Off the road for the forseeable future..

[Muad_dib77]

Well lads..

As some of you may be aware I've been having a spate of bad luck with my P&J pretty much since the day I got her..
Sadly It hasn't stopped.

Paul Nolan was just at my house - had a quick look & listen to my car.

Bottom line is..

Bottom end has gone & that means engine replacement..

I am fit to cry..

Any body with a spare Mivec Lump lying around?

[Nailer]

What were the symptoms?

[Muad_dib77]

I'll try to make a sound recording tomorrow evening..But basically it kinda sounds like there a person trapped in the engineblock and they're trying to escape by using a very small metal hammer to get out.

Whilst looking for a replacement engine I came across these..
http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZtoddykayQQhtZ-1

Some pretty cool stuff there..I'm guessing yer man had something terrible happen to his FTO.. whilst I'm gutted I wont be selling of parts of my baby just yet..

In a sense I suppose I could see this as a fresh start...albeit an expensive one..one that I am 100% incapable of funding.. Just goes to show..when you get a car back from the mechanic - always check the oil!

****************************
Update
****************************
Just got an email back from a bloke in the UK - GPX engine @ 450gbp + Shipping...

Engine Has done: 43,000 miles (68,800km).

I asked for the following addtional info:

1 - Is she a runner?
2 - What Exactly is included in the 450gbp?
3 - Any Problems - my current unit has bottom end issues which is not good.
4 - Is she seeping oil?
5 - How do you package the engine - as I'd like to arrage my own courier to collect her (GLS). I can sort it through my work place as we ship quite a few odd bits & bobs.
6 - Any chance of pictures of the engine?

Did I forget anything?

[Nailer]

Thats very worrying as much as i love the car there are so many stories of people getting cought by either gearbox problems or engine problems Think ill nct mine and sell it on

[Muad_dib77]

Thats very worrying as much as i love the car there are so many stories of people getting cought by either gearbox problems or engine problems Think ill nct mine and sell it on

This is my own stupid fault - I've got nobody else to blame.. I didn't check the oil level before I drove off from the garage & with everything else going on in my life these days I forgot to check it for another week or so.
The Garage mustn't have topeed up the oil after refiiting my gearbox when changing my clutch. As a result I was driving a car with little oil & I'm guessing the big end bearing oil the bracket holding it in place has gotten damaged as a result. What really bugs is that I'm generally good at keeping an eye on the fluid levels cause I'm aware that these "non-new" rather powerful lumps are fragile monsters. If you take care of your pretty baby she'll last you a long time..but don't kid yourself - there will be a "for better or for worse"

Here's a top tip - start by looking after the general state of your ladies organs before getting cosmetic sugery done.. As it stands now I own a garden ornament with new tires & alloys :-s

***************************************
Update
***************************************
Just had a response from engine guy - sounds like he's shipped engines before. Will get pictures later today. Engine is currently in a car (best place for it really) The price is for the main unit only (no stepper or aircon - also sensors will be removed)
He claims no leaks and running perfectly. Shipping will happen on a pallet.
Any thoughts.. Am I being an absolute eejit buying an egine I haven't actually heard run??

[CJ]

Muad sorry to hear that, the big end bearing commonly fails when oil levels run low, take note MIVEC owners!

Muad, have you spoken with Steelroe (Rory) down in Kerry? Its very likely he has a MIVEC engine knocking around, give him a call on 0866029362.

CJ

[Dave]

Ricerocket may also be worth a shout, or Japco as well!

[irish-fto]

The same thing happened to a friend of mine, a stone hit up to his oil sump and formed a tiny hole and by the time the oil warning light came on to tell him his oil was low it was to late and the big end went and he had to get a new engine.

Dont know here if anyone has ever had any dealings with IVI engines in Dublin but they sorced an fitted an engine for him. I think they charged him something like 1200 euro supllied and fitted and to this day he has never had a problem with the engine so they worked out alrite for him.

Maybe give them a try..

[Muad_dib77]

Aye... Paul Nolan said IVI was the crowd that would be the best around..
Should have a quote from them by wednesday..

My Oil light was never on..If it had been I would have stopped immediately..

To think that am mate of mine drove his old Open Ascona for 6 months with the oil light on and never had a problem just makes me sick..
(the oil light went off after 6months cause I bought him some oil)

Oh hey...welcome to the forum Irish-Fto!...

[msmorrissey]

Sorry to hear about your engine problems, sure it'll all work out good anyway, good bunch of guy on fto ireland, someone will come up with a solution that won't break the bank.

Whilst looking for a replacement engine I came across these..
http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZtoddykayQQhtZ-1

The GR brake pads this guy has on ebay, would they fit a GS?

[CJ]

the GR brake pads this guy has on ebay, would they fit a GS?

In a word, yes.

CJ

[Dave]

Aye... Paul Nolan said IVI was the crowd that would be the best around..
Should have a quote from them by wednesday..

