I figured the weight difference would be more than that! Wow....

People keep using the words "better" and "superior" and "inferior". Like when somebody posts "which clutch is better?"... it depends on application. I think the same applies here. I think the GSL-SE engine might be more durable/reliable, but is less efficient and doesn't create as much horsepower. I don't think either one is "better" entirely.

 

It's funny, everyone bags on the second gen NAs for being heavy but the GSL-SE was no lightweight either.

IMO S4 NA engines are cheap and readily available, for that reason alone there is not a better engine for this specific application.

 

I'm not sure those weight figures are accurate???
I weighed my GSL-SE on a scale at the local 1/4 track and it came in at 2270 with full interior plus I have a 4 point rollcage in it. Either way I understand were everyone is coming from on the ease of a 2nd gen motor. I will let him make the final decision as I am offering to get him up and running.
Thanks for all the input.
Joe

 

The gsl-se engine has better sealing 3mm apex seals. makes max torque at a lower rpm, and has a better overall torque curve. It has heavier rotors, which create more inertia allowing the engine to bog down less from a dead stop. And as far as how fast it can rev with the heavier rotors, it would still go from idle to 7k in less than one second in neutral. Also, the gsl-se doesnt have the diffusers in the exhaust ports. The only downside is that the gsl-se only had 2 injectors instead of 4. But with a slight mod to the intake manifold, you can put a 2nd gen intake on the gsl-se motor and run with the stock 2nd gen computer.

 

That makes me a little aroused....

 

The S3 13b problem is the AFM it's a whopping 4sq in. That's the issue with it. the stock injectors were 680cc... a s4 intake will bolt up with little modification and should make just the same power and more tq than the s4 thanks to no defusers in the exhuast.

 

i think the only reason why the gsl-se had less power was because of the intake design. It only had 2 injectors and the runners are way smaller. so if he were to hook up all of the s4 stuff to the SE block, i dont think he would feel much of a difference. i know some people swap s5 intakes onto gsl-ses and feel a good power difference.