re-engining my VS

[VSCristian]

G'day Gentlemen,

I am seeking advice on re-engining, and the situation is as follows:

I drive a 1996 VS Acclaim V6 A4 that is mechanically sound with the exception of the aircon. Only mods are the MACE CAI, MACE memcal and a 2.5 inch cat-back. She hs c271kkm on the clock. I reside in Western Sydney.

I was seeking to replace her with a VX/VY SS or BA XR6T which I would then rebuild into Armageddon on wheels, but that is no longer feasible as I am about to move out to Katherine, NT, and simply put the above vehicles would be unsuitable to the conditions, as well as tempting targets for vandalism by local vermin. That said, my motto is NIL DESPERANDUM, and the most sensible option available is to do up my VS.

Within a $10k budget, I was looking at giving her a reconditioned or rebuilt VX/VY ECOTEC, and before the new motor goes in, I want to add a cam, rockers etc. Any recommendations? Furthermore, I have been looking at LEWIS RACING ENGINES who build up ECOTECS. Has anyone tried their motors?

Does MACE still make that twin-throttle manifold? And would such a manifold be compatible with a built up ECOTEC?

Basically, I am looking at making c160rwkw, and remaining NA if possible.

V6 holden

[MACE]

Hey Cristian,

"I was seeking to replace her with a VX/VY SS or BA XR6T which I would then rebuild into Armageddon on wheels, but that is no longer feasible as I am about to move out to Katherine, NT, and simply put the above vehicles would be unsuitable to the conditions, as well as tempting targets for vandalism by local vermin. That said, my motto is NIL DESPERANDUM, and the most sensible option available is to do up my VS."
Anything goes in the Territory

Do you want to do all of the work in NT or in NSW? Will you be able to get 98octane fuel?

"Within a $10k budget, I was looking at giving her a reconditioned or rebuilt VX/VY ECOTEC, and before the new motor goes in, I want to add a cam, rockers etc. Any recommendations? Furthermore, I have been looking at LEWIS RACING ENGINES who build up ECOTECS. Has anyone tried their motors?"
We can supply a complete engine shipped if need be, so that won't be a problem. As for LRE I haven't personally had any experience with them so I can't comment, however they claim 30rwkw from their ecotec cylinder heads which politely put I'm a skeptic

V6 VT on ECOTEC PORTED heads ,complete recon . | eBay

"Does MACE still make that twin-throttle manifold? And would such a manifold be compatible with a built up ECOTEC?"
MRC Performance do

"Basically, I am looking at making c160rwkw, and remaining NA if possible."
It's possible with the budget that you've suggested. In saying this though it would be easier with an L67 though, with would bolt straight up. Though a grumpy NA would sound nice

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

Cheers,
Steve

[VSCristian]

I've being doing my homework etc, and no, 98 octane fuel seems to be unavailable in Katherine, it truly is the arse-hole of the world.

I will commence work on my car only once in Katherine as it will be funded via-salary sacrificing.

My main concern with an L67 is the availability of 98 Octane fuel.

I do like the idea of complete engines, and am somewhat attracted by strokers, especially if they have two-throttles

[someguy360]

The L67 will run fine on 95 if you can get that.

Although you will need to get it tuned for 95 after all your mods

[MACE]

Hi VSCristian

"I've being doing my homework etc, and no, 98 octane fuel seems to be unavailable in Katherine, it truly is the arse-hole of the world."
Bugger, that does limit things a little

"I will commence work on my car only once in Katherine as it will be funded via-salary sacrificing."
That won't be a problem

"My main concern with an L67 is the availability of 98 Octane fuel."
Unfortunately that will also limit things with a grumpy n/a engine.

"I do like the idea of complete engines, and am somewhat attracted by strokers, especially if they have two-throttles "
A stroker would be a better way to go as it's an instant 10% increase in torque over the standard stroke engine. With a decent set of heads and cam to suit it would go well without needing to higher compression requiring 98ron fuel.

Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions.
Bart

[yxyx64]

.......I will commence work on my car only once in Katherine as it will be funded via-salary sacrificing.............

is this a debit card arrangement with you employer a charity?

[VSCristian]

is this a debit card arrangement with you employer a charity?

Nah, it's for a role with local government. Basically, if I don't sacrifice I will be mauled by the ATO, as I have i'd reach a certain threshold.. I can salary sacrifice a NRMA or government loan, which basically will come out of what the ATO would take...

I believe that a decent stroker is a better way to spend that money than what the ATO would do with it.

[wraith]

Sell the car you have. Salary sacrifice a better car. Don't salary sacrifice modifications. Cost of shifting the car to Katherine will be hardly worth it as well.

