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Author Topic: ZZPeformance replacement engine install  (Read 12850 times)

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Offline Rogue

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ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« on: September 30, 2014, 04:16:27 PM »
We purchased an engine from ZZ Performance to replace the one with the cracked block in GXPsy. It was advertised as an LDK/LNF replacement. Well, it is an LDK (FWD eg: Cobalt, HHR, Ion, Gr) replacement. We now have the engine and the car at the dealer, and all sorts of issues have popped up. The most significant is cylinder head to heater hose fitting clearance. Has anyone here done this replacement already? ZZ Performance has been a bit, ummm, non-helpful in the assistance department.  They did just send me an email acknowledging that they never actually did one of these replacements in their shop (after insisting in a number of email exchanges that they had never had a problem and had no clue what I'm talking about) and that my mechanics were wrong to question the suitability of this engine. Help!

DDM, have you guys done anything with the ZZ Performance LDK as an LNF replacement? My mechanic is telling me the cylinder head needs to be swapped out for an LNF cylinder head. help! Oh, I already said Help. Sorry.

Thanks.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Rogue

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2014, 04:54:17 PM »
You have to love DDM. I sent Dave a text about this, and less than 10 seconds later I'm getting a phone call back from him. Wow!
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Offline TomatoSoup

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2014, 05:06:40 PM »
Folks on the BB have done it... BlackBirdRacing I think, was one.
"That is my theory, it is mine, and belongs to me and I own it, and what it is too." (Monty Python)

Offline LatinVenom

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2014, 05:25:54 PM »
The only thing that needs swapping is your oil pan.
Solstice GXP 2007.
Aggressive and fully loaded.
Mods: Magnaflow 2.5" exhaust, DDM Backbone & ProBeam,ZOK suspension,LV Kappa Front Chassis Brace, BTF Turbo Upgraded Wheel, Windristrictor, JPM Center console,arms,tulip,side doors,DDM Upgraded wheel tune.

Offline Rogue

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #4 on: October 01, 2014, 11:28:55 AM »
According to Dave at DDM it can be done, however it renders the heater hose non serviceable. The heater hose has to be attached to the firewall, the engine is lowered into place, and then the heater hose is attached to the block. In order to do routine heater hose maintenance the engine has to be removed. It is almost imperative to use an LNF cylinder head, not an LDK cylinder head. Thanks.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Rogue

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #5 on: October 01, 2014, 02:08:11 PM »
The only thing that needs swapping is your oil pan.

Yes. I know it has been done. Changing out the oil pan is a no brainer. That's not the issue. Per ZZP, "Why are you worrying about your heater hose? They rarely ever need servicing?" Well, maybe because the Mrs drives her cars 250-300K miles before she retires them. The hose will need to be serviced at some point in time. Perhaps I'm being too much of a stickler, but I feel they did not deliver what they advertised.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Robotech

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #6 on: October 01, 2014, 04:53:33 PM »
Yes. I know it has been done. Changing out the oil pan is a no brainer. That's not the issue. Per ZZP, "Why are you worrying about your heater hose? They rarely ever need servicing?"

Sounds like Zoomer. :)

Offline Rogue

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #7 on: October 01, 2014, 08:13:56 PM »
Folks on the BB have done it... BlackBirdRacing I think, was one.

I got a PM back from Black Bird. He used an LDK short block and then installed an LNF cylinder head. At that point the only issue is to swap out the oil pans.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Rogue

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #8 on: October 02, 2014, 02:48:57 PM »
ZZP has come forward and offered to supply a new, fully loaded LNF cylinder head. They declined to compensate for the additional shop and labor expense incurred by the changeover, but at least they did make a conciliatory offer.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Robotech

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #9 on: October 02, 2014, 06:52:18 PM »
ZZP has come forward and offered to supply a new, fully loaded LNF cylinder head. They declined to compensate for the additional shop and labor expense incurred by the changeover, but at least they did make a conciliatory offer.

Very glad to hear Zoomer took care of your issue. Good on ZZP for stepping up.

Offline Gentleman Jack

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #10 on: October 02, 2014, 10:13:57 PM »
Half a step, but better than nothing.
Make the right choices now

Offline elff

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #11 on: October 02, 2014, 10:36:00 PM »
i knew i saw this before

Step 1 sell LDK
Step 2?????
step 3 Profit

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Offline Robotech

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #12 on: October 03, 2014, 12:00:55 AM »
LOL Elff...I totally forgot about that episode! Funny as hell though!

