Just had a call from a fellow regarding a possible L34 Engine. I couldn't help him much, so thought I'd kick it around here.
It is a HZ block (not sure how you can tell since he said it had no engine number on it). He worked at Holden, so can tell it is a 1979 block (again, how with no engine no, I don't know), and has all the reinforcing in the right places. He was also saying that it had a beefed up crank in it, including additional reinforcing near mains 1&2 and 7&8, and is cross drilled, etc.
Also has the tight tolerance L34 pistons, and A9L conrods.
Weird thing is that L34 has a standard crank (according to parts manual), although you could buy L34 short motors (has a part number). My only thoughts are it might be an ex race engine, as they would have had to keep producing the L34 engines for the race A9X's long after the L34 had come and gone in 74/75. Were the short engines sold without an engine number on them?
Can anybody contribute to this. I've directed the fellow here, specifically to Dr. Terry.
The Great L34 Engine Debate of 2006
Started by
_Unidentified_
, Jun 14 2006 09:00 PM
5 replies to this topic
#2
TerrA LX
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Posted 14 June 2006 - 09:03 PM
at the front of the block is the time date model cast in stamps. (it isnt stamped, their actually raised, cast on).
will get back with details.
are these present.
will get back with details.
are these present.
Edited by ALX76, 14 June 2006 - 09:05 PM.
#3
_Yella SLuR_
_Yella SLuR_
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Posted 14 June 2006 - 09:06 PM
Yes, that's right, cast with the block. But how can you say HZ block with no engine number?
#4
REDA9X
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Posted 14 June 2006 - 09:16 PM
Anything after the L34 had the same castings anyway as far as re enforcment goes. Anyone could have fitted the other parts in at any stage of it's life, it's 26 years old after all. Some replacement blocks were stamped, and some were not. I've seen brand new VT blocks unstamped, and I know an ex A9X club owner bought a new block in 84 for his A9X that was not stamped. Most race blocks however, were stamped.
#5
TerrA LX
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Posted 14 June 2006 - 09:17 PM
firstly time frame.
secondly casting in webbing etc.
no other holden blocks of the time were cast as such.
secondly casting in webbing etc.
no other holden blocks of the time were cast as such.
#6
_Yella SLuR_
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Posted 14 June 2006 - 09:28 PM
Thanks for that info Red, was wondering about the race engines, so could have just been a replacement block then, although if the road cars could have non-numbered engines fitted, then wouldn't it be possible that some race engines where the same? Just the strengthened crank that makes me think, but like you say, could have been added anytime in the last 26 years.
Another interesting question, would an A9X still be original/authentic if you fitted an L34 engine since they raced with them? Just a weird thought that crossed my mind. Wouldn't be much benefit, as you'd still have to run pollution stuff with the L34, and you'd have the lower 9:1 compression ratio presumably. Silly idea on second thoughts, but still interesting nevertheless.
Another interesting question, would an A9X still be original/authentic if you fitted an L34 engine since they raced with them? Just a weird thought that crossed my mind. Wouldn't be much benefit, as you'd still have to run pollution stuff with the L34, and you'd have the lower 9:1 compression ratio presumably. Silly idea on second thoughts, but still interesting nevertheless.
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