My 1986 California spec VDP, imported at some point into Canada. 1 year after I acquired the car I experienced a piston failure in cylinder #6. Interestingly, the 1986 California VDP is a 4.2 liter, 6 cylinder car.
After investigating the cost of resurecting the 4.2 engine, I pursued the alternative JTR approach. I liked what JTR offered and decided to pursue the BBC installation. Interestingly, JTR provides only basic hardware but also provides extraordinarily complete information regarding all of the remaining parts (mostly GM OEM) necessary to complete the installation. All things considered, the JTR products and processes were of extraordinary quality.
My project was the installation of a self-spec'd GM 454 ci carburetor fed engine and an enhanced, mechanically controlled GM 700R4 transmission.
When completed per the JTR instructions, there were no external or in-cabin signs of the installation and all accessories and instruments work as they did originally. All things considered, highly recommended.

 

Good looking car. I thought all US import S3's were 4.2 6 cylinder. Yours must be a torque monster now.

 

As stated above, it was a 4.2 liter 6 cyl car.
It's bordering on ridiculous with the 454 bbc and the 700R4. Not only is the 454 a torque monster of an engine, but the 700R4 transmission has a lower 1st gear than the OEM 3sp transmission and the TH350/400 transmissions. It's certainly harder on back tires than the 4.2 . 🤪