Welcome to Just Commodores, a site specifically designed for all people who share the same passion as yourself.

New Posts Contact us

Just Commodores Forum Community

It takes just a moment to join our fantastic community

Register

[Ecotec] engine block machining Question

timbo292832

New Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2012
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
sydney
Members Ride
VS 3.8 Manual
a buddy of mine recently did a rebuild of his Ecotec for his VS

Most of the parts are new including the Pistons
however he didn't get the engine block machined

i was wondering what kind of effect this would have on the engine
the engine originally has done 308,000 Kms
his cars running fine after the rebuild (Stock Rebuild)

i am interested in rebuilding a Ecotec engine myself
but i was under the impression that it is critical that you get the engine block machined
especially if you change the pistons ?
 

Wombles

Cars cost too much.
Joined
Oct 28, 2009
Messages
2,091
Reaction score
30
Points
48
Location
Gippsland
Members Ride
'72 LJ Torana, '95 VS Acclaim and V8 wagon
You would need to measure the round of the cylinder to see of its withon spec.
 

NitroAl

New Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2012
Messages
29
Reaction score
2
Points
3
Location
Yatala Qld
Members Ride
VX box of bolts
Machining the block is cheap when compared to the cost of parts so if there is any doubt at all get it done! A properly machined and assembled engine will always perform better!
 

Immortality

Can't live without smoky bacon!
Staff member
Joined
Apr 15, 2006
Messages
22,620
Reaction score
20,504
Points
113
Location
Sth Auck, NZ
Members Ride
HSV VS Senator, VX Calais II L67
It depends on how much wear there was in the bores, sometimes you can get away with a simple hone. I've seen literature that says you don't even need to do that.

Do a compression test, that will soon show how the rings have seated
 

timbo292832

New Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2012
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
sydney
Members Ride
VS 3.8 Manual
Thank you
i will start with a compression test
any idea how much it will cost to machine the block ?
 

chargedvx6

Active Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2006
Messages
1,866
Reaction score
15
Points
38
Members Ride
VY SII HBD Calais L67
You should be able to get a bore hone, deck, cam bearings supplied and fitted and balance for around $650. If you havent' changed pistons or rods you could give the balance a miss.

Also you may want to throw the balance shaft out and tap and plug the oil feed to it. Will be a tad rough around 1800rpm but you rarely stay at 1800rpm so no biggy imo
 

rRRumblers

New Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2012
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Kew, Melbourne
Members Ride
VS Calais 1997
My Brother is an Engine Rebuilder, Been so since 1978. He knows a thing or 2 'bout any engine. His Name is Tom operates a 1 man show, small engine reco centre in Lipton Drive Thomastown(next door to Centreline suspension), Company name is Maxitorque. Don't know the Tel # (only have his mob) however you can Google maxitorque automotive victoria and i'm sure you'll get his number.
 
Top