Beware L76 owners

sambo · #1 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 11:43 PM

For the guys who picked up L76 crate motors from Holden, you probably know about the DoD/AFM lifters that were fitted to those engines but never enabled. Plenty of Holden owners have reported noisy lifters even 30 mins after starting and using all types of sticky oils to compensate. The LS2/L98/LS3 variants do not have this hardware fitted.

Anyway I found a thread on the Aussie LS1 forum, which if you have the time to read through, gives a very strong case for replacing those DoD lifters with stock items. There's a data log showing some interesting oil pressure fluctuations in the L76, plus photos of the inside of the valve cover and the complex oil galleries and other hardware involved. Also details the list of parts that need to be replaced. Read on...

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=116991

Sambo

PS. Let's save the inevitable Ford vs Holden banter for elsewhere as I'm keen to hear genuine discussion on this.

pneall · #2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 04:41 PM

Sambo. I fitted comp cam followers and an LS2 valley cover. You also need to blockoff the relief valve in the sump. For those running early model ECU's a reluctor wheel change is also required. Lot of mucking around but still fairly cheap horse power.

Regards,

Phil

Outwest34au · #3 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 04:42 PM

Interesting reading, thanks for the link.

Rebel1 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 05:48 PM

Sambo, I don't think this issue is one of critical importance. There are thousands of L76's running around in family sedans very reliably.

I agree with Phil ... After rego we all replace cams etc., and these known issues would be attended to at that time as part of the performance upgrade.

Whether we replace ALL cam followers or just replace the DOD ones would be a decision at the time depending on the cam etc.

stiffy · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 05:55 PM

SAMBO,

Good point, you NEED to replace the Dods lifters with standard LS1 lifters if you are replacing the CAM. WE found this out recently

The car sounds like you have left a nut in the plastic inlet manifold.

STIFFY

Aussie Mike · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 06:32 PM

The other thing to remember is that to change the lifters on a Gen3/Gen4 you have to pull the heads. Better add the $$ for some new head gaskets and torque to yield head bolts into the equation when you buy one of these motors.

Cheers

stiffy · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 08:12 PM

AUSSIE,

Quote:

The other thing to remember is that to change the lifters on a Gen3/Gen4 you have to pull the heads. Better add the $$ for some new head gaskets and torque to yield head bolts into the equation when you buy one of these motors.

You only need to change the lifters IF you are changing the cam/heads. The standard lifters are fine (rather large though).
I recently changed the HEADS, CAM, ROLLER ROCKERS, TIMING CHAIN and found out the hard way you also need to do the lifters (only on the DODS motors).

If you are not changing the cam I would leave the lifters as they are.

The head studs and head gaskets ( both reusable ) will set you back about $550.00) so you should change the heads while you are at it

is that called an unopened engine

STIFF

sambo · #8 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiffy

The head studs and head gaskets ( both reusable ) will set you back about $550.00

If they're reusable why do they cost anything? Are you saying that the factory items are non-reusable but the replacements are...?

pneall · #9 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 08:55 PM

Yes you need to change to the ARP bolts

as the GM units cannot be reused. The best bang for buck at the moment are the ex HSV LS3 engines...if there are any left.

boxhead · #10 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 09:29 PM

Factory bolts are torque to yield, they are designed to stretch, so should not be re used when reassembling the engine.

Not sure regarding other brands, but if as Phil is saying they are re useable then they should not be torque to yield and would there fore have a different tensioning specs.

sideshow · #11 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 03:48 AM

there are heaps of ls3 engines left phill
we have specials on them at the moment
if u buy enigne and wiring kit

opps sorry i forgot its rude to advertise

another thing with gaskets is
try not to damage manifold inlet gaskets
they are rubber o rings and from holden will cost u 2 nuts and half a leg

Aussie Mike · #12 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideshow

another thing with gaskets is
try not to damage manifold inlet gaskets
they are rubber o rings and from holden will cost u 2 nuts and half a leg

Buy them out of the US. Way cheaper and because they are light weight postage is very cheap.

There's lots of small parts that are way cheaper out of the US and cheap to get here because they are light weight. Check out the prices of injectors for example.

Cheers

sideshow · #13 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 04:09 AM

yes we have made some good connections in usa over past 4 years
and get looked after very well
and we have someone there that we post alot fo stuff too
then he repacks it into one big box so we save on postage