Suspected Big End failure

[Loose]

I've not posted on here for some years now.. although I've often benifited from great advice and guidance which has been posted on here.
However on this subject my forum search has come up empty.

I will be shortly whipping the engine out for stripping down and inspection due to some knocking picked up at the Nurburgring this weekend.
I was wondering if there was any information floating about on the engine build spec so I can start getting things moving with parts and costings etc.

I need some info on; Big End Bearing size? make Ford/Cosworth?
Piston type/size/rings.. exactly what changes did Noble make to the engine other than strapping on the turbo's?.
Any experiences or suggestions any of you may have with complete engine rebuilds would be greatly appreciated.

I'm also looking into carrying out a few upgrades for both reliability and performance.
Track Day Sump is obviously top of the list as well as some head/s work such as springs and such.
Does anyone know where I can get a TDS or what they look like (a drawing maybe)?
Also, With the engine out it seems like an ideal opportunity for making some minor improvements, any suggestions here would be appreciated too.

Thanks in advance for any replys

regards, Loose

[andygtt]

I think spec varies depending upon models... Mine is a GT03 and apparently the only change to ford spec was to fit shorter rods to the pistons to lower the CR.
Apparently the crank and pistons are std ford items.... which i find amazing!

Im about to take mine apart as well to replace the bottom end as I believe the small ends are going on mine... Im taking the oppertunity to fit forged pistons and longer rods however its not a cheap option especially when you take into account (like other things you may as well upgrade while your there lol).

Id recommend speaking to Yellowshed as he's the man that knows all about these engines and the varying levels of spec.

[Loose]

Mine is also a GTO3.. What makes you think it's the little ends on your car?
I have a heavy knock as I accelerate although it's fine at idle..
Was also secretly hoping for a loose tensioner but I fear I'm not that fortunate, we'll soon find out after strip down though.

Are you fitting forged pistons for reliability of performance? The shorter stroke is interesting though.. Thanks.

[andygtt]

Mine is a rattle... it sounds like a tappet and only happens on light throttle above 2000rpm.

I have just replaced all the tappets and the chain and tensioners etc... it now sounds like a brand new engine on idle and at all revs.. unless you apply even the lightest throttle and then rattle appears

I have spent quite a bit of time listening to the engine through a long hollow pole to isolate were the sound is coming from as I just couldnt work out how a rattle could be coming from the bottom end... but then I have never heard a little end failure before.

Im fitting forged pistons and longer rods as If I have to strip and rebuild it I want to do it to a full spec so Im not limited to what I can do in the future...

Edited by andygtt on Monday 24th May 19:56

[Gadgeroonie]

do both you guys have track day sumps ?

[Loose]

Nope.. Not right now.. This is somthing I intend to change as soon as I can find where to get them from and how much etc etc.
A drawing or picture of one would be helpful assuming they're not readily available and I'll go from there.

[Gadgeroonie]

not having a tds has probably caused the problem you now have

my advice is get the engine out and change the main bearings, big ends and oil pump

if you want to do a few other things whilst it is out consider

upgrading valve springs
strengthening gearbox
uprated clutch

the parts can be got from ford or burtons

Tuxman might be able to help he just rebuilt his engine

[andygtt]

Yep I do have a trackday sump... but havent done a trackday lol

I had the engine out in Feb and had the box upgraded flywheel lightened with uprated clutch etc etc...

[Loose]

Speaking of the gearbox.. Has anyone with GT03 ever upgraded their ST220 5 Speed box to a ST220 6 Speed?
Can anyone foresee any issues with doing this?

[TuxMan]

Looked at it bigtime last winter but could not make it work list of parts is long !!

Only real benifit of the 6 speeder is the ability to handle big torque this only matters if you want to go that route , I did not hence why I stuck with a modifyed 5speed. .

[Loose]

How have you modified your 5 speed?
I've been looking for 6 speed boxes, I've even found a few on Ebay for £500.. Is it not a straight switch then?
I was looking to a 6 speed because I felt that 3rd gear was a tad too short on the 5 speed for going round the nurburgring..
I was hoping 4th gear on the 6 speed would be more ideally suited for the twisty 'fun' sections.

How much was your shot peening and polish roughly?

[TuxMan]

Gearbox had the full monty at the gearbox man , need to change lower wishbone , fuel tank,gear linkage and some other bits as well !!

[Loose]

Thanks. I'll give the Gearbox man a call and see what his thoughts are.. Wishbone..eeek!

[andygtt]

modified my 5 speeder exactly the same as Tuxman....

BTW I have found out a brand new short engine from ford is around £1200... you would need to swap the con rods over for yours and drill and tap the spray bars but thats it.. even comes with new oil pump.

[Adrian W]

Keep meaning to say, big end geos donk donk dong and you can usually feel it on the floor, little end goes tick tick tick and you will feel nothing.

[andygtt]

yep mine goes tick tick tick

btw the bottom end appears to be 2k from ford... seeing as im throwing away quite a bit not sure its worth it for me!