My Monaro rebuild and improve thread

[marksx]

Most of you will have seen my other thread where I have killed my engine.

Sending the car and/or engine away in their entirety is financially out of the question. So, I am going to remove and rebuild the engine myself. Along with a few other repairs and bits of maintenance:

- Repair leaking diff
- Repair switchable exhaust
- Replace front pads, possibly rebuild brakes
- Repair/rebuild iffy handbrake
- Suspension refresh
- New wing
- other 'stuff'

Obviously a long term project, with engine a priority.

Now, it's an engine that's done some miles, so I'm going to do a full rebuild, not just repair the damage. I'm also going to add some more power. I've decided I don't want forced induction. So I need to learn what can be done with cams etc.

Also, the car is LPG converted. If t appears this has caused the oil loss that resulted in the damage I may remove the system. Otherwise I need to figure how to make this work with more power.

First things first though, I need to get the lump out, strip it and assess the damage.

Now to but some tools.

[marksx]

I'm in Ossett, West Yorkshire if anyone wants to help on the spanners

I'm already familiar we the everything from the box back. I stripped everything off my last one back to the shell to underseal. Maybe I could be a specialist once I figure out the noisy bits!

[marksx]

wozzza said:

Need topping up again if you fancy it..... It's on my list of jobs to do. This month it's had 4 new tyres and an LS7 clutch upgrade though so it's been expensive.

Is it coming off? That's disappointing. Though I suppose it has been what, 5 or 6 years?

I'm never, NEVER doing that on my own on my back again

How much did the clutch set you back? I have one on mine, but might replace.

[marksx]

IanLWarrington said:

Just saw this after posting response to your other thread - a bit surplus now!!

:-)

Not at all!

[marksx]

motomk said:

A couple of older books, but still some good info.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-LS-Engines-Desi...
https://www.amazon.com/Build-Modify-Engines-Motorb...

Is the first book the Chris Werner one? Link isn't working. I have that one and I'm soaking it up now. I'll have a look for the other.

Good info wozza, thank you!

[marksx]

I spent about 8 minutes working on the car this weekend. Pulled off airbox, covers and strut brace. Main purpose was to try and figure the LPG system. If it's going to come off, I need to know where it is all hiding. Looks like I'll need a new AC rad too.

[marksx]

Explains why my Aircon was warm..

[marksx]

Stripped a few bits off the engine/bay today. Bumper has been screwed on and filled over. This name/number on the top mean anything to anyone?

[marksx]

Covers off..

[marksx]

I have found oil on the back of the valves looking through 4 of 8 ports. Presumably stems seals passing?

[marksx]

stevieturbo said:

could be, or just oil via the PCV and if those valves were closed and others open....it's just sat there.

Address is a strange one, especially a full name, address and phone number.

Previous owner ? gas installer ?

Ah of course, didn't think of breathers.

Gas was installed in Birmingham.

Looking through the docs there was an owner in Grimsby.

[marksx]

I googled the number. Lsxv8.co.uk all dead links though

[marksx]

ARAF said:

Probably best that we stop that conversation right there then......

Oh.

I feel like I should be worried...

[marksx]

SturdyHSV said:

OEM valvesprings aren't yellow, not sure if you've mentioned it having aftermarket valvesprings? Just an observation really.

I did wonder about the springs. Thought yellow was a bit posh for OEM! I wonder why they're in there?

[marksx]

Broken exhaust manifold today's find. Best get the welder out.

[marksx]

Yes seems that is intentional. Raving also mentioned the same to me today. I'm starting to panic about everything I think!

[marksx]

Dropped the oil. Surprised at how clean it came out. Sump could be another story though.



Removed the exhaust, make a bit of room and to eventually fix the switching issue.



Uh oh, what's this that was sitting in the left hand cat...

[marksx]

I've bigger issues to worry about, but hey, I split my exhaust to look at the switching valves. Guess that is why they wouldn't go quiet!

[marksx]

stevieturbo said:

lol...everything getting chucked out !

Looks like a bit of piston ring in the first photo.

Damn right, sling it all away! I was worried it would be piston ring.

How the chuff do you get this header out :haha:

[marksx]

There's a plug on the block behind the starter that I just can't reach with the header there. Not sure where it goes, and don't want to lift the engine with it attached in case there isn't much slack.