My Oil light was never on..If it had been I would have stopped immediately..

To think that am mate of mine drove his old Open Ascona for 6 months with the oil light on and never had a problem just makes me sick..
(the oil light went off after 6months cause I bought him some oil)

Oh hey...welcome to the forum Irish-Fto!...

We insure IVI, good crowd and they have a very good reputation!!

[Kace]

Also saw a large ad in Ireland on Sunday yesterday which listed most makes and models and quoted prices for rebuilt engines. The price for a fitted 2L FTO engine was €1495.

Not sure how this compares to your other quotes.

[Muad_dib77]

I don't think I'll be able to get it done cheaper than that.. and if I could would I really want to if this crowd is good? I'll give them a buzz tomorrow and ask them for a quote..

[Dave]

4500011 and ask for Gavin

[Muad_dib77]

Neato.. Thanks..

Called Rory - got answer machine..left message
Called IVI they'll get back to me..

Got picture of engine @ £450 in UK.. Looks clean..but picture only show the engine from above..


*********
UPDATE:
IVI Got back to me 35000mls engine from Japan supplied and fitted at 2500.. I believe that effective puts them out of the running. Just can't spend that much money on this.
Asked for a price with me sourcing an engine.. they weren't interested at all.

[Muad_dib77]

Rory got back to me.

2 options

1 Whole GPX engine
2 GR bottom end - same as GPX upto head - so I'd retain the original head.

I enquired with Paul Nolan if it was a job he'd undertake - currently awaiting reply.

[gtoirl]

Now is you chance to get the VR4 you where on about a ahile ago.

http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/phpBB2 ... php?t=3344

[JJ]

Now is you chance to get the VR4 you where on about a ahile ago.

http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/phpBB2 ... php?t=3344

Kempys in New Zealand had 5 or 6 2.5 lit engines for FTO's which I seem to remember we're going for about £650 + freight. I did get a quote for one some time ago. They were very low mileage motors which had been fitted to test cars.

[Muad_dib77]

Yeah I was considering it - but am going to opt for a complete engine rebuild instead.
Getting a replacement short block (Through Rory - although he doesn't know it yet ) - and Paul Nolan will tear my old block apart replace all gaskets & belts - adjust tappets and such.
I'd hate to get a shipping quote for an entire engine from AUS to IRE..Would be something just short of a million

If it was a straigh "swap&plug" to get the Vr4 installed I'd be more than happy to get it done..but eh http://www.uq.net.au/whocares/ftomore.html it would appear that it takes some "shoe horning" to force the lump in place.

[Muad_dib77]

JJ - I've been thinking about it for a bit now - I might be interested if you'd be able to provide more information.

Like whatsincluded in the cost - will the engine need a refurb prior to fitting - or is it usable "out of the box"?

Will the ECU plug straight into the FTO wiringharness?

Guys - any thoughts on fitting the VR4 unit to an FTO shell - do you know anybody who'd be willing to undertake the job? Any Contact details?

It'd definately be worth looking into if I could get some more oomfh for my €monies.

Hey who knows - maybe we could try and arrange a group buy

[JJ]

JJ - I've been thinking about it for a bit now - I might be interested if you'd be able to provide more information.

Like whatsincluded in the cost - will the engine need a refurb prior to fitting - or is it usable "out of the box"?

Will the ECU plug straight into the FTO wiringharness?

Guys - any thoughts on fitting the VR4 unit to an FTO shell - do you know anybody who'd be willing to undertake the job? Any Contact details?

It'd definately be worth looking into if I could get some more oomfh for my €monies.

Hey who knows - maybe we could try and arrange a group buy

I looked at this a year ago but didn't do it for one reason or another. As far as I was told the only modification would be on the downpipe, everything else fitted in fine. You'd need to contact them to see availability etc etc on http://www.kempys.co.nz/
I seem to remember the engine price was around £650 and I guessed the freight etc would about double it. The engines were excellent condition, no need for refurb ... plug & play

[Muad_dib77]

Thanks mate Now to check it out - and try to locate some guides & stuff ...hmm...

[Myfeckin FTO]

........Guys - any thoughts on fitting the VR4 unit to an FTO shell .........

I reckon its not that straightforward - I believe you have to make a little room in the engine bay for a start by putting a bow in the back of the engine bay - special equipment needed for that one.

I would have thought an EVO engine (2.0 turbo) would be a more straightforward fit.

[Muad_dib77]

Anybody able to confirm this?

If it's easy enough I'll get it done..if there's hassle then I'll go the refurb route..

Just on the EVO upgrade - would there be any significant powergain? I thought the EVO engines were quite similar in output to the GPX - am I wrong? (Seem to have the figure 240bhp stuck in my skull for some reason) It could be easier & cheaper to optain an EVO engine as there are more of them around up here..