need rebuild parts HELP

[auroranewbie]

Here's the problem... I have a 97 aurora 4.0 with autobahn pkg. I love this car but want to rebuild to have fresh start before I run twin rear mount turbo set up. I can find upper end parts but can't find valves, camshafts, piston heads/rods, crankshaft. I really would like to know where yall go for parts. I have checked a 300miles radius from my home and can't even find another aurora even in junk yard. I have a 97 cav built/turbo pushing 412whp, and Im sure I can pull atleast 650hp out of this secret monster.

[Randy T.]

You might want to consider going with a 4.6 from a Cadillac, I have 2 '97 Auroras with Cadillac motors. You are also going to have to tap out the block and install head studs, when you remove head bolts the threads pull out with the bolts, which is our main cause of head gasket failure. It sounds like a lot of work, but if you know your stuff, you should have no problem. Your "y" flex exhaust pipe usually has a poor seam that leaves a large metal protrusion, it is a good idea to port that out. If you want some 4.0 parts I can help you out, I have a 4.0 that is good for $200 + shipping, or a 4.0 with blown head gaskets for $100 + shipping.

[Randy T.]

If you are looking for new parts you may want to check golden95s 4.6 thread for some ideas, or check with Northstar performance, rockauto, or gmpartsdirect. link

[auroranewbie]

Thanks. Ya Im familiar with head studs. Installed them when I turboed my cavalier. Planned on doing it to aurora when I build heads, I heard the threads sucked. Would it be better to drill out old threads and install heli-coils? I'm looking at about 5k on this build, but fell it will be
worth it. Best option I found so far is swapping to 4.6 camshaft for about $500 each

[Randy T.]

You will have to drill out all the threads, heli coils were used by GM as an early fix, but they fail pretty quick. I have installed Norms inserts, they are a really big heli coil type design, it was for someone else. If I was building one I would go with the studs, some people use Norms inserts and studs. If you are switching to 4.6 cams you only need the intake cams, exhaust cams are the same from 4.0-4.6.

[auroranewbie]

Thanks a lot randy. If u still have either engine after Christmas I will for sure get one, hopefully both. I love extra parts.

[Randy T.]

Yeah, I do too, my storage is a mess. lol.