VS Ute motor ideas

[holdenhero]

Hey everyone,

Let me start by saying I bought myself a nice shiny VS ute the other day, was nice and happy with it. It seemed in good nick mechanically, until 2 days later when I hear the conrod knocking... Great! Well, sitting here moping over what has just happened isn't going to serve any purpose so I've got to move on and I've come up with a few ideas...

Obviously, these motors are commonplace amongst wreckers and aren't the most expencive as far as motors go. But getting one out of another VS does mean that its going to have probably 200,000+ km's on it, even one advertised lower, wreckers aren't the most trustworthy bunch. Gettin the engine reconditioned/rebuilt is another option and I can't exactly find out too much information on this (price, whats done, etc). Another option is getting the engine out of a later model commodore (eg: VT, VY, VX, VU, etc) as I believe they are the same except then with that wouldn't it cause more complications such as having to change the sump, manifolds, etc - and with a later model engine what wiring loom would be used? Would I have to update other things on the VS, or would the engine use the VS and would that cause any problems?

Also, if I was planning on turning this thing into something tuff enough to rip out the occasional smoke show (yes, of course on a skidpan - all of the 'hoon' happy forum members pipe down) would there be large cost involved, and am I better doing this now while the engine is out or would the costs be the same later?

[keygen]

i'd go for a reconditioned/rebuild .

did mine not so long ago - approx $1200, but only did what was required apart from new rings .
the heads were the most expensive @ $550 - needed a crack welded & exhaust valve seat inserts .
also found a good buy for $100 - a linished standard crankshaft
second-hand rod & piston , sump welded at work , etc .

i dismantled 2 vs engines from the wreckers only to find the bottom end no good .
i dunno about putting a later model engine in .

anyway , the more work you can do yourself the better .