Engine Rebuild - Parts Questions (many)

[degruch]

Hi guys, the GT is booked in for heart surgery on Saturday, so I'll kick off the expected barrage of parts related questions...

...clutch, any idea where I might find a new clutch kit? Close by, a rear engine seal will be a likely target also.

More immediately, exhaust manifold gasket, are there any out there? If not, I reckon I'll get a batch made if anyone's keen.

Any advice much appreciated! Stay tuned for more on this channel...

[Asroc66]

Hi

- Clutch Industries chevy Luv R1513N on EBay Smithfield Sydney currently
Should do the trick if 10 spline course
- have a 1m mild steel shim custom lazer cut using old gasket as template
Use high temp silicon and can re use time and time again
No need for other gaskets
Approx cost $40
If coming to Tassie, gr8 company in Lonnie
Tas-Fab fabrication
4 Forster St
Invermay TAS 7248
(03) 6331 4255

- rear main seal 'dog turd' use early Holden

- timing chains available ? Chevy or Peugeot to suit

- while u about it get a Tighe cam grind ?292' and man the difference is awesome
Approx $300
Hope this helps
James

[gt orphanage]

I have found holden rear main too big. We use a pump rope seal available from bsc.

[degruch]

Cheers guys, will sus out the Luv clutch James.

Greg, do you have a BSC part number by any chance? The guy I'm using is pretty resourceful, so will give anything a try, but if I can steer him in the right direction I might get my car back quicker!

[Asroc66]

No problema
I got the Holden to fit - just takes patience
ACL product no. HN022
Also re timing cover and other gaskets - good old hand cut gaskets and yep...... Patience
Good way to fill in Sunday arvos
Cheers
James

[Glenn]

as I recall, clutch in my GT (daves) was an MGB.

[67GT]

I just sent my Wasp clutch off to be rebounded with the local clutch and brake workshop.

[67GT]

By the way Dwayne,
If you do end up getting exhaust gaskets made, you could put me down for a couple. I have put my hand up for these before, but they never end up happening.
Is this the same Dwayne that had a very nice Gemini coupe ( with opal badges ) back in the NSW Bellett Car Club ?

[PR91]

Different Duane.
He's in Adelaide.

BTW, timing chain.... Exactly the same as Ford Windsor V8.
Glenn is correct with the clutch. MGB is the same. Mite be early Chev Luv as well (pre 77 when they still had the Bellett engine, not the later Gemini engine).

[degruch]

Cheers big ears. I'll sus it out with the MG guys down the road.

[gt orphanage]

Chev luv are still available at repco

[Asroc66]

Clutch Industries clutch on EBay today specifically listed for Bellett R1513N

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CI-STANDARD- ... 654wt_1362

Cheers
James

[degruch]

^ I've questioned these guys several times, they have no details on the clutch whatsoever, so can't tell me whether it really is a Florian/Bellett clutch or not. What a bunch of rocket surgeons. Looks like it is 'buy now, find out later'.

Having looked into MGB clutches closely, they do not share the same specs as a Florian/Bellett clutch at all, so not sure whether they're the answer or not...at least I can head down the road to compare!

[Glenn]

BCCV published an equivalents list many years ago..... here is an excerpt showing the Clutch

(rh column is GT)

from that it appears MGB is only for the clutch plate. Most 'good' clutch places should be able to reco the pressure plate.

I had one done in the past by BGT brakes in Dandenong.

the *** in the listing means untried i think ?

[degruch]

Thanks Glenn!

Pistons...does anyone happen to have a set of 0.5mm oversize GT pistons? I am about to get a quote on having a new set made, alternatively I'll re-sleeve and use my old pistons.

Camshaft and cam bearings are also requirements at this stage...any help much appreciated!

[Early GT]

I used Gemini G161 pistons and rings for my rebuild which I came across on eBay some years ago. They should be still obtainable however the gudgeon pin is pressed in so my engine guy machined them to make them a circlip fit like Bellett originals.

GT orph told me Do NOT get the block acid dipped as camshaft bearings are Unobtainable!

Also, it's definitely worth the money getting the engine balanced at this stage both static - weighing pistons and con rods, and dynamically by Balancing the whole crank, flywheel and clutch assembly.

Hope this helps.
Lewis.

[Glenn]

I used Gemini G161 pistons and rings for my rebuild which I came across on eBay some years ago. They should be still obtainable however the gudgeon pin is pressed in so my engine guy machined them to make them a circlip fit like Bellett originals.

GT orph told me Do NOT get the block acid dipped as camshaft bearings are Unobtainable!

Also, it's definitely worth the money getting the engine balanced at this stage both static - weighing pistons and con rods, and dynamically by Balancing the whole crank, flywheel and clutch assembly.

Hope this helps.
Lewis.

or, use Gemini Rods also. Might be a bit hard to find some s/h these days, but i would imagine most junk gemini motors would still have usable rods. Gem pistons give a lower CR though from memory and a suitable amount has to be removed from the head to bring CR back. I 'think' custom pistons run about $800+ for a set. Some place in SA does them.

[gt orphanage]

I have a number of engines running gem pistons and rods check the deck heights as they vary some clear other engines have needed the pistons decked. Crank bearings are Gemini.

[degruch]

Thanks guys, at work so will keep this brief...what do you recommend out of these options:

> Gemini pistons/rings/conrods
> Replica pistons/rings (JP Pistons here in SA)
> Current pistons/new rings/sleeves

I'd rather maintain my current CR if possible, so the Gemini option would be out, yes?

My engine guy is leaning towards the last option, but not sure if there are any clear benefits in any direction. This may be the only rebuild it ever gets if I retire it to weekend use, just want to get it right.

Noted re: cam bearings.

[Glenn]

Thanks guys, at work so will keep this brief...what do you recommend out of these options:

> Gemini pistons/rings/conrods
> Replica pistons/rings (JP Pistons here in SA)
> Current pistons/new rings/sleeves

I'd rather maintain my current CR if possible, so the Gemini option would be out, yes?

My engine guy is leaning towards the last option, but not sure if there are any clear benefits in any direction. This may be the only rebuild it ever gets if I retire it to weekend use, just want to get it right.

Noted re: cam bearings.

guess it really depends on how good or bad current pistons are when you dismantle it. I am no mechanic but imagine the ring grooves would wear also. I have no idea on what it costs to sleeve a motor but would imagine more than boring it out..

Most seem to go with the Gemini bits..... I think all the bits cost about $150 last time i did this. The original pistons are not flat topped ..... custom made ones...... you could check with the maker here in SA for costs.......

whatever you do, cost will be relatively high for machining as is usual these days.