So I did something stupid this weekend.....

[TheBac]

Was browsing FB Marketplace, and came across a 2014 Buick Regal GS with 219,000 miles and a blown engine, the typical LTG broken piston(s), for a decent price.
Intrigued, I pm'd the guy. We met up, and after haggling for a minute, I bought the car for better price than he was asking. ($3000)

So now I have a new project, rebuilding a 2.0 LTG engine. Ive been reading that its actually possible to do the pistons/rods with the engine in the car. If the block is not usable, I have a line on a low-mileage newer engine for well under $1K.
Going to update the brakes and other mechanical bits while Im at it. Body and interior are in excellent condition Needed tires, but I found Nokian Zlines for $100/pc. (Im a big fan of Nokian tires).

 

[1FastBrick]

Your Little Girl got married and moved out so you needed a project to occupy your time now?

Just kidding.

Will this be keeper to toy with or you going to try and flip it when your done?

 

[2004LB7]

Pics or it didn't happen

 

[TheBac]

Oh, I have lots of projects, just ask my wife. Thinking I'll keep it when Im done, as it'll be almost a new car...but you never know.



Yes, it also needs to be de-riced. Tint has to go. Calipers need to be repainted back to original Brembo grey.

...and if you're wondering why, if Im so bored, I dont just start working on the 1/2 ton again....well, you've got a valid point.

 

[Hoser]

I think those motors are great, even though they do suffer from piston issues. I like them a lot more when they are run through a 6-speed manual and driving the rear wheels .

I fortunately have not had any issues with my LTG so far, and I track it and drive it pretty hard. What is your plan for pistons?

 

[TheBac]

I think those motors are great, even though they do suffer from piston issues. I like them a lot more when they are run through a 6-speed manual and driving the rear wheels .

I fortunately have not had any issues with my LTG so far, and I track it and drive it pretty hard. What is your plan for pistons?

ATS or Camaro? Those are very fun cars.

Plan is to buy GM replacements, same as they use in the TSB, or go with a company called DNJ.

Forged pistons from ZZ are cost-prohibitive.

 

[Hoser]

ATS with the Performance package. It’s nothing special to most people, but it was my dream car when it came out, never thought I’d own one. Bought it just before Covid and it was a SMOKIN deal then, now when I think of what I paid it’s absurd. But yeah, with the 6-speed it’s an absolute blast!

I would stay away from the ZZP pistons, there was just a big deal about their pistons not being the alloy that they claimed and they had a bunch of issues and guys blowing motors because of it.

The stock updated ones would be good. I literally just thought of this, but I actually have a set of pistons out of a motor I bought. 2017 engine and it had I think 7,000 miles on it. so they are the updated ones. Not sure if you’d be interested.

 

[TheBac]

Pistons for the TSb are available on RockAuto are $150/set. Looks like they come with rings. Thats a deal.

 

[TheBac]

So ZZ had their "duramax tuner rods" moment? I'm still looking at them for headgasket and headstuds.
I'll use GM bearings. PO told me he had just had the head and timing chain done not too long ago, too.

 

[Chevy1925]

Dont use the DNJ stuff if possible. I’ve used their stuff on my Suzuki rigs and man they suck. If you can get GM updated parts, get them.

Also, nice score Tom! That will be a fun project

 

[TheBac]

After hanging drywall in the new closet yesterday, I got to working on the Regal. Replaced the two straight pipes with new mufflers, and started tearing into the engine compartment. Found a 44000-mile 2017 engine with turbo for $1450, so goal is to have core engine out and sitting in pickup by Monday evening.
We'll see if I can get it done or not.

 

[TheBac]

Do any of you guys know how to get the intercooler pipe off the throttlebody on this 2.0 LTG? I cannot figure it out.

 

[2004LB7]

Do any of you guys know how to get the intercooler pipe off the throttlebody on this 2.0 LTG? I cannot figure it out.

Photo of the connection?

 

[TheBac]

Ive found I cant post pics using tapatalk. I know that grey ring has something to do with it, but I cant figure it out. Ive got an idea that maybe I have to use a screwdriver to shift the ring counter clockwise, as those rectangular shapes on the pipe may be "locks"??

 

[PureHybrid]

The black ring won't rotate?

 

[Dozerboy]

View attachment 117413

Ive found I cant post pics using tapatalk. I know that grey ring has something to do with it, but I cant figure it out. Ive got an idea that maybe I have to use a screwdriver to shift the ring counter clockwise, as those rectangular shapes on the pipe may be "locks"??

The gray ring looks a little like the wire snap ring on the LBZs cold side pipe at the intercooler. On the LBZ it's fully removable with a small screw driver. But it's like of odd it's so far back on the plastic pipe if that's the case. It's only maybe 1/2" on the LBZ

 

[TheBac]

I did some more google digging, and rotating that grey ring while holding the pipe steady is how it releases. Going to try tomorrow. Got everything else removed today, just starter, converter, trans and motormounts and away we go.....

 

[2004LB7]

 

[TheBac]

Engine out and stripped. Ready to take to the boneyard next Monday.

 

[TheBac]

So, decided to try tearing this LTG engine apart first to see if it could be rebuilt. Looks like the head, even though it was redone not too long ago, was warped on the face around the #1 cyl. Literally new GM headgasket showed no signs of blowing out. Went further to see if the pistons were any good. Nope. Skirts worn a lot, and the rod bearings were wiped out. If this engine were still running, I give it a few months and it wouldve spun rod bearings.
Found a 75,000 mile engine, complete with turbo, ready to drop in, for $1500. So thats what Ill be doing tomorrow.
First things first, though....transmission lines have to be changed out. GM hose crimps, ya know.....