1.4L Teardown/Modification

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Time to step it up a notch!

I got a deal on this Cruze 1.4 that I couldn't pass up. I can't wait to geek out on it as I dismantle it, modify it and one day swap it in.

First and foremost, I plan to do some head work. Porting, stiffer springs and possibly a valve cut. Once I select a bigger turbo, and get the accommodations made, the modified head will go on my car.

But I will also, post many pics to share the ins and outs of this fun little workhorse.

Valve Cover:

Camshaft/valvetrain:

Roller rocker:

Valve spring:

Electronic controlled Thermostat:

 

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Pulleys:
The crank pulley and water pump must be removed to take the timing cover off

Water Pump:
I'm sooooo glad that the water pump is external, meaning it could be replaced without removing the timing cover.

Cover removed:

Timing chain tensioner:

Here is the VVT actuator (I assume):

 

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Cylinder head:

12 head bolts. Cams and rockers can stay on during removal.

Camshaft:

Here's the chamber and the valves:

Intake Ports:

Intake Valve, hydraulic lifter and spring:

Cylinder Block:
Each cylinder has the displacement of about 2/3 of a 12oz soda can.

Oil Pan removed:

Oil Baffle..... with my very own spattered in various places:

Bottom End:

Bottom case removed:

Crankshaft:

Piston oilers:

Cylinder Block:

Piston and rod:

 

[sonic24740]

O boy this is exciting... opcorn:

 

[DevilSonic89]

Can i buy and swap out for my 1.8! Lol

 

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I got this one on eBay for $840 shipped. Only 14k miles and paper proof of compression and leakdown tests.

It's a long block..... no turbo, but I'm moving away from the stock turbo anyway. And it did come with the intake mani and full ECU harness.

I'll take pics of the valve train and possibly the head removal procedure this weekend.opcorn:

 

[DevilSonic89]

wow...wait....what!!!!! only 840!! with no turbo.... i see amazing things in the future

 

[$ub$onic]

Ya that's a great price

 

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I had been scouting eBay for a while, just playing with the idea of a builder engine. I saw many 1.4s for around $1,400. And even this one was was like $900 + $150shipping.

I watched it for a week, but wasn't ready to buy it...... Then it relisted for $670 + $150shipping, and I couldn't say no.

 

[13TurboLTZ]

Thats awesome! Keep us posted with the modifications you make. Do they offer aftermarket valvetrain parts for them yet?

 

[xsonicLTZx]

If your ever in need of an extra wrench turner, let me know. I live pretty close to you and love gettin dirty ;-p

 

[seanp1]

This should be interesting. Thanks for being a pioneer!

 

[RoXXXanne13]

now ill never win

 

[wingman]

I was wondering when I was going to see this thread. Blaze the trail brother!

 

[Preloader]

Thats awesome! Keep us posted with the modifications you make. Do they offer aftermarket valvetrain parts for them yet?

They do not.

The camshafts have an oil passage for the VVT system. Vendors won't touch it..... Yet.

However valves and valve springs may already be available. That's where I'm headed. Getting it dismantled so my local machine shop can reference those parts.

 

[sx sonic]

They do not.

The camshafts have an oil passage for the VVT system. Vendors won't touch it..... Yet.

However valves and valve springs may already be available. That's where I'm headed. Getting it dismantled so my local machine shop can reference those parts.

DDM or BNR mentioned they might be able to get GM cam blanks.

You know what that means? Custom ground VVT cams for maximum win!

 

[american_tuner]

Keep us posted! Very nice sir

 

[Gsrdude]

Bottom end plans? 40psi time

 

[Maddmatts]

Plans for digging out a little extra displacement?

 

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I spoke to dave this morning about cams. There is an oil passage in them for the VVT system and nobody will make blanks yet.

The conclusion about more displacement is that the cylinder walls are already thin and there isn't much room for boring. Maybe .020".

Here's the exhaust gasket against the head.

You can see the potential for porting. But rumor is the intake ports will provide the most benefit from porting.