Discussion
Finally got my VXR back following the big end failure way back in July.....
What a lovely car - you forget just how great it is!
I would like to thank Picador's for their outstanding levels of service during this period - I count myself very lucky to have broken down near them!!
Clearly parts availability needs to be better - but that is Vauxhall's problem, not Picadors. In the end Picador called an Oz-based HSV dealer and purchased the bits they needs directly. Can't thank them enough.
Boy am I happy to have it back....
Then to top it all, as I was driving home, another Red VXR pulled alonside and waved at me - it really made me pleased to be back 'home' again. Strangely, while I was in the loaner Signum I didn't have anyone wave at me at all...?!?
What a lovely car - you forget just how great it is!
I would like to thank Picador's for their outstanding levels of service during this period - I count myself very lucky to have broken down near them!!
Clearly parts availability needs to be better - but that is Vauxhall's problem, not Picadors. In the end Picador called an Oz-based HSV dealer and purchased the bits they needs directly. Can't thank them enough.
Boy am I happy to have it back....
Then to top it all, as I was driving home, another Red VXR pulled alonside and waved at me - it really made me pleased to be back 'home' again. Strangely, while I was in the loaner Signum I didn't have anyone wave at me at all...?!?
Welcome back to the car!
I was at Picadors last Friday (with plenty of cups of Tea thanks chaps) and I know they were very pleased to get your car finished. I could not believe that they had to source parts from Oz as Vauxhall were so slow - good for Picadors (and excellent customer service) but not so great for Vauxhall.
Not the first time I have heard that people can source parts either quicker or cheaper elsewhere. I bought into the Monaro (only very partly mind) for cheap parts and servicing. Knowing the cost of some things I reckon lambo parts could have be cheaper.
I was at Picadors last Friday (with plenty of cups of Tea thanks chaps) and I know they were very pleased to get your car finished. I could not believe that they had to source parts from Oz as Vauxhall were so slow - good for Picadors (and excellent customer service) but not so great for Vauxhall.
Not the first time I have heard that people can source parts either quicker or cheaper elsewhere. I bought into the Monaro (only very partly mind) for cheap parts and servicing. Knowing the cost of some things I reckon lambo parts could have be cheaper.
V2RAC said:
Good news you are back in business with your car.Interested to know what was the premature cause of the big end bearings failure.Iwould have thought this most unusual,were the mains and crank affected also? Or was it the dreaded lack of oil or oil pump failure.
Thanks. No real root cause identified. Certainly very rare according to everyone I've spoken with. Monkfish had heard of problems with intermittent Oil Pump failure where it only failed for a second or so at a time, but over time this would be enough to starve the bottom end.
When the big end went (No. 3 cylinder) it scored the crank as well, so I've got a new crank and new mains and big ends as well obviously. Not sure, but assuming that the No.3 conrod is also new - but I'm not sure and have only just realised that I hadn't asked...
Service from Picador was top notch - and I'm happy that I've essentially got a hand built engine now.
Perhaps if Picador, or even Vauxhall, read this they might comment on the root cause, but as I say, I think it is unknown.
gsxr750steve said:
V2RAC said:
Good news you are back in business with your car.Interested to know what was the premature cause of the big end bearings failure.Iwould have thought this most unusual,were the mains and crank affected also? Or was it the dreaded lack of oil or oil pump failure.
Thanks. No real root cause identified. Certainly very rare according to everyone I've spoken with. Monkfish had heard of problems with intermittent Oil Pump failure where it only failed for a second or so at a time, but over time this would be enough to starve the bottom end.
When the big end went (No. 3 cylinder) it scored the crank as well, so I've got a new crank and new mains and big ends as well obviously. Not sure, but assuming that the No.3 conrod is also new - but I'm not sure and have only just realised that I hadn't asked...
Service from Picador was top notch - and I'm happy that I've essentially got a hand built engine now.
Perhaps if Picador, or even Vauxhall, read this they might comment on the root cause, but as I say, I think it is unknown.
gsxr750steve said:
LC860G said:
It's a long wait isn't it.
I'm off to Great Horwood on Saturday to get mine back. It's only been a month but I can't wait!
Gearbox overhaul and hesitation issues for me
I'm off to Great Horwood on Saturday to get mine back. It's only been a month but I can't wait!
Gearbox overhaul and hesitation issues for me
What was wrong with your Gearbox?
wormus said:
Assuming the VXR8 uses the same Tremec T56 gear box as the Monaro, all I can say is get a replacement. Mine was difficult to get into gear and whined really badly until the dealer replaced it under warranty. The new one is absolutely fine so don't accept excuses from your dealer.
I hear what you say, AFAIK the gearbox is the same as the VXR Monaro and I am now wondering,having driven another VXR8 that wasnt exactly quiet in the gearbox department whether the issue is down to very poor sound insulation.As it is its totally unacceptable and im not a fussy sod. Anyone out there got a VXR8 with a quiet box.V2RAC said:
I assume it was warranty repair on a fairly low mileage vehicle,would it not be a case for a replacement engine? As you rightly say there WILL be a root cause and if this is not ascertained the problem could return.Sorry if it sounds a bit negative.I was told, true or not that Honda,up to 12 months ago had never done a warranty repair on a type R engine world wide.(Could of course be talking crap}
When my engine broke there were no engines available - or even able to be obtained (see an earlier thread) so the rebuild route was the only option. It was done under warranty of course.
I know though that Vauxhall have since ordered 20 complete LS2 engines which should be arriving in the UK mid-Oct.
I did ask about a replacement engine, but in the end decided to go for repair due to the timing - of course the car is still under warranty so if it all does go horribly wrong again at least I'll be covered. And then I will want a new engine....
gsxr750steve said:
I know though that Vauxhall have since ordered 20 complete LS2 engines which should be arriving in the UK mid-Oct.
I hope they know the LS2 wont replace the LS1's out there if they bust. Loads of differences. Nothing serious, but enough to prevent a straight swap.Perhaps they have spare LS1's about as well?
I would say that unless you keep the oil at the top of the fill mark, at least on mine, then under heavy acceleration the oil warning light will come on. It happened to me a few times. But thats obviously pretty noticeable.
gsxr750steve said:
LC860G said:
It's a long wait isn't it.
I'm off to Great Horwood on Saturday to get mine back. It's only been a month but I can't wait!
Gearbox overhaul and hesitation issues for me
What was wrong with your Gearbox?I'm off to Great Horwood on Saturday to get mine back. It's only been a month but I can't wait!
Gearbox overhaul and hesitation issues for me
Anyway it is back together now and running beautifully.
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