Cost for reco 3.8

[muzz]

Hi All,
this is my first post here, although I've been subscribed for a while now.

My Father in law has been told that he needs a reco engine for his v6 VT commodore, which has < 150,000 kms on it. Apparently the bearings are gone and there are metal fragments in the oil. Firstly I would have thought these engines lasted longer than that - the car is well maintained.
Secondly he has been quoted $4500 for a rebuilt motor and they have the car in pieces at the shop.

Is this price too high? If so, any good places in Adelaide to get a reco engine?

[Azza]

$4500 grand?:shock:
That's way way to much, you should be able do it for less than a $1500 if you are on a shoe string budget that is you get an engine from a wreckers and have that fitted.
Does Gem engines AKA Higginbottom have outlets in S.A?
I'd do afew phone calls check the Trading post/eBay, cause your father is going to be ripped off at that price.

[markone2]

Aprox $1800 plus fitting...with 12 months Aus wide warranty....Gem or Repco .

Appears a few of those in the trade are finding it a bit tough trying to meet the mortgage repayments on those Noosa beach front units…

[muzz]

Thanks for the replies. Sounded too much to me. There do seem to be HMGEM engine places in S.A. so I'll get him to investigate. The $4.5k quote is from a Holden dealer who say they need to get a recon engine from Melbourne, for what it's worth.

Cheers.

[pah]

Hi Muzz,

There’s a crowd that sells V6 Commodore stroker cranks. They increase the engine capacity to 4.3L and of course increase torque.

This web site has a bit of info on the kit: http://forum.streetcommodores.com.au/showthread.php?t=40255

I think the crowd that produces the stroker crank is: Bradey Cranks (08) 8326 1915.

If you intend keeping the car for a while, you might get a bit of fun out of a gruntier engine.


PAH

[German Statesman]

Aprox $1800 plus fitting...with 12 months Aus wide warranty....Gem or Repco .

Appears a few of those in the trade are finding it a bit tough trying to meet the mortgage repayments on those Noosa beach front units…

Hahaha! I resemble that remark!!

I did a complete AC Delco long motor for a WH that had a freakish cam lobe snapping problem, and it ended up being $5000 all installed with a 3yr 100k warranty and the usual Holden dealer labour warranty and dealer backup.

Depends on how long you keep the car, and what you use it for - a used engine will be a roll of the dice, but if its just to last a year or so, that's worth the risk. if you want it long term and need the warranty and backup that goes with the top dollar stuff, a dealer's the go and insist on a genuine AC Delco stamped engine through spares. Yeah, they are made for AC Delco by a well known reconidtioner, but they have the AC delco warranty which is what matters.