Welcome to vvon

ASTOBBS · #1 28-02-11, 17:53

Today I finally got started on stripping down the engine. This is the first proper look I've had at how the v6 lump comes together.

On the agenda for this 'session' of tuning is :

.To fit 'G' inlet cams
.fit 3.0 inlet divider plate
.Remove mani cats from ex manifolds - retaining the stainless manifolds
.Match up (as well as possible without head removal) the inlet divider to heads, match the inlet divider to lower plenums.
.Clean up the casting marks inside the plenums and cylinder heads, and polish inlet tracts
.Polish throttle body
.clean out oil vapour screen
.provide a cold air feed to the airbox, forward facing to give 'ramair' effect.

Not got very far yet, have now got the plenums all stripped off, divider off, and since this photo was taken, cambelt cover is off and belt can be removed as soon as the tension is let off.

Heres a pic of the x30 inlet divider versus y26

It can clearly be seen that the orifices are larger on the x30. Not that size is the be all and end all, its unlikely that the y26 plate is restrictive on a standard engine, but as I'm fitting the G cams I don't want to strangle the inlet down.

Looking at the plenums, theres plenty of scope for removing casting marks, but again thats not guarenteed to give any real world gains.

Thats all for today

Leeky · #2 28-02-11, 18:50

You've got plenty planned then Andy.

I'll be looking forward to reading this as usual!

ASTOBBS · #3 28-02-11, 19:27

Seem to have a weeping crankshaft seal Lee, have you ever changed one?

is it possible to pull it out with a woodscrew or similar?

Leeky · #4 28-02-11, 21:49

Which end mate?

I haven't done either, but the pulley end is pretty easy, I'd imagine your way would work fine. The flywheel end is, however, pretty difficult and GM even have a special tool for it.

ASTOBBS · #5 01-03-11, 07:37

yeah its the front end. Never leaves a drip under the car, but with the belt cover removed I can see its getting onto the belt.

Leeky · #6 01-03-11, 22:47

Yeah, that'll need doing ASAP. I'd be replacing the cambelt as well mate - you know what oil can do to it over time.

ASTOBBS · #7 02-03-11, 07:14

don't worry the belt is getting done. Thats what started the camshaft upgrade saga haha

ASTOBBS · #8 03-03-11, 20:27

Well I rang vx today for some prices on a few bits I need.

Crank seal £29
O-ring kit for inlet divider plate £79
clip for plenum rubber £1odd

Naturally I told them to leave it on the first two items - who comes up with the price of £79 for 5 o rings? thats just silly. and £30 is toppy assuming its a standard oil seal.
Will have to try and get the oil seal out as complete as possible to measure it accurately.

Back to it tomorrow, so far I've been polishing and smoothing the throttle body in the evenings (pics to come), and have ordered a selection of burrs and flap wheels to enable me to attack the plenums.
Aim for tomorrow is, cambelt off, oil seal out and replacement ordered. Drain coolant, exchange water pump, remove radiator to gain access to front ex manifold. exhaust system off.

Leeky · #9 03-03-11, 20:55

I would keep to the crank seal personally - had too many issues in the past with pattern, or "matched" seals failing, or leaking almost immediately. Its massively overpriced, but considering the grief factor I'd just pay for it.

I'd also imagine the O rings will be fine. I'm yet to have to replace them in all my time spent on V6s. I'd personally spend that money on a cool running thermostat while the inlet divider is out instead - A much better use of the money in my opinion, especially given that your after extra power as well.

Good luck with tomorrow's fun. I'm debating whether to do the cambelt on this occasion, or whether with my back condition it might actually be time to start paying for these things to be done. I've lots of fun tomorrow diagnosing ATF leaks, adjusting the handbrake up, checking the rear suspension, adjusting the exhaust, and inspecting the exhaust leak problem as well.

ASTOBBS · #10 03-03-11, 22:26

have to say from personal experience I've had no issues with seals leaking. I get all my stuff like that from a company in warrington, never once had an issue provided the thing you expect it to seal to doesn't have a monster groove in it.

Thanks for the advice on stat.
also might need a set of plenum rubbers as some are perished a little (though not cracked) but I kind of balk at £45 for silicone ones and then jubilee clips ontop of that, plus I'm totally not into silicone, think it looks mega tacky and often clips have to be ridiculoiusly tight to get the thing to seal because the tube is so damn stiff.