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1

Omega General Help / Re: Wishbones

« on: 03 May 2016, 23:21:08 »

I know it's been almost a year since this topic has been raised but I have a new development. At least it's new to me.

It's been brought to my attention that a member on the Catera Forum by the name of Kodan, I believe he's Dutch, has found a source of polyurethane rear/vertical bushes for the front control arms. They are similar in appearance to the OEM part but without the spherical center insert. To achieve the necessary flex they have a depression that surrounds the center crush tube. I've asked for his supplier but all he says is, "it's a guy in Poland". Have you any clue to who he may be refering to? His bushings look professionally made, and well designed. The last picture is of the OEM bushing after 2 years. Obviously the weather there is harsh and wet, a perfect testing ground. He says there are currently 3 Omegas, saloons and limos, using the bushes. The Polish gentleman makes other poly bushings for our cars. Time will tell how long they last but I'm hopeful. Read the thread at:

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-catera-cimarron-forum/163456-control-arm-bushings-post15658594.html#post15658594

Left: OEM/GM Bushing........Right: Polyurethane Bushing


Polyurethane Bushings


Bushings installed


Bushing at work


OEM Bushing after 2 years. (the inspiration for the Poly Bush.

2

Omega General Help / How 2 Identify camshafts?

« on: 17 January 2016, 20:22:12 »

I have a friend looking to install 4 G intake camshafts to a 3.2 Liter engine for a Catera project. He has an assortment collected over the years. The shafts are not on heads. How can he identify the G cams? Is there some marking he should look for? He says He sees he shafts are not on heads. How can he identify the correct cams? Is there some marking he should look for? He says He sees gc15, gc18, gc20, a2, e5, three are stamped 3, and another stamped 4. If those markings aren't familiar, what about the cam lobe profile. Any help would be appreciated.

3

Omega General Help / Re: Better brakes....?

« on: 25 October 2015, 22:05:57 »

Monaro calipers are on the cards, one day for sure, but anything up on that and I suspect the original 15"s and consequently the spare wheel won't fit over them. 

The GTO/Monaro calipers will clear the standard 16 inch Catera wheels. Can't verify whether they'll fit with the spare. Never thought about it. I'm screwed if it doesn't and I get a flat up front.

4

Omega General Help / Re: Better brakes....?

« on: 25 October 2015, 21:59:20 »

2004 5.7 Monaro calipers are a bolt on upgrade requiring only the calipers and pads... Discs being the same thickness and diameter...

I have this set-up on my Catera and in addition to the 2004 GTO/Monaro calipers and mounts you must use the Monaro brake hose or an appropriate aftermarket substitute. The Omega hose is shorter and will be stretched and damaged at full steering lock. The Monaro and Omega discs share the same dimensions so there is no mechanical advantage (leverage) in terms of braking. The increase in stopping power is all due to the calipers and pads. I use C5 Corvette brake pads in place of the GTO/Monaro pads due to their increased friction area. I also use aftermarket slotted discs because I'm a geek and like to think they make a big difference. Maybe, maybe not.......but they sure look spiffy, especially painted red.

NOTE: You lose the brake pad wear warning. Clip the sensor and short them together or the damned light will be forever lit.

Words and Pictures:
http://cateraowners.forumotion.com/t5-gto-brake-swap#10

5

Omega General Help / Re: Front Brakes

« on: 23 May 2015, 22:14:33 »

My Dear Al...... You beat me to it. Love my Monaro/GTO brake calipers. I've had them for years and, with the exception of losing the pad wear sensors, they are the best, cheapest way to improve the Omega's brakes. No mechanical leverage gain since they use the original discs but the bite of the bigger pads is immediately noticeable. Read more: http://cateraowners.forumotion.com/t5-gto-brake-swap

6

Omega General Help / Re: H & R Springs

« on: 28 April 2015, 04:10:56 »

I have a set of '04 Pontiac GTO springs on my Cadillac Catera Sport. The GTO is a Monaro in disguise. They lowered my car 25.4mm (1 inch). Rides nice, handles great. What more do you need?