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #13 on: October 03, 2014, 11:02:36 AM »
I hope they install the head gasket right this time so you don't end up with another cracked block. :poke:
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline Rogue

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #14 on: October 03, 2014, 08:32:56 PM »
A GM Certified Master Mechanic with a lot of Solstice experience is doing the engine work. I have confidance he will do it correctly.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline werks

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #15 on: October 09, 2014, 07:04:40 PM »
We have done several of these both with LDK cylinder heads and LNF cylinder heads, what would you like to know?
Dave Gilbert
Performance Autowerks, Inc.
Phone - 815-439-4547
Fax - 815-439-6751
WERKS MAX Power Solstice GXP LNF - "50 Trim" WERKs turbo - 109 Octane - 415whp/428ftlbs
Anthony's SKY Redline LNF - GT35R - 93 Octane/Water/Meth - 442whp/414ftlbs
Ricky's Solstice LE5 '50 trim" WERKS turbo - 93 Octane/Water/Meth - 374whp/358ftlbs
Matt's Cobalt SS LNF Billet 55/57 WERKs turbo - 93 Octane - 442whp/450ftlbs
www.performanceautowerks.com
info@performanceautowerks.com

Offline Rogue

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #16 on: October 09, 2014, 08:38:22 PM »
Thanks for the response Dave. Right now we seem to have everything under control. If there are any other snags I'll ask for your expertise. I appreciate your weighing in.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline blackbirdracing

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #17 on: October 13, 2014, 09:34:33 AM »
Dave @ Pwerks was instrumental while I was doing my ldk swap.


Offline Rogue

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #18 on: October 27, 2014, 07:24:18 AM »
Finally got Gxpsy back from the dealer. We were away on vacation when they finished it. Picked it up Friday evening. So far, so good. Pat is once again a happy camper. She drove off in it this morning for her morning commute. I'll report back again this evening on how well it did. We did notice that the mechanic did not put the charge tube back on so it wouldn't interfere with the hood hinge. My short term solution was to put a piece of tubing on the hinge to cushion the contact area. A permanent fix will be done in the near future.
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Sky Pilot

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #19 on: November 12, 2014, 05:56:34 PM »
Thanks Robo for the link. I see on their site that they have 3 ordering option:
1) Drop in LDK
2) Drop in for LNF (FWD) add $90
3) Drop in for LNF (RWD) add $500

Perhaps they're adding the LNF head in lieu of the LDK head.

Offline tazz

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #20 on: November 12, 2014, 07:49:29 PM »
They are if I read it correctly weeks ago.

Offline Rogue

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #21 on: November 12, 2014, 10:08:03 PM »
A quick follow up on the new engine. Everything is doing well. Power is good, and fuel mileage appears to be up two mpg. Have not yet flogged it. Waiting to get more miles on the new engine first. I have no doubt Pat will advise me when she's given it a full power test!
Go N.A.K.3.D..

Offline Kelu

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #22 on: November 13, 2014, 09:00:33 AM »
Thank you for sharing, I'm following this topic because not sure which route I will go with my engine in a couple of weeks, fix it with aftermarket parts or replace it with a LDK new one.

Rogue do you know where LDK engine are produced? US/EU/both?

Dragula  ;) Opel GT  from Romania
Arabas: take fotos, videos and keep all girls locked inside the house. Kelu's charm is irresistible !!!!

Offline Gentleman Jack

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #23 on: November 14, 2014, 02:20:35 AM »
Thank you for sharing, I'm following this topic because not sure which route I will go with my engine in a couple of weeks, fix it with aftermarket parts or replace it with a LDK new one.

Rogue do you know where LDK engine are produced? US/EU/both?



Put in a TDI!!!!!
Make the right choices now

Offline Kelu

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Re: ZZPeformance replacement engine install
« Reply #24 on: November 14, 2014, 07:59:22 AM »
Put in a TDI!!!!!
Hell no, I had enough with TDIs from Volkswagen, I don't want to see those any more.
Dragula  ;) Opel GT  from Romania
Arabas: take fotos, videos and keep all girls locked inside the house. Kelu's charm is irresistible !!!!

 

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