I did some searching on pushing my brother's 06 6MT past 400whp (pushing 411/335 right now) with a Vortec V3 and according to most people the weakest links in the VQ engines are the pistons and rods.
Is there a write up anywhere?
How hard is it to replace them?
Can I do it my self?
Do I need any special tools?
Balancing and compression testing, I'm assuming that has to be done as well? I'm not too familiar with the process
Engine has to be out I'm assuming, can it be done without taking it out? jack stands?
Recommendations?

Looking at these
https://conceptzperformance.com/Cart...on.php?II=3084

Any help would be much appreciated! And please save any smart *** comments, if you don't know just don't post

Thanks

 

Now I just want to be a smart azz...lol

No but really now I'm curious to hear how this process goes down
Subd

 

The answer is no. Haha its kinda one of those things: if you don't know if you can do it, you can't do it.

Not to discourage you, but yes, there are a ton of specialty tools you'll need, as well as knowledge beyond basic motors (the VQ is a bit advanced). Even just removing the heads is a very advanced job and you'll need to remove them to bore your block out .020 or .030 over. Basically, I would start by searching how to rebuild a VQ and see if you can get familiar enough with it to feel comfortable.

 

Yes, you will need special tools and experience. Don't attempt an engine rebuild with a DD if you don't know what your doing.

 

Its not his DD and wont be his first time working on it. He's just curious on how the process goes & what it needs to see if its something worth working on.

 

The engine definitely has to come out. there are some bolts that require you to turn the engine over on a stand to get to them. From a person who's had his engine out more than once (2 different turbo builds) having an engine builder do it will save you a ton of headaches! If you can disassemble it yourself and get the block to the machine shop that's a challenge in itself and good work cuz it's tough. The chilton guide will give you a rundown on the expected tool list, specialty ones as well in order to teardown and rebuild the motor. The cost of the specialty tools IMO would not be worth the cost unless you plan to build plenty of motors otherwise they're one use.
If you want to do the build to ensure a long life look at any and every other part that you can't get to that might need replacing/ugrading. (oil pump, oil squirters, bearings, head studs etc). good luck!