Help with my friends Isusu Axium

Playa76911S · 05-11-2009, 02:14 PM

Hi yall my roomate has a 2004 Isusu Axium with a V6 and it has a knocking motor the mechanic says its got the oil sludge problem and needs a new block. There aint any Axiums in the scrapyards around here but I heard that Isuzu was owned by GM and that maybe I can swap an engine from a Chevy traleBlazer or GMC. I cant find any Axium chat rooms like Pelican for Porsche so I can ask this question...this cars only got 55,000 miles! thanks for any help.

MT930 · 05-11-2009, 02:22 PM

I am sure it would work with suitable altho complicated modifications. I would do some homework on that one.

I don't think GM owns Isuzu . Isuzu may own GM

Oh Haha · 05-11-2009, 02:41 PM

Actually, Isuzu and GM were partners in building heavy duty trucks. AFAIK, they never built cars or trucks as partners.

you may try contacting the local Chevy dealer and pose the question to them.

The question I would have is how in the he!! do you have sludge in an engine with only 55,000 miles?!!!

Was the oil EVER changed? Sludge does not equate to needing a new block unless it's cracked.

Playa--did you ever get your 911's door to stay shut?

Oh Haha · 05-11-2009, 02:46 PM

I think you are out of luck on a GM engine dropping right in. The V6 used was not made by GM.http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2002-to-2004-isuzu-axiom.htm

Cram a V8 in it.

Playa76911S · 05-11-2009, 02:48 PM

Funny story behind that my roomate leased this Axium when it was new and never changed the oil till 10,000 miles but then when the lease was up they offered him to buy it for really cheap (like $8000) so he bought it. He changed the oil more often after that but I guess it was too late. he got served for negecting his ride LOL!

Ya...got my door fixed...needed a new helper spring. I ajusted my carbs too and now the car runs faster too.

stomachmonkey · 05-11-2009, 02:52 PM

If your bud neglects the car like that then I would advise not doing the work for him.

He won't lift a finger to help and it'll probably cost you money out of pocket for all the little chit that comes with doing engine swaps.

Steve Viegas · 05-11-2009, 02:53 PM

The Isuzu Ascender and a few of the GM products are the same. The Axiom was a different car. That being said, I would guess it is the same motor that was in the Trooper (99-04?)and for a few years Isuzu OEM'd that car to Acura.

Playa76911S · 05-11-2009, 02:57 PM

Its funny he neglects doin oil changes but spent his money on chrome dubs for it and a sweet stereo system. But now when he stops to talk to honeys the engine knock is louder than his stereo LOL! But hes my homes and Ill help him if I can. Otherwise hes gonna want to borrow my 911!

Oh Haha · 05-11-2009, 03:02 PM

Yeah, he seems like a real genius.

Word to the wise--DO NOT LET HIM DRIVE YOUR 911. homey or not

Playa76911S · 03:58 PM

Here is a pic of his ride...I borrowed this a lot when my Eclipse got totaled so I kinda owe him...took out lotsa dates in this too I like its unique look and has plenty a room in da back! We call it tha playa wagon LOL!

know what yur saying about lending out a 911 but we been freinds for a long time and he wont mess it up.

jkarolyi · 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playa76911S

Here is a pic of his ride...I borrowed this a lot when my Eclipse got totaled so I kinda owe him...took out lotsa dates in this too I like its unique look and has plenty a room in da back!

know what yur saying about lending out a 911 but we been freinds for a long time and he wont mess it up.

Tell Him to sell those ugly "dubs" and buy a good engine. It uses basically the same 3.5L 32V V6 as the 1998-2002 Trooper and Rodeo, and Acura SLX. It is Isuzu's own engine which is not very well made or reliable. Older Troopers and Rodeos did use GM V6s which were a lot better, but they cannot be swapped in. In 2004 Isuzu put direct injection in the Rodeo and Axiom but this was the last year for both models and that engine, so your only hope for a direct swap might be a 2004 Rodeo. You might be able to swap just the block out from any 3.5L Trooper, Rodeo or SLX.

kaisen · 05-11-2009, 04:22 PM

Axiom is a just fancy Rodeo.
All those 3.5L's developed lower-end knocks at some point.
Just re-size the rod(s), grind the crank, and fit new bearings.
Motor has to come out, but it doesn't need a full rebuild.

