Buick Series 1 and 2 inlet manifolds

**202injected** · 07-02-2008, 09:22 PM

This question has probably been asked a thousand times, but i had a customer ask me to day if he could change his VN Series 1 inlet manifold with the thermostat at the back, for a the VN series 2 jobbie with the thermostat at the front.

if you can does this also apply to VP and VR manifolds i know they are basically the same motor, but i know holden love throwing curve balls into simple things like this

**vnskidder** · 07-02-2008, 10:01 PM

series 1 manifold will not fit on a series 2 engine, the different ports sizes and positions
and the water galleries are different. i dont know about series 2 vp to vr swap.

**m62vpute** · 07-02-2008, 11:46 PM

Originally Posted by vnskidder

series 1 manifold will not fit on a series 2 engine, the different ports sizes and positions
and the water galleries are different. i dont know about series 2 vp to vr swap.

there you go I thought the vp series 2 and vr used the same manifold

**hakhawk** · 08-02-2008, 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by vnskidder

series 1 manifold will not fit on a series 2 engine, the different ports sizes and positions
and the water galleries are different. i dont know about series 2 vp to vr swap.

care to back that up?

Index of /comparison

have a look, thats s1 vn vs a vr manifold.

go buy a manifold gasket from holden for an s1 now, i can guarantee you will get an s2 gasket unless you manage to find old stock. only physical bolt on difference is the pcv hole, which can be drilled out in a vn s1 head to accommodate the s2 manifold

**crazyspoon05** · 08-02-2008, 02:20 AM

Would make accessing the thermostat much easier on an S1 engine, prick of a job otherwise

**markovr** · 08-02-2008, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by crazyspoon05

Would make accessing the thermostat much easier on an S1 engine, prick of a job otherwise

I reckon....you cant even get the intake elbow of the manifold without taking the thermostat housing off and one bolt is a prick to get to
With the s2 manifold changeover to the s1 engine .....can you drill the pcv hole without taking it off the engine?

**UNKNOWN** · 08-02-2008, 07:15 PM

VR manifold fits on VP motor no probs, Running it at the moment.

**202injected** · 09-02-2008, 12:08 AM

Thanks that helps abit
I am an engine reconditioner so machining would not be a problem for me.
i cant see how the ports can be that differnet cause the heads are just about the same cast, but i have only ever worked on long motors so i have never fiddled with manifolds and stuff on the buick v6's, only ecotechs

**greenfoam** · 09-02-2008, 12:28 AM

Like hakky said you just need to drill the holes in the head, you wouldn't even need to take them off

**markovr** · 09-03-2008, 10:24 AM

Ok so I am ready to do the job...a early s1 vn engine and a vp inlet manifold but I just recently read this from this site Holden - Running changes to the VN that makes me stop and think;

The following production changes to the engine apply to models manufactured from mid November 1990.

A redesigned inlet manifold is installed which cannot be installed to previous models. To improve air distribution, a bellmouth is installed between the inlet manifold and the throttle body adaptor. To reduce noise and vibration, cast iron exhaust manifolds are installed which are connected to redesigned engine pipes. The oxygen sensor is installed to the left hand engine pipe.

The cylinder heads have revised coolant passages and a 20 mm hole is drilled in the inlet manifold face for the positive crankcase ventilation system. The cylinder head gaskets are coated with an adhesive on one side and are marked with an arrow which must face rearwards when the gaskets are installed. Due to the revised coolant passages, the cylinder heads and gaskets must not be installed on earlier models. Improved valve stem oil seals are installed which are identified by the course sealing ribs and the letters IPC on the top the beak. These seals can be installed to earlier models.

The cylinder block, which is not compatible with earlier models, has minor design alterations and is identified by the LV6 mark which is cast in each side of the cylinder block. Stainless steel welch plugs arc installed to each cylinder block and cylinder heads.

The words "revised water passages" scare me a bit....if I drill the hole for crankcase vent in the heads am I going to find those revised water passages?
Anybody know of someone that has done it sucessfully?

**hakhawk** · 09-03-2008, 05:38 PM

some pics fresh off the press. these should clear everything up i hope

**markovr** · 10-03-2008, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the picts even holden couldnt sneak a water jacket in there...I can go ahead and get all the stuff I need to do the job....

**308vkcalais** · 11-03-2008, 09:13 PM

I was curious about the same thing when we were rebuilding his Ser 1 engine back up.I too wanted to change the inlet manifold but ended up staying with his old manifold.Stupidest idea the Ser 1 manifold layout.

**Zuicider** · 19-03-2008, 12:15 AM

i got a vr manifold set up running on my vn series one. i just had the vent coming off the original rocker cover, changed the cooling lines and heater tap and the elbow . no problems in 12 months of running it

**markovr** · 19-03-2008, 07:08 AM

Im getting that vent hole welded up in the valve cover and making it all like a s2 ...had a little drama with a bit of pitting on the manifold I wasnt happy with on the side of manifold that blocks off a water entry when its all bolted up thats getting welded too. So my s1 heater tap is no good to me now or the heater hoses..what other things do I need extra?

**markovr** · 23-04-2008, 07:37 AM

All together just the radiator in the way now...can I use the old non cap type(near new) and keep the s1 overflow bottle?

**Cobez** · 23-04-2008, 08:03 AM

Is there really much of a benefit from using a VR manifold on a VP series 2 engine?? I thought the VP series 2 and the VR's used the same spec manifolds.....