Pulling motor out. VN V8 Calais

[ybl8te]

Hi,

Being a student again for the last year and the coming - I pushed my 1990 VN V8 Calais in the shed and brought a Nissan Pulsar to run around in (cheaper on gas while a student).

The other day I noticed a puddle of water under the car - frost plugs are going, and I know I have oil leaks at the big end.

I do-not know the history of the engine which is currently sitting on 470,000kms - I have owned it for 7-9 years and has always performed strongly. The auto trans was rebuilt about 60,000kms ago.

I am leaning towards the great adventure of pulling out the engine and re-conning my self. Have the tools and access to a pit if I ask nicely.

I am wondering if anyone has come across a good guide with photos on this site or the net?
Being in NZ, could someone recommend where to buy parts from?
Or an Australian site that specializes in supplying parts?

What would be everyone suggestions on the must do's when the motor is out? - I probably don't want to go silly and mainly keep it stock standard.

Cheers

[Munz]

I suggest you read this back to front
How to Rebuild & Hotrod Holden V8 | eBay, it might be just slightly outdated (few parts might not be available anymore) but has everything you would need to know about the Holden V8, also has a rebuild guide with photo's

But If rebuilding a stock V8 I would start with flat top pistons for more compression/ heads with a slight port job - 3 angle valves etc../mild torque cam....

[the_boozer]

Is there a local engine joint that's going to do the machining ? If the motor is getting a full rebuild take it out pull the heads off and pistons out and go see them and let them put the bottom end together and get them to do the heads up and you put the heads on and the rest of it back together will probably be the cheapest way .

[GTP 85]

engine and trans out together. Best bit of advice i can give. lol

As for machinists near you... no idea sorry