Hi Guys,

I recently picked up a 2003 BA XR8. I bought it knowing about the burnt valve. Now obviously I have to fix it.

I have afew options here and would just like to run it by you all first. Note the rear main seal and sump gasket are weeping slightly too.

Option 1: buy another engine to put in. Have seen good low - mid km ones for around the 2k mark. Downside is you never really know what your getting until you fire it up.

Option 2: pull engine out, as I think it will be alot easier on a stand. Replace rear main seal and sump gasket. Replace oil pump and pull a centre main and big end off and check condition. Pull heads off. Get heads services and fit new chain, guides and tensioners.

Option 3: buy secondhand bf heads with low kms? And just fit them.

I'm asking the question as I have never pulled one of these apart and not sure of pricing. I'd say I wouldn't get much change from 2k after buying head timing kit ( chains, guides, tensions ), top end gasket set, new heads bolts and heads repaired/ or fit secondhand.

Cheers all and I appreciate any advise.

Have a look here for real world costs....

http://www.modularmotorsportsracing.com/cart/

Yeh had a look on their last night, thanks Pete.
Even if I get the heads that are on it repaired, the same thing could happen again.

I'm leaning towards getting a good mid km ba xr8 mark 2 engine and swapping it out. This one will have to come out anyway and realistically it will most likely work out cheaper and then I have a second engine for parts down the track if need be.

And is Modular Motorsport cheaper than summit?

Dunno man.

Will later model ( 2005 ba xr8 heads ) bolt to the 2003 ba xr8 block without any dramas? I believe the coolant galleries are larger in the later model heads? Would just like to clear this up before I purchase some. The headgaskets are all the same etc?

Cheers