7

General Car Chat / Re: Rear Suspension /Axle refurb

« on: 21 April 2015, 20:33:30 »

Soak the Toe-Ajustment Rods with penetrating oil as a prelude to a rear suspension alignment. If yours are like mine they will be seized. No guarantee the oil will do the trick but it couldn't hurt and since you'll be under there anyway...........

8

General Car Chat / Re: 2.6 to 3.2 conversion

« on: 16 April 2015, 23:28:27 »

My mistake. I thought the 2.6 fuel rails and injectors were same as the 3.0's which I'm told are better.

9

General Car Chat / Re: 2.6 to 3.2 conversion

« on: 16 April 2015, 23:02:05 »

Am I wrong, or wouldn't this be a perfect candidate for a hot rodded V6?

Starting with your 3.2L V6 as the core long-block), swap the pair of 2.6 liter V6 heads onto it (using the 3.2L's head gaskets). To make the most of the increased compression, the 2.6 heads must be ported slighty to mimic the contours of the 3.2L/3.0L head's intake passages so to match their airflow specs. Then swap the 2.6L's intake and exhaust camshafts with 4 intake ("G") camshafts from the 3.2L and/or 3.0L engines (both motors use the same "G" intake camshafts). Those cams, plus the exhaust valves from either the 3.0L or 3.2L (sodium filled for better heat transfer), are the hot set-up (no pun intended......maybe?).

Next we use the 2.6's fuel delivery setup (injectors, fuel rails) but with the 3.7 Bar Fuel Pressure Regulator from the 3.2L. That combination makes for finer fuel atomization and an improved flame-front. The 3.2L's stock ECU and sensors will work fine with this hodgepodge engine and though it should be safe to use regular grade gas, I suggest mid to high grade gas. It will protect the pistons by preventing pre-detonation, and exploit the increased potential of the engine.

I got this info from members here but If I'm wrong I apologize.

10

General Car Chat / Re: Will 3.2 go into 3.0...?

« on: 15 April 2015, 15:28:20 »

Have you given thought to the 4xG Cam mod?

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=126532.0

2 off G cams on the inlet is a good approach, might as well use the A's for the exhaust as there is little to be gained  with the exhaust cams being upgraded. 

What do you mean by 2 off G cams? I thought using the G cams as both intake and exhaust was the hot ticket.

11

General Car Chat / Re: Will 3.2 go into 3.0...?

« on: 15 April 2015, 10:43:29 »

Have you given thought to the 4xG Cam mod?

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=126532.0

12

General Car Chat / Re: need a link to pedders

« on: 10 March 2015, 19:03:00 »

Powerflex has the front/horizontal and antiroll bar bushes. No substitutes for the rear/vertical bushes so you have to buy OEM GM units or invent your own. Not sure about prices but here it goes:

http://www.powerflex.co.uk/road-series/products/Omega+B+1994-2003-2658/1.html



Here's an old thread regarding efforts to make or find a substitute for the rear/verticals.
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=118957.0

13

Omega General Help / Re: is there a deeper [problem ?

« on: 04 March 2015, 02:35:36 »

But as Al says, front bolts must be tightened car on the floor/suspension at normal ride height.

If its just the front bush there might be a case for fitting poly.

FYI: Wishbones fitted with poly bushes can have their bolts tightened with the tires off the ground.

14

Omega General Help / Re: Front tyres issue

« on: 01 March 2015, 22:15:46 »

I believe Elvin has Pedders GTO springs, so presumably same as Monaro

Not Pedders, stock GTO/Monaro springs. They lower our cars an inch (25.4mm).

15

Omega General Help / Re: Front tyres issue

« on: 01 March 2015, 00:25:04 »

...I wonder if Monaro shocks (on Elvins car iiirc) don't have the camber adjustment the omega has. Perhaps?

For the record my Catera has Koni Sport inserts in the original strut bodies so the upper and lower knuckle holes are exactly how they would be on a stock Omega. She also has Powerflex front/horizontal bushes and new tie-rod ends. I didn't install the eccentric bolts myself so I can only attest to the results I've experienced. I don't have exact mileage numbers but the tires have lasted longer and worn more evenly after the bolts than before them. The wear is still based to the inner part of the tread but that's just the nature of our suspension.