How to start...

IgorMarkovic

So Í own my Vec C Z22SE for about 2 years now and since I own this car I've got infected by some virus. It makes me read all about Z22SE engines, looking for parts on the internet, whatch videos on engine rebuilds, changing timing chains, etc. etc. etc. 😃

The problem that I have is that the car is my daily driver, but I just want to start taking the engine apart and not just learn how to rebuild an engine, but actually get my hands dirty. Now I just don't know where to start and would love to get some advice. Should I buy a spare engine, rebuild the engine and swap it with my current engine? Or should I just keep working on the engine of my current car and do some engine work while it's still in (eg changing valve stem seals, chains)?

I btw also love power and am reading alot about SC and Turbo's. How about building a better/ more powefull engine e.g. 250 bhp? That would require me to SC the engine or is there a better engine/way to get even more power out of the engine with about the same effort as supercharging the Z22SE? And as I'm on a budget it would be great if I can do some things in stages.

Last things. How about prices of spare engines? What would a complete engine cost and what to look for? I mean there are a lot of differences in Z22SE versions. As... a metal or pastic cam cover, an old Z22SE or Z20NET tensioner, any thing more?

I am on a thight budget so I'll have to take it slow (in stages) and the project could take a while to start and finish, but I really love this new hobby 🙂 Hope you guys can give me some good advice for how to start this great hobby!

Dave_Gilbert

Glad u have the z22 bug. First let me me tell you that you cant supercharge it, vectra c are to clever for that. (12 ecus compared to 2 in a vectra b)

But you can turbo charge it(like i have) now 250bhp is easy to get with enough money. Around £1500 would do it.

but 250bhp is easily got from the z20net engine. So best option would be sell the vectra and buy a 2.0turbo vectra c. But if you like your car like i do mine you can follow suit n check out my turbo build thread. Enjoy

HarleyPete

Best advice you can get from @[deleted] there. He's just completed his and can help you with lots of knowledge on it.

Dave_Gilbert

And @[deleted] and @[deleted] and @[deleted] (sorry if iv forgot anyone who helped)

i couldnt have done it without the forum.

vocky

I have a 99k engine which is going to the tip, it was a 'runner'

However one piston has a section missing and it will need a rebore, a few bits are missing but basically it's whole, cylinder head should be fine and it's free if you can collect it.

IgorMarkovic

Ofcourse I will take a look at your project as I also look at others on this site. It's just awesome to see what you all are doing and I am learning a lot from all you guys! As I also learned today that the Vec C's cannot be supercharched :cry: I'm currently not in the position to buy a different car and I do love this car. It's just a great car, but it does need some work. So actually a perfect car for me I think. So I'll keep it for now 🙂

@[deleted]: Wow thx. Wasn't expecting that. That sounds great. What kind of engine is it and where would I have to collect the engine? Do you know the dimensions (or is it in parts)?. I live in The Netherlands so I'll have to see if it will fit my trunk and I would have to see what it costs to collect the engine compared to shipping it (if that is possible at all. Do you know this?). Although it would be great to meet you in real life ofcourse 🙂 Thx again for the offer!

Dave_Gilbert

Turbo charging is your best option then, if u like it.

dewismotorsport

Taking engines to bits and rebuilding them is how I learned, tbh most things are just nuts and bolts that go together in a certain way. Get yourself a spare engine and take it apart, take lots of photos as reference which will help remind you of how it's meant to go weeks later when you may have forgot

IgorMarkovic

Yeah it would be great to have a spare engine just to be able to learn how to take it apart and rebuild it. Learn how to change the chains, replace valve seals without removing the head, etc! Learning from looking at pictures is just not as clear as actually looking at the parts.

I would have to dive into turbo charging an engine. Haven't done a lot of research on that till now. That will be another topic on my todo list 🙂

vocky

the engine was from a vx220, the cylinder head is off - removed to find out the problem, the ringlands broke on cylinder 4 and thus low compression on that cylinder.

But it's not worth the effort for me to ship it, collection only. Otherwise it's going to the tip as I have no use for it or any of the parts.

IgorMarkovic

Thanks again vocky for giving me te possibility to collect the engine. I've tried to find a cheap way to get to you, but because of the summer hollydays and because of the distance it's just too expensive to get to the UK from here. Even though I really regret it, I'll have to pass on your offer and see if I can find an engine somewhere local. Thanks again!