001 Catera Sport and I was wondering if it is possible to twin turbocharge the engine? And is it possible to get around 450HP from it? Thanx :rolleyes2

[gothicaleigh]

Anything is possible.

Sane? No.
Possible? Yes.

A custom one-off Twin Turbo would cost a small fortune. Wringing the current engine out to 450hp would be difficult, expensive, and vastly reduce it's life. Not worth it in my opinion.

If you are dead set on upgrading the Catera, look at doing an engine swap like what Lingenfelter did for Catera-V's car. This too would be extremely expensive and most likely cost more than the car is worth, but it would be far more reliable than forcing 450hp out of the 3.0L V6.

And then you need to beef up the rest of the driveline...

[Vesicant]

http://www.valvers.com/v6/x30xe.html

The limits of the engine.


I also agree with gothic's mention of the rest of the drivetrain being beefed up...

[TitanCTS]

Thanx for all the info..But i got another idea...i know it might sound stupid but just bear with me! How easy or hard would it be to swap a cts 3.2 with 5 speed auto into the catera? Shouldnt be too hard since the engines are nearly identical.. Am I right or wrong?

[Vesicant]

Originally Posted by TitanCTS

Thanx for all the info..But i got another idea...i know it might sound stupid but just bear with me! How easy or hard would it be to swap a cts 3.2 with 5 speed auto into the catera? Shouldnt be too hard since the engines are nearly identical.. Am I right or wrong?

Well... its possible, but the electrical features change including computers(Throttle, PCM, BCM, TCM and Traction Control/ABS systems - take it from a wrecked CTS) and those will definatly need to be switched out. As far as fuel delivery, that should? be ok. I cant recall if the 3.2 has the variable stage intake, but that'll have to go (the lower valve part on the intake tubing). Mounting the engine may or may not have issue. Converting it to a manual calls for installing the clutch pedal, reservoir, linkage, making room in the console, etc. A custom driveshaft(s) (its two pc.) may be needed as well. Your best bet is to get a wrecked CTS and steal every powertrain part except for the rear end, and put it in the catera

OR ...

Not even have to change engines, and wait to see if RSM Racing ever creates a supercharging system for the Catera (I asked RSM if they could do this because of the simmularities in engines). Or even find a way to use the CTS's 3.2 supercharging system on the Catera. Using tips from that V6 site, relocate the oil cooler to an external one to prevent future problems if you plan to do this.

[TitanCTS]

Hmm... Very interesting...Well might as well just upgrade the internals in the current Catera... just so it mite survive 14-18 psi..! Don't you ever get the feeling that when GM does something good they tend to kill it rite away! Just my opinion!

[Vesicant]

Id tend to agree that in some cases GM cuts things short. And yet the Catera is nice they did replace it with its "second generation" as the CTS.

Sounds like you have a cool plan... you'll need to get the rear end strengthened somehow, cryogenically or otherwise. And a manual would do better. The 3.2's manual may just work.. depending on how it works with the computers. If your using the automatic, be easy on it and try not to do many burnouts. The engine, have it ported and polished.. lots of restrictions in there. And as the site says, upgrade the connecting rods... put some ARP head and main bolts in to keep it together. Should be able to handle 3-400 done right. You might want to check into lower compression custom pistons to cope with the high psi you plan to run; if thats even needed to produce the HP you want (the high psi). OH and the variable intake may get in your way.



And i strongly reccomend you do away with the internal oil cooler. Doesnt like rough treatment.

[TitanCTS]

Do u think i could use the internals out of the new 3.2l v6 from the cts since rsm racing made it handle 350hp with the bolt on supercharger? And who makes mild cams for the catera motor...I saw a company online called Piper Cams that makes cams for the european 3.0 v6... Would that work with our engines?

[Vesicant]

The cams for the omega version should technically work. As for 3.2 internals im not sure. Things changed internally for the 3.2, bigger bore etc. and they might have changed design in the internals.

[mastertech]

First thing you're going to need is a Kevlar timing belt!