(L13 bottom, L15 top)


So whilst trying to fit a crankshaft off a CRZ to a L13 block, I ran into a problem with the Crankshaft girdle off of the L13Z1. The L13 Girdle has two humps in the surface area next to the crankshaft caps (this is all one piece unlike the L15A7 too). I considered getting it milled out with a CNC Machine, but the engine builder i spoke to didn't have one and would only have taken an angle grinder to it. In the end I decided to use my dremel with a small stone bit. That way i could be precautious about the amount of material i was taking off. I needed to be as the reason for this hump is a hole either side. This is annoying as it means i can't make it flush, as material likely isn't there, and if i go too far i risk comprising the structural integrity of the girdle itself. I started with one side to find the absolute minimum required to take off. Really it's all in the shape, it needs grinding down at the top in order to gain clearance so it doesn't come out as wide. I have taken off no more than 4mm in material (i have no way of measuring but it was more reshaping than anything).

So after i'd done both sides the crankshaft now spins freely, however with a very tight tolerance from the tip of the hump to the counterweight at TDC. Roughly 3 - 5mm. (I'm hoping this will be fine so anyone with experience please let me know)

I wish there were aftermarket options for the girdle really as i could have ordered a new one in with stronger caps.

Pictured below is the girdle, one side done here so you can see what the hump looked like beforehand. enjoy the photodump, was very difficult to get a good picture with good lighting in the garage, so its difficult to see