new vs v6 engine?

[deez]

Hi folks,

I'm looking to replace my ageing vs v6 engine which now has 300,000+ on the clock and have begun to dig around for mechanics and suppliers.

The car is a series 1 vs utility with auto trans and the following basic mods:
- dual-fuel
- cat back 2 1/2 inch exhaust
- cold air intake
- lowered suspension

My requirements are simple and a stock engine would suffice, although I'm open to suggestions.

I'm looking for the most cost-effective option here (both initial cost and ongoing) and was wondering if I should go a brand-spanker, a reco'd engine or even reco the existing engine?

Should I also consider replacing any other parts, e.g. trans, while I'm throwing money at this?

Any recommendations on suppliers/mechanics in melbourne metro would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Denny

[Dinwoodie]

Hi Denny,

First off welcome to the forums!

I just recently put a new 5.0L in my vs ute which i got from HM GEM Motors, they reco motors in Dandenong. Its the second motor i have purchased through them (not for the same car) i replaced one in the mrs pulsar about 3 years ago. I have never had a problem at all with it, they go extremely well, have a good waranty and they are pretty good for price, i payed $2700 for a V8 Long Motor through them.

The company itself doesnt deal direct with the public but there is a HM GEM Mechanics in Frankston - Motafit 6 Skye Road Frankston PH - 9783 2140 Im sure there are other people that have used other companies that do the same thing so there will be no shortage of opinions! GL with the car, Jordz

[speed_freak]

in essence it all dependant on how long you plan to keep the car. if you seriously dont plan on keeping it that long just leave it as it is for now. if you plan to keep the car for another 10 years then maybe get a fully reconditioned or near new engine.

you could also look at the idea of selling your car and buying another that has less km's. the glory of vs commodores is that theres always supply and options on whatever you want to do.

[deez]

Thanks for the welcome J - I do like the funky range of emoticons available to forum posters and have to hold back on dumping them all in a single post. I'll definitely be ringing HM GEM Motors to find out more - Frankston is a possibility, although it would be great if they had a mechanic/reseller closer to Moorabbin.

speed_freak - thanks for the reply. I had been tossing and turning on whether to keep the car and in the end decided it was better/less risky to keep a car I knew well, rather than purchase another VS and inherit/discover someone else's problem. I'd like to keep her for another 4-5 years at least, so the first thing is to give the powerplant a "refresh". Then I need a roadworthy as I'm transferring from interstate...

Is it worth giving the current engine a full reco - what might this cost? Or would it be cheaper/easier to drop in a new/reco motor?

D.

[Dinwoodie]

I'm sure there would be a HM Gem dealer closer to moorabin maybe, if not frankston is only 15 mins away.

A Lot of engine re-builders work on a change over system, your caked motor for the reco one so generally the price to rebuild yours is the same as a swap over, the only thing you have to do with a swap over is notify Vic Roads of the new engine number.

[deez]

Couldn't get a hold of Motafit@Frankston, but I did get in touch with Motafit@Keysborough. For a 3.8l full reco from HM, I'm lookin at $3250 incl GST and inclusive of any additional labour for "accessories" such as hoses, radiators, etc. 12 mth nationwide warranty, and for an extra $100 this can be extended to 3 yrs.

Gonna make a few more calls for comparison.

[Dinwoodie]

Thats a good price for a reco motor fitted, definantly ring around and check out some other prices! GL with the price hunt mate

[-=ApheX=-]

would that price be for a swap over basis?
if so then it's not really that good of a price considering the engine is the cheapest part... you'd be paying excessivley for the labour i'm sure!
Maybe you should check out some of the more well established wreckers and see if they have a low K engine in one of thier cars? it may be cheaper to do it that way?
and whilst your at it, get the lowest K transmission you can find also, get it serviced then assemble... then by rights you should have at least 5 years of problem free driving with only minor servicing required. Good luck

[Dinwoodie]

by rights you should have at least 5 years of problem free driving

I think if you got a low k motor from the wreckers you wouldnt have 1 year of problem free driving . .

[BT1-355]

Hi folks,

I'm looking to replace my ageing vs v6 engine which now has 300,000+ on the clock and have begun to dig around for mechanics and suppliers.

The car is a series 1 vs utility with auto trans and the following basic mods:
- dual-fuel
- cat back 2 1/2 inch exhaust
- cold air intake
- lowered suspension

My requirements are simple and a stock engine would suffice, although I'm open to suggestions.

I'm looking for the most cost-effective option here (both initial cost and ongoing) and was wondering if I should go a brand-spanker, a reco'd engine or even reco the existing engine?

Should I also consider replacing any other parts, e.g. trans, while I'm throwing money at this?

Any recommendations on suppliers/mechanics in melbourne metro would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Denny

Hello there, Just wanted to know WHY would you want to change your engine. Like i unstand that it has done over 300,000km, like are you having problems with it eg using oil, leaking, noisey etc etc. The main reason i ask, is because i've seen these motors go for more that 300,000km (as long as they are look after) and i dont see any reasons to put spent $$$$$$ if you dont need too

[admir87]

if it cost just over 3000 for a reco, maybe find out how much a brand new one from holden would be

[mitchvsute]

ive got a complete ecotec in my shed with 150 kms. if your interested pm me

[brandes88]

hey micthvsute, im after another engine for my vs ute as i fried the other one.. very interested about the ones in ur shed.. cheers

[deez]

hey guys - sorry i haven't replied in a while. just got back from much needed holiday. feelin good now tho and ready to get this ute on the road.

rang around a bunch of folks and was happiest with the motafit quote, although most came in at around the same price for a reco (Aphex - that's with changeover).

BT1-355 - to answer your question, this engine has had a pretty hard life. i bought the ute initially to deliver stuff across town so put it straight on gas. In the 3 years i did this job, i covered almost 200,000 kms on gas and probably didn't run it enough on petrol. Since then, a whole pile of problems have started cropping up and I figure its on its last legs hence the search for an appropriate replacement. Coincidentally, my mechanic said the same thing you did just last Friday when I had it in for RWC, so now I'm having second thoughts about laying down 3k for a reco - expecting a quote this week so will have a big decision to make

D.