Engine issue

[impVXR888]

Last Friday there was a nasty knocking coming from the top end of my s/c LS2. So took it to the garage and left it there to be looked at, we were hoping that it would be a push rod or rocker issue.

The car's done 120k now so I'm expecting to have a few issues.

Upon closer inspection today it seems that number 3 cylinder (Passenger side 2nd back from front pulley) is lower on compression that the two cylinders either side of it. My garage had a chat to the Fish and they have suggested that it could be cracked ring landings on the pistons, which they have seen a few of in the past. We will find out tomorrow if that is the case as the heads are coming off to check.

So if that is the case what options do I realistically have? Depending on if there's any other damage obviously. Car is used daily and has been reliable engine wise for the last 70k miles.

Current setup is 6.0 LS2 with Harrop 122 charger.

I was thinking something along the lines of either:

Uprated rods,pistons and valve train (If so what would people recommend and where from? Rough cost?) Should I throw a cam in at the same time?

I've seen a 6.6litre stroker kit available with crank, rods and pistons (Would this be suitable? And still be ok with the charger?)

Are there any other options available? Would love to drop the LSX 454 in, but it wouldn't work with the charger I believe or the current exhaust headers, which is a great shame.

Thanks in advance for any advice/options

Isaac

[impVXR888]

wormus said:

I wouldn't bother going through the pain of increasing stroke if it's supercharged, you don't need the extra torque and that blower will struggle to fill the cylinders without causing AIT heat issues. Hopefully all you'll need is a set of pistons so assuming you don't want more power, this is the cheapest way to get you back on the road.

LSA crate engine won't fit under the bonnet of a Monaro and the LSX will go straight in but you'll need to buy an intake and probably end up with about 580hp.

Thanks for all of your replies. I'm waiting for the heads to come off before making a full decision. But by the looks of it a striker kit wouldn't be the best idea. Although a larger charger would be.
I had been looking at WP high boost cog drive kit, a cam and Uprated fuel system, as unfortunately I will always want more power.
So if the piston/s are damamaged it will be minimum of an Uprated set of rods and Pistons.
Charging the 454 LSX would be a nice solution, but think that's not really an achievable option at the minute for my R8.

I will update you all as soon as I know more on the issue.

Isaac

[impVXR888]

After much deliberating and discussing. The engine is out and has been taken to Tim Adams Race Engine in Market Drayton, which is only 25 miles from me.

They are going to strip it all down and rebuild it for me with a few nice upgraded parts, e.g Pistons, Rods, Push Rods, Rockers LS7 Cam, possibly some head work too while they're at it.

Should be back in a few weeks and then back in the car with my new X-Force headers from Aus. Then off for some mapping.

Hopefully all be back on the road in time for my trip to Spa at the end of the month for the Classic 24 hour race.

Will keep you all updated.

Isaac

[impVXR888]

As mentioned in an other thread I'm also selling my reconditioned T56 and nearly new TR6060 to fund a Magnum, as we also discussed an LS9 based motor for the future. But that could be something rather special.