Reco motor install on Monday

[dazza33]

Hi all, on Monday i have my 98 VT Wagon going in for a reco motor replacement, also a reco trans replacement. The original motor has done 300,000 and has a blown head gasket. Yes i know i'm spending a sh!t load and probably it will work out to be more than the cars worth but my car is my hobby and i don't want to part with it as i have had it since new!

I understand when they do a reco motor they use a fair few components off the original motor. I already have been told to get the injectors re-conditioned before they go in the reco motor, i have asked for a new water pump and thermostat, I have also requested platinum plugs and new top gun leads. As i said the original motor has done 300,000 k's so can anyone give me some advice on what else i should be asking for or considering prior to them starting work on it Monday.

Cheers, Daz.

[sandbar1000]

Hi all, on Monday i have my 98 VT Wagon going in for a reco motor replacement, also a reco trans replacement. The original motor has done 300,000 and has a blown head gasket. Yes i know i'm spending a sh!t load and probably it will work out to be more than the cars worth but my car is my hobby and i don't want to part with it as i have had it since new!

I understand when they do a reco motor they use a fair few components off the original motor. I already have been told to get the injectors re-conditioned before they go in the reco motor, i have asked for a new water pump and thermostat, I have also requested platinum plugs and new top gun leads. As i said the original motor has done 300,000 k's so can anyone give me some advice on what else i should be asking for or considering prior to them starting work on it Monday.

Cheers, Daz.

I would be asking them what is goinng in the reco motor, it should have new big end, and main bearings, cam bearings.

heads should also be recoed, there should be new lifters, cam chain, pistons , rings...etc...

the cylinders should be rebored?, or honed......deglazed.

waterpump and thermostat should be standard inclusions.....


davo......

[dazza33]

Anything else? Or does that just about cover it?

[alex2_s]

Heater tap, rear main seal, sump gasket, hoses etc (imagine blowing up a new engine coz of a failed top radiator hose...)

[savage1987]

Hi all, on Monday i have my 98 VT Wagon going in for a reco motor replacement, also a reco trans replacement. The original motor has done 300,000 (ecotecs usually last a lot longer than that with no need for a rebuild) and has a blown head gasket. Yes i know i'm spending a sh!t load and probably it will work out to be more than the cars worth but my car is my hobby and i don't want to part with it as i have had it since new! (most people on this forum have a car for a hobby... doesn't mean you should be prematurely rebuilding a V6 automatic, of all things!!)

I understand when they do a reco motor they use a fair few components off the original motor. I already have been told to get the injectors re-conditioned before they go in the reco motor (they should include this in the price, they are making enough off you already that it's almost criminal to ask you to do that yourself), i have asked for a new water pump and thermostat, I have also requested platinum plugs and new top gun leads (completely pointless on a stock V6). As i said the original motor has done 300,000 k's so can anyone give me some advice on what else i should be asking for or considering prior to them starting work on it Monday.

Cheers, Daz.

just my thoughts

[dazza33]

(ecotecs usually last a lot longer than that with no need for a rebuild)

I got a price of around $2000 to $2500 to do the heads, a reco motor $2700. I just figured this was the better option for sake of longevity. Plus i can now look at mods within the motor rather than bolt on ones. Like i will consider higher ratio roller rockers now as where i wouldn't have before.

doesn't mean you should be prematurely rebuilding a V6 automatic, of all things!!

The torque converter was slipping and the transmission was in limp home mode after 15mins. the oil was also burnt.

completely pointless on a stock V6

It is not completely stock as in the memcal has been reprogrammed, CAI, 2.5" exhaust, high flow air filter and a upgraded throttle body. Didn't mention this at the start as i was more concerned with the block and heads in my original post.

most people on this forum have a car for a hobby

To true, it's a given i suppose.

Thanks for everyone's comments though, duly noted.

Daz.

[savage1987]

I got a price of around $2000 to $2500 to do the heads, a reco motor $2700.Seems quite expensive.. mate had his 3800 rebuilt for $1800.. bear in mind you can pick up a second hand ecotec for a couple of hundred dollars. I just figured this was the better option for sake of longevity. Plus i can now look at mods within the motor rather than bolt on ones. Like i will consider higher ratio roller rockers now as where i wouldn't have before. Honestly, consider doing more than that mate, like different pistons, cam, might as well build something half decent for your money. Roller rockers you can do while the motor is in the car, they don't really count as an internal modification imo

The torque converter was slipping and the transmission was in limp home mode after 15mins. the oil was also burnt.
Sounds like you should be rebuilding the transmission then, that's fair enough
It is not completely stock as in the memcal has been reprogrammed, CAI, 2.5" exhaust, high flow air filter and a upgraded throttle body. Didn't mention this at the start as i was more concerned with the block and heads in my original post.
That's still pretty much stock dude, definitely not worth those plugs, absolute waste of money

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