AMS Performance VR38 Alpha 3.8L Alpha Short Block Engine

Description

Cracked factory cylinder walls and bent connecting rods halt high-boost project builds before dyno tuning finishes. The AMS Performance VR38 Alpha 3.8L Alpha Short Block Engine resolves reciprocating assembly failures during this commercial long block repower. This 6-Cylinder 1000HP short block foundation demands professional cylinder head deck clean-up prior to multi layer steel gasket installation.

Precision-sleeved A356-T6 aluminum engine blocks house ductile iron cylinder liners for extreme hoop stress resistance. A balanced 4340 forged steel crankshaft connects to billet steel main caps, forged rods, and forged aluminum pistons. This AMS Performance engine core demands a 12V 180A starter draw during cold spins. Total bare weight is 215 lbs dry within a 20in length, 20in width, 18in height stance requiring 6.5 quarts of oil.

Key Features of AMS Performance VR38 Alpha Short Block

Performance tuners buy AMS Performance VR38 Alpha 3.8L Alpha Short Block Engine units to assemble elite twin-turbo platforms. Our industrial engine rebuild standard incorporates precision torque-plate honing to replicate cylinder head clamp distortion.

• Ductile iron sleeves provide maximum cylinder wall stability under elevated boost.
• Main bearing journal clearances hold at 0.0019in for continuous high-RPM oil film protection.
• Billet steel main caps prevent crank flex under extreme acceleration loads.
• Custom 2618 forged aluminum pistons resist ring land deformation under detonation.
• High-strength forged steel connecting rods feature custom heavy-duty rod bolts.
• This VR38 commercial core receives diamond line-honed main bearing tunnels.
• Crankshaft journals undergo dynamic balancing to within 0.5 gram-inches.

Dyno Cell Load Certification

Rotating assembly testing certifies that this VR38 short block engine handles 1000 continuous BHP and 820 ft-lbs of torque at 6500 continuous load RPM. Internal oil gallery pressure delivers 68 PSI while oil sump temp levels at 198°F under continuous high-load dyno operation. Exhaust gas temp capability exceeds 1600°F down collector pipes. Cylinder compression checks between 180 PSI and 188 PSI when paired with factory heads. Crankshaft center journal runout measures 0.0002in TIR.

Assembly Guidelines Incompatible Setups

Oil pump chain tensioners need 5 lbs of spring pull force to maintain proper chain engagement across sprockets. This competition short block is not intended for naturally aspirated stock vehicles, marine outboards, or diesel industrial machinery.

• Drain initial synthetic break-in oil after 500 miles or 12 dyno hours.
• Inspect rotating assembly end play between 0.004in and 0.007in before cylinder head assembly.
• Torque main cap fasteners in sequence to 80 ft-lbs using clean engine oil.

Competition Warranty Package Contents

Built to the AMS Performance assembly standard, this racing short block includes a 1-Year limited competition warranty. The heavy wooden crate holds the assembled short block, crankshaft, connecting rods, forged pistons, main bearings, and a signed blueprint specification sheet.