Those wheels were probably as much as the truck is worth.

Playa76911S · 05-12-2009, 02:10 PM

Thanks Kaisen and Jay that was very helpful. Sounds like the Izusu engine is not a good design but maybe if I find a low mileage used engine from a Rodeo whos owner CHANGED THE OIL then a block swap would be good. Now I gotta find someone who will work on it who knows what there doing. Know of any good Japanese car mechanics in the Charlotte area...my friend took it to the dealer last time and was quoted 5Gs for a new engine.

Ya I think his chrome dubs are too bling too but he likes em and so do tha honeys!

stomachmonkey · 05-12-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playa76911S

Thanks Kaisen and Jay that was very helpful. Sounds like the Izusu engine is not a good design but maybe if I find a low mileage used engine from a Rodeo whos owner CHANGED THE OIL then a block swap would be good. Now I gotta find someone who will work on it who knows what there doing. Know of any good Japanese car mechanics in the Charlotte area...my friend took it to the dealer last time and was quoted 5Gs for a new engine.

Ya I think his chrome dubs are too bling too but he likes em and so do tha honeys!

You missed Kaisens point.

Fixing the rod knock will not be any more work than swapping the motor and will last longer.

kaisen · 05-12-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Fixing the rod knock will not be any more work than swapping the motor and will last longer.

Bingo!

It will be the same amount of work (engine out, heads off) but it will be known.
A used motor is a big unknown.
And it should be about the same price ($150 for crank kit with new rod/main bearings, exchange) plus gaskets and labor, plus under $50 to resize the rods

Playa76911S · 05-12-2009, 03:22 PM

Ya I know what UR sayin about gettin an unknown engine but nobody around here will touch this thing...he took it to three Japanese specialist mechanics and all of them refused to take apart the engine only swap engines. Said it was complex and theyd never seen a Axium before much less worked on it. The only mechanic who will work on it is the dealer and they only replace engines not rebuild them or just do the rod bearings. He is kinda stuck right now.

stomachmonkey · 05-12-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playa76911S

Ya I know what UR sayin about gettin an unknown engine but nobody around here will touch this thing...he took it to three Japanese specialist mechanics and all of them refused to take apart the engine only swap engines. Said it was complex and theyd never seen a Axium before much less worked on it. The only mechanic who will work on it is the dealer and they only replace engines not rebuild them or just do the rod bearings. He is kinda stuck right now.

Many mechanics these days don't know how to fix something, they simply replace it.

t951 · t951's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaisen

Those wheels were probably as much as the truck is worth.

Seriously, I doubt it!! Where would you find another fool to buy those!!! They are only worth what someone will pay.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playa76911S

Ya I think his chrome dubs are too bling too but he likes em and so do tha honeys!

I have NEVER heard of a girl that was even remotely interested in rims, never mind ugly, hoopdie, crap, heavy, low-class rims.....if those are the type of ladies he is getting....man is that sad.

Playa76911S · 10:18 AM

How old are you bro...40? High school and College honeys like bling rims and they aint hooptie just part of da club lifestyle. A hooptie is an old school ride like a cutless or caprice thats been pimped out. Get with it pops!

And ya...seems like the mechanics around here only want to replace stuff. Nobody can find a used 2004 Axium or Rodeo engine and it cant be an older one cause they are different...he has a one year only engine. Hes pretty screwed...the PlayaWagon is just sitting now till summer when he has more time. I can't find any books on how to replacing rod bearings on this engine...any ideas?

onewhippedpuppy · 11:38 AM

Maybe you're having trouble finding parts because it's an Axiom, not an Axium.

Your buddy isn't much of a "playa" with a broke SUV, is he? Maybe he should sell the rims to fix his car? I hope the boy wraps it up, because if a Izuzu with chrome rims is enough to get her in the sack...........

You need to look harder, there's still real mechanics out there. Someone will do the work for you. This is not a DIY project unless you have very good wrenching skills, plenty of tools, and a garage to work in.

EDIT: wait, does it have the magnetic Pep Boys portholes? And a decal showing how big the rims are? Forget fixing it, just set the damn thing on fire. The stupid things people do with cars.......