[VSCristian]

Hi VSCristian

"I've being doing my homework etc, and no, 98 octane fuel seems to be unavailable in Katherine, it truly is the arse-hole of the world."
Bugger, that does limit things a little

95 RON is available, but I'd prefer to run it on 91 out of concern for the reliabilty and consistency of their 'premium' fuel.



"My main concern with an L67 is the availability of 98 Octane fuel."
Unfortunately that will also limit things with a grumpy n/a engine.

"I do like the idea of complete engines, and am somewhat attracted by strokers, especially if they have two-throttles "
A stroker would be a better way to go as it's an instant 10% increase in torque over the standard stroke engine. With a decent set of heads and cam to suit it would go well without needing to higher compression requiring 98ron fuel.

Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions.
Bart

A 91 tuned stroker with heads/rockers/cam, twin-throttles, your intake, and a decent (full) exhaust should still make decent power.. and in a VS which is relatively light, coupled with a shift-kit and a 3.9 LSD, would make for a reasonably fast car right?

[VSCristian]

Sell the car you have. Salary sacrifice a better car. Don't salary sacrifice modifications. Cost of shifting the car to Katherine will be hardly worth it as well.

I was looking at an SS, but up those cars are targets for vandalism, a friend of mine took her new SV6 there and it got scratched, hit, had the aerial ripped off etc, also, because of the low ground clearance, it suffered some belly-damage too..

That's the main reason for upgrading the VS.. nice and stealthy (won't upgrade looks).. plus fun to drive..

[VSCristian]

Cost of shifting the car to Katherine will be hardly worth it as well.

I get relocation package up to 5k.. so I can either have her transported, or, what I intend to do, is drive her up there.. if it came out of my own pocket I'd definitely look for another car..

[wraith]

I was looking at an SS, but up those cars are targets for vandalism, a friend of mine took her new SV6 there and it got scratched, hit, had the aerial ripped off etc, also, because of the low ground clearance, it suffered some belly-damage too..

That's the main reason for upgrading the VS.. nice and stealthy (won't upgrade looks).. plus fun to drive..

It's a commodore people don't care either way. A modified car is going to attract attention in a small town like that no matter what you do. I wouldn't modify a car then cripple it with crap fuel.

[VSCristian]

It's a commodore people don't care either way. A modified car is going to attract attention in a small town like that no matter what you do. I wouldn't modify a car then cripple it with crap fuel.

My VS has the normal dents etc, standard wheels, and no tips on the exhaust... people target newer cars.. She won't be invulnerable by any means, but would be much less of a target when sitting in a car-park than a newer or visibly done up car.

That's why I want to keep her on 91.

[wraith]

My VS has the normal dents etc, standard wheels, and no tips on the exhaust... people target newer cars.. She won't be invulnerable by any means, but would be much less of a target when sitting in a car-park than a newer or visibly done up car.

That's why I want to keep her on 91.

I take it you have never lived in a small town before. You will get used to every one knowing your business before you do.

[VSCristian]

I take it you have never lived in a small town before. You will get used to every one knowing your business before you do.

That's true, I have, but only for three months or so.. ideally, i'd be looking for a place a few miles out of town, but I know the principle's the same..

[VSCristian]

and as for small towns.. Katherine is 300km south of Darwin, has a population of almost 10,000 people, and is considered to be a 'large' town by the locals... it truly is in the middle of nowhere.. so an angry sounding VS would be noticed pretty quickly..

even more so if I get the plates i'm thinking of lol... "MENS.REA" haha..

[yxyx64]

Nah, it's for a role with local government. Basically, if I don't sacrifice I will be mauled by the ATO, as I have i'd reach a certain threshold.. I can salary sacrifice a NRMA or government loan, which basically will come out of what the ATO would take...

I believe that a decent stroker is a better way to spend that money than what the ATO would do with it.

not sure that your FBT advice is the best here. Suggest you seek advice on FBT liability.

[VSCristian]

not sure that your FBT advice is the best here. Suggest you seek advice on FBT liability.

Sorry mate, FBT? What's that?

[yxyx64]

Sorry mate, FBT? What's that?

Fringe Benefits Tax - that would be the 46.5% you probably will reimburse the govt cause you "saved" 30% (or whatever) income tax on your engine loan. I am done - get advice.

[MACE]

Hi VScristian,

" A 91 tuned stroker with heads/rockers/cam, twin-throttles, your intake, and a decent (full) exhaust should still make decent power.. and in a VS which is relatively light, coupled with a shift-kit and a 3.9 LSD, would make for a reasonably fast car right? "
Things are always going to be a compromise when using 91ron fuel, even running 95ron would be better (is that available?). If the engine is built right with the correct cam and compression ratio and good tune it would still be a decent engine with plenty of torque.
coupled with the gears and LSD it would be a fun car to drive.

Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions.
Bart