VS Ecotec Modifications/rebuild

[darcycammo]

Hey (I know this has been covered so many times but mine is a little different)

I have a stock VS Berlina V6 3.8L Auto with 280'***K's on it and it has a ticking sound in the motor now some people have said it could be the cam but i have no clue LOL i want to get a little bit more power then you would out of a stock V6 but i don't want a drag car
here is what i was looking at getting

1)Something like a stage 2 came (because i like the lumpyness sound of them (and hope that will fix the ticking sound )
2)roller rockers not too sure 1.9.1 or 1.98.1 which is better?
3)some lifters?
4)some people have said a {{shift kit}} i don't know much about these what do that do and how they work are they worth getting
5)Manifold insulator & Plenum spacer
6)CAI intake

What do you think ?

[Mr.38L]

The thing you have to watch out for when going for higher ratio rockers and a cam is the amount of lift it will create, too much and you'll start breaking stuff. It depends on the spec of the cam. There's a cam and chip package *i think* on mace's website that will allow the cam and higher ratio rockers.

As the go with shift kits, they boost the pressure in the lines minimising slip and heat, creating a more firmer shift

As for the mace cai, spacer and insulator, i can't talk from experience, but from all the reviews i've seen and all the positive feedback, these products are the go.

I hope i've helped even the slightest bit, but i'm sure Steve will shed some more light on this topic :P

[monkeys437]

As said above, you dont need 1.9 rockers and a cam. Its a matter of picking one or the other. Id definitley get an LSD with gears to compliment the rest of the package

[HamaTime™]

The thing you have to watch out for when going for higher ratio rockers and a cam is the amount of lift it will create, too much and you'll start breaking stuff. It depends on the spec of the cam. There's a cam and chip package *i think* on mace's website that will allow the cam and higher ratio rockers.

As the go with shift kits, they boost the pressure in the lines minimising slip and heat, creating a more firmer shift

As for the mace cai, spacer and insulator, i can't talk from experience, but from all the reviews i've seen and all the positive feedback, these products are the go.

I hope i've helped even the slightest bit, but i'm sure Steve will shed some more light on this topic :P

1.98.1 Rockers are a safe ratio and won't cause excessive lift and valve float which will cause damage to the motor...These rockers are designed to work on a stock cam, not a newer one (even though there are upgraded/more aggressive cams which can be paired with the higher ratio).
This being said, I'd go a different/more aggressive cam which alters timing as well which always unlocks more power. However, these are not bolt on, they do require a bit of work to get in, not to mention a new tune.

[MACE]

Hey Darcy,

In regards to the ticking sound, assuming that it's not a leaky exhaust manifold gasket, and that your engine hasn't spun a bearing, it would most likely be a lazy lifter. You can try an oil flush with some lifter free but that may cause more problems then good given the number of ks, as it may disturb too much internal gunk build up potentially blocking up critical oil galleries. You can do it though but you have to be very thorougher and would probably have to do an oil flush several times in a short period.

Another option would be to run longer pushrods, or if you're on a tighter budget, you can linish down the rocker pedestals. What this does is that it increases the amount of lifter crush, often curing a lazy lifter.

If the above still doesn't work then a new set of lifters are in order.

In regards to internal mods, given the number of K's I would recommend sticking with a set of 1.9:1 ratio rockers. The good thing about our rockers is that they have more lifter crush then the factory rockers, often making the valve train noise quieter then previously.

This aside, all the other mods you suggested a would work well.

Hope this helps,

Cheers,
Steve.

[darcycammo]

Okay even if i don't get a stage 2 cam is there a package that comes with a cam and rockers i don't really care what cam it is as long as it's better then the stock one and im not to fussed about the price

[MACE]

Okay even if i don't get a stage 2 cam is there a package that comes with a cam and rockers i don't really care what cam it is as long as it's better then the stock one and im not to fussed about the price

Well you could always go for a stage 2 crow cam and chip package and run a set of 1.9:1 ratio rocker with. Have had very good success with this combo with appropriate valve spring and retianer upgrade.

If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers,
Steve

[darcycammo]

Okay so i kinda have a new plan LOL i have just bought a VX engine off ebay for $50 hope to pick it up in the next day or to holden motor vt vx v6 (eBay item 270764374379 end time 17-Jun-11 14:10:04 AEST) : Cars, Bikes, Boats i still plan to rebuild this motor now but i can do it over a number of months while i get the money to buy all the parts and still be able to drive the car at the same time

(stage 2 crow cam and chip package and run a set of 1.9:1 ratio rocker with. Have had very good success with this combo with appropriate valve spring and retianer upgrade. )
that looks like the way to go is there anything else i have to change besides the gaskets and how much $$ would i be looking at with this set up ?

