Astra with a cracked cyl block

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sico77

37 posts

Geek

#148819 1-Jul-2014 19:17

So my trusty Astra has betrayed me finally.
I was driving down Greville road and decided start spewing smoke like i was escaping a bad guy in a James Bond movie.
The damage... Cracked cylinder block. Coolant is getting into the firing chambers like no ones business.

Pulling it apart and testing has already cost a bit and now I have the choice of sending it off the block for repairs or just dropping in a new(2nd hand) motor.

Here in lies the problem, I've been trying to hunt down a replacement but its not looking good so far.

If there any car geeks watching this thread and can ask around to find one on the cheap let me know.

Cheers

Engine: X20XEV 2.0Ltr 16v

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6615 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1078174 1-Jul-2014 19:26

New engine will be in store.
take it to Causeway in Barrys Point Road.

Cheers

sico77

37 posts

Geek

#1078427 2-Jul-2014 08:56

Just called them. No engine for that car there.

They gave me some numbers to try though.
Cheers

BTR

1522 posts

Uber Geek

#1078443 2-Jul-2014 09:49

Engine swap with a Gm LS3 V8?

sico77

37 posts

Geek

#1078446 2-Jul-2014 10:01

Is that an offer?

I might have some issues putting this into a FF Astra though :/

would be nice though.

DravidDavid

1892 posts

Uber Geek

#1078458 2-Jul-2014 10:08

Put a better motor in it. If it's the same displacement, I don't think you need to have it re-certified, but I could be wrong. Seriously. I have a 2004 Astra and that thing is all kinds of trouble. I can't for the life of me get rid of the lifter tick they are so famous for, smooth idle is hit and miss...I wouldn't be surprise if mine ended up with the same fate as yours a year down the track.

If you can't find the original motor and can find another one cheaper, go for it...Trouble is making it fit I guess.

Sometimes what you don't get is a blessing in disguise!

Bung

3171 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1078501 2-Jul-2014 10:43

You can only do it without a cert if

When compared with the OE engine, the replacement engine:
 is of the same or less cubic capacity; and
 has equal or less weight; and
 has the same or less power output; and
 uses the same fuel (petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG); and
 uses the same unmodified attachment points and system (ie bolts-in); and
 uses the same family of block and cylinder head from the same vehicle
manufacturer; and
 is of the same configuration

sico77

37 posts

Geek

#1078519 2-Jul-2014 11:22

hmm so maybe a 1.8 would be ok?
I'll hunt around for those as well.
They seem to be prevalent than this x20xev
Cheers!

ilovemusic

1281 posts

Uber Geek

#1080960 4-Jul-2014 13:40

One person supports this post

what's all this going to cost ?

unless you have some weird sentimental attachment to the thing it might be time to cut your losses and look at another car ?

Sidestep

802 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1080981 4-Jul-2014 14:14

What mileage is on it? What condition's the car in?
Did they give you a ballpark price to repair the block, reassemble & install?
Did you see where the block had failed?
And yep ^ how much do you love it..

Coil

6615 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1080987 4-Jul-2014 14:17

Bung: You can only do it without a cert if

When compared with the OE engine, the replacement engine:
 is of the same or less cubic capacity; and
 has equal or less weight; and
 has the same or less power output; and
 uses the same fuel (petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG); and
 uses the same unmodified attachment points and system (ie bolts-in); and
 uses the same family of block and cylinder head from the same vehicle
manufacturer; and
 is of the same configuration

So me replacing a 2l straight 6 with a 3.2l straight 6 from a M3 will be all good :)

wongtop

540 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1080991 4-Jul-2014 14:23

TimA:
Bung: You can only do it without a cert if

When compared with the OE engine, the replacement engine:
 is of the same or less cubic capacity; and
 has equal or less weight; and
 has the same or less power output; and
 uses the same fuel (petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG); and
 uses the same unmodified attachment points and system (ie bolts-in); and
 uses the same family of block and cylinder head from the same vehicle
manufacturer; and
 is of the same configuration

So me replacing a 2l straight 6 with a 3.2l straight 6 from a M3 will be all good :)

Nope you have to be able to tick all the boxes. No 1 to No 3 I think you would struggle to tick.

sico77

37 posts

Geek

#1080992 4-Jul-2014 14:24

Sidestep: What mileage is on it? What condition's the car in?
Did they give you a ballpark price to repair the block, reassemble & install?
Did you see where the block had failed?
And yep ^ how much do you love it..

122K
Excellent, No dents. Minor scratches (keys marks on the door handles)

9 hours labour for block removal and reassamble
$130 for pressure testing
Repair work un-quotable until diagnosed.

Rough ball-parking price they gave 2500 - 3000.
They-re ringing around for parts and more accurate pricing now

I love the car about 3500. and more than that and i dont love the car anymore

Coil

6615 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1080993 4-Jul-2014 14:26

wongtop:
TimA:
Bung: You can only do it without a cert if

When compared with the OE engine, the replacement engine:
 is of the same or less cubic capacity; and
 has equal or less weight; and
 has the same or less power output; and
 uses the same fuel (petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG); and
 uses the same unmodified attachment points and system (ie bolts-in); and
 uses the same family of block and cylinder head from the same vehicle
manufacturer; and
 is of the same configuration

So me replacing a 2l straight 6 with a 3.2l straight 6 from a M3 will be all good :)

Nope you have to be able to tick all the boxes. No 1 to No 3 I think you would struggle to tick.

I know :)
Mister coppa, Its factory as. Those coil overs and camber plates, yeah came on it. That M3 Engine its BMW so came from the factory.

My plan is for a S54B32 in an E30 touring.

sico77

37 posts

Geek

#1080994 4-Jul-2014 14:26

ilovemusic: what's all this going to cost ?

unless you have some weird sentimental attachment to the thing it might be time to cut your losses and look at another car ?

I know, i have a moneytary limit set at 3500.
I do want to get the car back but anything more than that and its not worth it

Sidestep

802 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1081010 4-Jul-2014 14:51

sico77:
Sidestep: What mileage is on it? What condition's the car in?
Did they give you a ballpark price to repair the block, reassemble & install?
Did you see where the block had failed?
And yep ^ how much do you love it..

122K
Excellent, No dents. Minor scratches (keys marks on the door handles)
9 hours labour for block removal and reassamble
$130 for pressure testing
Repair work un-quotable until diagnosed.

Rough ball-parking price they gave 2500 - 3000.
They-re ringing around for parts and more accurate pricing now

I love the car about 3500. and more than that and i dont love the car anymore

Ahh I see. Yes you should be able to find a decent drop in replacement.
The trick is to make sure it's a decent low mileage engine. Tardme's full of " it's out of my grannies only-driven-on-Sunday car" engines that actually came from a 300k burnt theft recovery..
One with a warranty from a reputable place would be the go.

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