I got the damage list for my VG after the timing belt snapped. 4 valves need replaced and new pistons, its going to be bored, new timing belt tensioner, new water pump, rings (obviously), gaskets, freeze plugs, the usual stuff. I asked about the oil pump and the guy said it was okay. I'm a little leary about having one with 17XXXX miles on it but oh well.
So now on to my cost vs. performance questions. Would it be worth it to get a three-angle valve job? How about P&P the heads? I'm thinkg these might go good with the bore increase. I know cams really wont be worth it.
I plan on doing the bolt on stuff to, y-pipe, udp, high-flow cat, and cai.

So any comments? (besides search, haha)

 

Dont forget to have ALL of the exhaust manifold studs replaced (and new gaskets of course).

 

who told you cams aren't worth it?? and what are you boring the cylinders to??

 

how much are you paying for the rebuild including parts? it may be cheaper just to get a low milage jdm engine for around $1200.

 

if you are going to get the 4 valves done...why dont you just get themm all done. that would be a better idea. and yes if you get the heads done. especially if you get all the valves done.. well you should do a three angle valve job, and if they dont say you need it ... tell them they are wrong and get it done. especially if you are going to put new valves in. its important. P&P is just something extra. if you can afford it, its nice to get. They will probably say just get the polishing done becuase the porting is a difficult thing. its not just .. oh im going to my heads. there's more to it then just that. how many pistons are you getting done?? all or just the damaged one? are you replacing the connecting rod also? just interesting in how you did this damage. let us know.

 

4 valves is what the guy from the machine shop told me. I've been thinking about just getting all 12 replaced, why not. They are going to bore the cylinders so all the pistons will be replaced and I'm assuming wrist pins too. I have no idea of how much bore, probably the next standard size, whatever that is. They're putting same rods and crank back in. So getting the valves cut is a definite yes?
All this because the timing belt broke. I owned the car for one week and it snapped. I was planning on tearing into it and putting on a new one but I didn't do it soon enough.
The price for all this is a little salty but its a shop that we've been using for years and they do good work. I'm gonna throw a bunch of questions at them next time I'm there.

John

 

what power are you looking to make from this motor?? without a good cam...its kinda pointless IMO. VG SOHC stock spec cams suck goat *****!

 

no need to replace all of the valves, but at least have the full head worked. I'm sure they'll insist on doing that anyway. the other valves will be jsut fine with a cleaning and rebuilding the head.

 

So what cam to you guys recommend (#'s and vendor)? I'd like to retain the low end power of the VG and get some more at the top end. I don't want it to be too radical of a cam. Also its going to be almost everyday driver so I'd like to run pretty smooth and cool while sitting in traffic. I have no really big plans on making lots of power with this motor. I think I'll be happy with cams, overbore, and the usual bolt-ons.
Thanks again.
John

 

take your pick-->

http://www.z31.com/cams.shtml

my vote is for the Motorsport Auto 260/260/.420" or 270/270/.427 ...should idle fine and use the stock valve train! I was about to send my stocks in for the 260 regrind before my car accident!

 

Fine, twist my arm.

 

Absolutely. I've done this with several other cars and ALWAYS been happy with the outcome and the cost vs. rebuilds. Of course I always replace things that will need maint BEFORE I drop the body down on the motor. This ALWAYS includes the timing belt. On this engine I would do the exhaust studs too.

 

i havent read much about the maxima cams, but i put cams in my classic se-r. my god, it is a beast. i love my cams. if the maxima cams are anything like the se-r cams, id say do it. its not like you are going to be doing any extra work to put them in. good luck. let us know what you decide.

 

If you're gonna do cams, it might be worth asking an ECU specialist what kind of programming should be done to take full advantage of the cams. An ECU upgrade will already get more out of a stock engine.

 

Well I just went to the machine shop and picked up the old cams. I'll send them to Motorsport tomorrow and get some 260/260 .420s back. And I told the shop to replace the studs. I'll do some research on the ECU. It will probably be another month before I have the Max going but I'm getting excited, even though the checking account is getting smaller.