[MACE]

Okay so i kinda have a new plan LOL i have just bought a VX engine off ebay for $50 hope to pick it up in the next day or to holden motor vt vx v6 (eBay item 270764374379 end time 17-Jun-11 14:10:04 AEST) : Cars, Bikes, Boats i still plan to rebuild this motor now but i can do it over a number of months while i get the money to buy all the parts and still be able to drive the car at the same time

Good price!

(stage 2 crow cam and chip package and run a set of 1.9:1 ratio rocker with. Have had very good success with this combo with appropriate valve spring and retianer upgrade. )
that looks like the way to go is there anything else i have to change besides the gaskets and how much $$ would i be looking at with this set up ?

You'll need different valve springs, retainers and stem seals to give you clearance and reliable operation given the amount of lift. It would also be highly recommended that you run a double row rollmaster timing chain set. The good thing about the latter is that is does away with the chain tensioner which have been know to break apart and end up in the pickup In regards to pricing, if you're planning on purchasing a number of items we can often do better then retail.

If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers,
Steve

[darcycammo]

Stage 2 Cam shaft with chip package
Dual row Timing chain
132lb Springs
LS1 Push rods
Modified retainers
Valve seals
ratio rocker's 1.9:1
So would this be the way to go?

[MACE]

You have a PM darcycammo

Cheers,
Steve

[darcycammo]

here it is so far haven't had much time to pull it apart with school and other stuff on

i have pulled most of it apart now

[MACE]

Looks like a relatively clean motor you have there

[darcycammo]

Okay i have got this far and can't seem to get the bold undone on the harmonic balancer any help would be good lol the rest of the stuff that has been taken off is sitting in acid for a couple of days to clean them

[darcycammo]

Okay after a whole day of trying to get the harmonic balancer screw undone with every single hand and power and air tool and failing it ended up only taking 3 people to get it undone one with a bar and to holding the motor from falling over FINALLY its out

[MACE]

Ah glad to hear it's sorted. My apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers,
Steve

[darcycammo]

just a little update i have got everything back now alot more clean then they were when i first got the engine.
in a couple of weeks i will start ordering most of the parts and start putting it back together (if i can remember how it all goes back together :S)

[MACE]

just a little update i have got everything back now alot more clean then they were when i first got the engine.
in a couple of weeks i will start ordering most of the parts and start putting it back together (if i can remember how it all goes back together :S)

Sounds like you've made some nice progress there darcycammo

if you get a hold of a workshop manual (try local library) and pace yourself you'll be right

Cheers,
Steve

[darcycammo]

Yer just got a max ellerys the other day i wanted to get a Gregorys but the Max ellery one was cheaper lol
Haven't had much time to do anything as i have been on the phone ringing every shop around here to get some prices on stuff like
........................Repco Ferntree Gully./.Bursons Lilydale./.R&E auto Pakenham./..........some place in Mitcham
Full Gasket set /........$572.......................$434.50........ .........$290...................................$2 20
Piston ring set /.........$371......................$268........... ...........$126 (or better) $220
head bolt set /...........$62.......................$55.......... ..............$48

[MACE]

Big difference in price there!

If you get stuck on getting these parts let us know, as I might be able to pull some strings

Cheers,
Steve

[darcycammo]

this is getting worse as i get more into it
1 i have lost $250 somewhere and can't find it
2 crankshaft is stuffed need to find another one now
3 the piston ring set ended up being double the price
4 im more then a month and a half behind what i wanted to be now
5 if it keeps going like this i might ditch the hole thing

[vxcalais_01]

If you have the bits from Mace keep going. Dont rush it, the engine is out of the car. If its a family car different story.

My Street Car Some inspiration for you. This guy did a fantastic job.

[MACE]

Darcy,

I have to agree with what vxcalais_01has mentioned. Regardless of if you purchase parts of us again, it's an excellent, rewarding experience. I do understand though it can be a frustrating one at times!

Just pace yourself and it you'll be right

Cheers,
Steve

[darcycammo]

Okay it's been over a month since i have been on here or done anything with the engine i have 3 weeks from today to try and finish it so i can take it into tafe and put it on the
dyno and see what i can get out of it at the moment i have $900 to spend with another &320 in the next to weeks so i should be able to finish it the things i still need
1] Full gasket set 2] another crankshaft 3] double row timing chain 4] Valve Springs 5] bearing set 6] gearbox and engine oil and oil filters and maybe a couple of little things after. Because i don't have an engine crane atm im going to pull the old engine apart inside the car.

[Wombles]

Ask mates if they have one. Im sure you could find an engine crane.
Looks lke your work is slow but a great idea.