So it begins: engine removal Atom2 brammo 2006 Ecotec LSJ aka "Max"..

**bolus** · February 27, 2013, 11:54 AM

those guys are heavy arent they? I just imagine them spinning at twice the RPM (or x3, I cant remember).

**MadMaxAtom** · February 27, 2013, 12:26 PM

21 teeth on the balance shaft sprockets,and 42 teeth on the crank drive sprocket,so they are turning at double crank speed. Yikes! I am amazed that scrawny single row chain can transfer the torque required to spin both of those unbalanced shafts,especially at 15K rpms!!! Just turning them in the block with your fingers requires some effort. Glad to be rid of them.

Got my Kent-Moore Ecotec sleeve removal/install kit today..it is a lot bigger and heavier than I thought it would be.
CIMG3985.jpg

Looks like I will be the first to use it..brand new! One of the only good things about all the GM dealerships closing a few years ago;lots of surplus tools! This kit was well over $1k when new...cost me $250 with shipping..

**MadMaxAtom** · February 27, 2013, 01:53 PM

I can't believe how easy it was to pull one of the sleeves out.CIMG3986.jpg

Took me longer to set up the tool,and that only took 5 minutes!CIMG3987.jpg

I am impressed how simple the Ecotec is to repair...you could actually swap a sleeve and piston with the lower end together..matter of fact,with the engine still in the car!(oil pan would have to be off)

Amazing..now I await the new sleeve.

**bolus** · February 27, 2013, 02:51 PM

imagine the damage if they were still in Eddie's car spinning at 22K

**bolus** · February 27, 2013, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by MadMaxAtom

I am impressed how simple the Ecotec is to repair...you could actually pull a sleeve with the lower end together..matter of fact,with the engine still in the car!(oil pan would have to be off)

Amazing..now I await the new sleeve.

Darth did his piston install with the engine still in the car.

**MadMaxAtom** · February 27, 2013, 05:44 PM

^Yea, I remember that. Since you can take a piston out,you can also do a sleeve if necessary,in car. Good option to have..

"imagine the damage if they were still in Eddie's car spinning at 22K" I believe they would never make it to 22k.rpm.....having already exited the block...

**Atommatt** · February 28, 2013, 06:37 AM

I'm wondering if the LNF would be the same way.

**DarthChicken** · February 28, 2013, 08:14 AM

Any engine is, if you can get the pistons past the frame rails, and get the caps unbolted off the rods. So pretty much any inline engine, and probably most "V" configuration engines should be possible in the atom - as long as you can get the oil pan off to get to the caps

**MadMaxAtom** · February 28, 2013, 08:50 AM

"Any engine is". Bold statement...maybe for removing pistons...however,if you have a scored cylinder,most engines will require boring the block,and many that do use sleeves cannot be serviced in the chassis. A lot of big truck engines are designed to be overhauled in the chassis,without block removal. The LNF uses the same sleeve puller/installer as the LSJ.

Just heard from Lindskog. $270 to dynamic balance the lower end. I shall haul my crankshaft/rod and main bearings/rods/rod bolts/pistons/piston pins//rings/damper/flywheel/flywheel bolts/pressure plate/pp bolts/and clutch disc all down to them next week. They have had excellent results on the Ecotecs...

**RyanD** · February 28, 2013, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by MadMaxAtom

Just heard from Lindskog. $270 to dynamic balance the lower end. I shall haul my crankshaft/rod and main bearings/rods/rod bolts/pistons/piston pins//rings/damper/flywheel/flywheel bolts/pressure plate/pp bolts/and clutch disc all down to them next week. They have had excellent results on the Ecotecs...

I'd be curious to hear what they tell you. Remember your damper bolt.

What I was told from a shop that does a lot of V8 race engines: Don't bother with pistons and rods on a 4-cylinder because they are very close in weight anyway and move together in pairs. I weighed mine, and they were practically identical. Keep your clutch disc because they don't balance that. I would take them your old bolts instead of the new ones. They recommended a very light hone on the cylinders to restore the crosshatch. YMMV.