488 replies to this topic

[mandarinvx]

And the rods:

First one removed - I've never done anything like this before - very nerve wracking - hence I appreciate most wont take a secong glance at the pics, but it would have given me that little bit more confidence if I'd known what I was up against (wasn't all that bad in the end!)



First thing is to remove the clip from one side with long nose pliers



Then knock out the pin, I used the end of a 3/8" extension bar as it's nice and smooth





Then reverse



The difference between the stock items and the Eagle rods is quite amazing

[mandarinvx]

Then set the piston ring gaps to those shown in TIS, the oil scraper ones are a right PITA!



Coated the bolt threads and heads with the 'special' Eagle supplied moly grease and re-assembled with oil in the bores



I'd never used piston ring compressors before, and just bought a cheapo one from Halfords - it was actually pretty easy (i'd dreaded that moment for some reason )







And all in

[mandarinvx]

And back to the head:

I bought a new balance chain tensioner, so that was fitted first - obv dont take the locking pin out until after its fitted



New chain fitted into place (I effectively followed the Total Vauxhall guide available online in pdf format )



Despite being an '02 car it had the new tensioner, but the old chain and old style oil jet [Vauxhalls numbering system is obviously out )

Then turned through many rotation until the marks lined up again to make sure it didn't skip a tooth





I borrowed the Kent Moore locking tool from Karlos, I'm still not entirely sure what it was needed for, but used it anyhoo

[mandarinvx]

I won my old wheels back on ebay a couple of weeks ago

I had these made by Compomotive when I had my mandarin car, the company who put the mandarin one back on the road sold these on separately for some reason

They were in a right state in the pic on ebay, which is presumably why they didn't fetch much, but thankfully this was only mud, and a quick clean later:



The spokes on the front wheels are quite pronounced compared to the rears:







They need a bit of TLC, but should look as good as new once polished up - glad I used Collinite on them when I first got them now, as they were really easy to clean!

This is how they looked on my old car:









Just need to get some tyres put on now

[The Batman]

that engine is screaming for a supercharger

[mandarinvx]

All in good time.... all in good time

[mandarinvx]

Woo hoo - she lives... Must admit after having my hands all over the inside of the engine I was a tad nervous when the time came to hit the starter button but fired first time Mahoosive thanks to MrSimba for the all the help today - couldn't have done it without you

[Zoobeef]

Woo hoo - she lives...

Must admit after having my hands all over the inside of the engine I was a tad nervous when the time came to hit the starter button but fired first time


Mahoosive thanks to MrSimba for the all the help today - couldn't have done it without you

Congrats
Always have a fubby feeling in my stomach just befor pressing the button or turning the key

Edited by zoobeef, 18 June 2010 - 08:52 PM.

[mandarinvx]

A mini update The Comp stage 1 cams seem to make a noticeable difference - where before power was linear up to around 5.5k there is now a real surge around 3.75k and keeps going til the limit, even the exhaust pitch changes noticeably, really really need a map, not so much for tuning, but to get the rev limit raised by 1k or so The cams do make the idle lumpy tho (unless the Egr cheater I've fitted isn't happy) Overall very pleased

[MrSimba]

The cams do make the idle lumpy tho (unless the Egr cheater I've fitted isn't happy)

The EGR cheater that YOU fitted..

Well if it is the EGR cheater at fault you definatly fitted it then!!!

[chris_uk]

i have the same cams and mine is lumpy on idle aswell, i doubt its the cheater.

[mandarinvx]

The cams do make the idle lumpy tho (unless the Egr cheater I've fitted isn't happy)

The EGR cheater that YOU fitted..

Well if it is the EGR cheater at fault you definatly fitted it then!!!

I thought better of questioning your wiring skills

i have the same cams and mine is lumpy on idle aswell, i doubt its the cheater.

Good to know

I'll prob but the standard ones back in for the charger


Not sure whether to experiment with the Saab inlet now, just to see what it does

[techieboy]

Not sure whether to experiment with the Saab inlet now, just to see what it does

Experiment in what way? I've got the Aero cams fitted to mine and all it's done is fractionally reduce the power and increase the air pressure at the charger. They need to come out and the blower cams go in, in their place.

[mandarinvx]

Not sure whether to experiment with the Saab inlet now, just to see what it does

Experiment in what way? I've got the Aero cams fitted to mine and all it's done is fractionally reduce the power and increase the air pressure at the charger. They need to come out and the blower cams go in, in their place.

Just to see what it does when naturally aspirated, much shorter, equal length runners than standard, with a fairly big plenum - may be a flop tho

[LY_Scott]

These project threads make me warm and fuzzy.

[chris_uk]

ive still got my comp cams in and ill be getting it remapped on friday at courtenays so ill be posting the graphs when i get in as ive not decided which cams will be best.

[mandarinvx]

ive still got my comp cams in and ill be getting it remapped on friday at courtenays so ill be posting the graphs when i get in as ive not decided which cams will be best.

Cool, look forward to seeing the graph :B

Hopefully they'll be beneficial

[euphoria]

After reading all 24 pages and wasting a good hour of my work time I really have the urge to take my VX apart and start replacing bolts and repainting all the black bits! My side vents are in great need of a sanding down and repaint, yours come out great! Great progress thread, a joy to read! I will be coming back soon to check out the progress on a charger of some sort!

[mandarinvx]

Cheers The superchargers prob some months off yet - don't have the time at the moment

[petrolhead1]

Hi Adam, have just caught up with all the good work you have been doing to the engine. back in May you asked if there was anything else to you could do whilst the clam is off. I have 2 suggestions. 1. Fit the short shifter unit on the gearbox. I managed with clam on but it must be a lot easier/more accesible now. 2. Fit Powerflex reinforcing engine mounts to the front and rear lower mounts. They keep the engine much more stable during those high torque moments and make shifting much easier as a result. Both relatively inexpensive and well worth considering. For the odd beer I might make myself available to help/advise. All the best

Edited by petrolhead1, 13 July 2010 - 08:51 PM.