Vt-vx commodore problems Transmission and head gaskets.

[aidanbedggood]

hey guys, im new at this website, i'm sure this topic has come up many times but i am unsure how to find it, if anyone can link me to what i'm looking for could you please? thanks.

Anyway i bought a red vt executive 1997 for 200$ im picking it up on tuesday, it has some problems but there are only two main faults.
It has a blown head gasket.. Now what does this mean? what does it require to replace? i hope to be able to do it myself but what would parts and labour cost from a mechanic? can the car drive like this? i only need to drive it like 10k's to my shed.. i have a general idea about the engine and how it all works but im far from an expert can it be repaired by myself?


And this would be the main main problem, the transmission is going or gone.
I am unsure wether it is or has, but if it has i guess it would not be holding gears and kicking into 2nd to 3rd rough ect. Could a flush out and new fluid fix this roughness? let it get into the transmission coat all the vital parts? it happened to my mums vx and fixed her up a beauty. But if it is serious how much would it cost for repair via mechanic? parts labour? i have about 8 months to get this baby road worthy for my 18th birthday.
Going to be a project car or a serious driving car if i can fix her up good.

I would love any help from anyone, Thank you.
Aidan.

[Killr6]

Blown head gasket is bad news there mate, would probs be cheaper dropping a new engine it. If the head is blown it has most likey caused some damage elsewhere. It's a huge fix. And a service of the gearbox might fix it but probs not might need a new one lol.

[DrJeckyl]

Doing the head gasket could be as simple as just cleaning everything up and replacing the gasket but it would be a good idea to see if the blown gasket has caused any other problems eg warped head.

As for the auto you really need to find out what it is or isn't doing to tell what would be the best option.

Worst case scenario paying a mechanic to do everything, which for the auto is probably the best option, it will cost quite a few $$$.

I think you really have 4 options.

1) Pay someone ( and hopefully not find other problems with the motor)
2) Buy the parts and tools and do the reco's yourself.
3) Buy a engine and auto and do a straight swap.
4) Save your money, part the vt out, and buy one thats in better condition. (Do this )

[Killr6]

would probs be cheaper and less stress full to buy a new engine imo

[aidanbedggood]

Would you guys have a rough idea on the cost?

transmission service i might be able to do.
Head gasket ill make sure a mechanic does but whats the cost?

I really want to drive it lol.

I could end up making a fair but of $$ if i strip the parts and sell it.

The engine is bad, everything else is mint
i'll see what happens i guess.

Thanks guys.

[Killr6]

it all depends if the blown head has damaged other things when it blew.

[aidanbedggood]

I'll find out tomorrow i guess.

I hope it's not badly damaged i always dreamed of a vt haha holdens best commodore to date.

[rb26dett]

VT's are rubbish!

[ucwepn]

VT's are not so bad, they are allot of car for the money these days. A reco auto for my car cost me $1800 fitted with a free trans cooler and convertor (v8 though). I'd recommend ringing around some wreckers and going with 2nd hand stuff to get you out of trouble. Heaps of VT's are going to the wreckers as people want to get rid of their 10+ year old cars fast and their market value is crap now. Wreckers can fit a new engine and transmission and even give you a warranty, ring around for prices first though they can vary wildly. I'd say around $1500 drive away as a guess.

[vx_commodore]

I would say give it a go if you really like the car, Its just a matter of remembering where everything goes, U will probably find one of the heads is warped, but just take them off and take them down to your local engine centre and they will be able to tell you if they are good or not, if it so happends that one is warped then they can skim it for you and you will be good to go, Or you can get reco heads on an exchange basis, wichever comes cheaper. I have seen reco heads on ebay go for as low as $250 fora pair at times.

As for gearbox, usualy it will be better of getting a known working second hand box with low k's, Vt-X boxes second hand are quiet cheap($2-300) so again just see whats cheaper, either repair your own or go second hand.
Gearbox install is quiet easy, just the weight and aquardness of lying on the garage floor makes it hard unless you have access to a hoist and trans lifter.
If you do go at it yourself make sure you have a few mates to help! and a big trolly jack.

But at the end of the day as you said, its a project car and you have quiet a wile to sort these issues out so just get a gregories book and just take your time and you will save heaps by doing it yourself, Plus the satisfaction that you did all the work yourself!
When i started out in mecanic's i did all these task's by myself and it came out good,just take your time and after you will think "oh that wasent so hard" so i say give it a go!! worst case if u bugger it all up, Part it out and make your money back!, But these engine's are so basic it would be hard to bugger it up!
Good luck!!

[CHEETR]

i have a full 106,635kms motor and gearbox you can have together for $800!

[BlackVXGTS]

For your transmission problem, suggest you start off by changing the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) - if faulty it results in harsh and difficult gear changes.

[som]

I agree with BlackVXGTS.Unless the things been really flogged the gearbox may not be a major issue.They are very sensitive to engine tuning and it may only be something as simple as the TPS or even a set of good plugs and leads.Worst case scenario pick a box up from the wreckers.My local wrecker,BiRite at Thorneside in Brisbane's bayside, sell boxes,I'm pretty sure,for $100-$150 +freight.(just in case anyone needs it their ph number is 07,32073207) Good luck