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[TheBoy]

Think this is what you're looking for...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HOLDEN-VB-VC-VH-VK-COMMODORE-6CYL-8CYL-K-FRAME-CROSSMEMBER-NOS-GENUINE-/170971973076?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27ceb945d4&_uhb=1#shId

Only issue is whether or not the column lines up with the input shaft on the rack

Ps, I have asked about postage

They don't 

Don't line up, or don't post to UK?

[2woody]

Subframe swap is a no-go.

On the front, the Omega B chassis rails are closer together than on the Commodore - about three inches.

At the rear, the subframe is identical APART FROM a couple of extra inches in width. You'd just use an Omega B subframe together with the larger car's diff and driveshafts if you want to be anal about it.

The Commodore uses a steering rack mounted behind the front axle - definitely NOT the thing to do if you're changing over from a steering box. I remain convinced that you wouldn't need to go down this route, tho.

Probably the best way to go for a steering rack conversion is to use an E36 forward-mounted rack, together with the struts and make wishbones to suit. That way, you're preserving the all-important rack-to-hub-to-strut geometry. A front-mounted rack also means that you don't really need a super-compliant bush either

On the Omega A, the compliant bust is mounted at the other end of the wishbone. This will have been reversed for Omega B in the name of better handling. Considering the rearward steering box position, a compliant rear bush gives some passive toe-in when cornering.

[2woody]

Having been driven in 2woodys gts it's clear, this is a project worth persuing IMO. It has an engine and brake and suspendion package that totally defy the weight of the car. It's tight, accurate, agile, bloody quick and massively comfortable. As is Robs Monaro of course. Impressive.  ...very impressive compared to an omega.

From the other side, the Holden engine and brakes are great, but the suspension package is a whole order of magnitude worse than Omega B. Ok, so it uses a steering rack, but the front suspension design is from Senator A - i.e. before even the Omega A - it still uses a separate track-control arm and threaded toe-link. With a better front suspension design, it would be great.

I run mine on standard front springs and Omega B self-levelling rear springs, which make the rear quite adjustable - don't forget it weight a couple of hundred kilos less than an Omega B

In comparison, id say that its not quite as tight, not quite as accurate and not quite as agile as my MV6, but the performance, economy and braking are far in advance of the European car.

[cem_devecioglu]

ok.. assume that I solved the cooling problems of v6 with different coolant pumps(s) , different rad, different thermostat..
 
Changed the pistons and rods with special material (which I can solve all these here without a huge cost) and purchased a supercharger (thats not cheap).. whats the actual problem of bottom end ? better journals, better crank ?
 
ps: changing the v6 to a larger volume v8 here legally is a long job.. apart from mechanical problems you need to include a project signed by mechanical engineers organization.. later need to pass quality control, mot, traffic etc etc..  Apart from the cost the legalization process is nearly impossible which keeps me away..

[feeutfo]

Comadore being different to monaro?

Monaro fits, comadore doesn't...?

[feeutfo]

Btw, I'm fairly sure omega front subframe has 6 mounting bolts. 3 each side, iirc?

[feeutfo]

Found it, no go on front subframe it's completely different. Assuming gto is the same as monaro?
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-catera-cimarron-forum/117000-halleluja-catera-v8-project-underway-3.html

[05omegav6]

  don't post

[serek]

ok..assume that you solved all mechanical problems of ftting a v8 and a suitable gearbox(model still a question in my mind) how will you solve odo,dials,mid etc etc..   

The mechanical problems are worthy of more consideration than that though.
With a steering box removed, for example, I am assuming the engine will fit and the gear box lever will line up, although I've seen talk that it sits a bit too far forward. Possibly fowling 1st 3rd and 5th. Won't find out what dictates that until we offer it up.
I am assuming also, that a Nissan Almeria(?) steering rack can be made to fit, as that's what rats used.
But then there's the question of the rearward bush on omega wishbones. It's unreliable. Degrades quickly , and I suspect doesn't give a particularly accurat feel to the steering even when new.

So before sticking the lump in, it might be wise to discuss subframe options for a different design rear bush if one exists?
Are Carlton or senator options worth a look? I presume Holden floor pan options are too wide and too different a design?

bloke who done converion in poland use monaro rear subframe 
   

That's great info Serek. Thankyou.

Any more photos or links? I was actually talking about the front subframe, being honest, to try and change that front wishbone rear bush on the omega for something more reliable.
Do you think the monaro front subframe would fit too?

will ask him for more info 

[serek]

Subframe swap is a no-go.

On the front, the Omega B chassis rails are closer together than on the Commodore - about three inches.

At the rear, the subframe is identical APART FROM a couple of extra inches in width. You'd just use an Omega B subframe together with the larger car's diff and driveshafts if you want to be anal about it.

The Commodore uses a steering rack mounted behind the front axle - definitely NOT the thing to do if you're changing over from a steering box. I remain convinced that you wouldn't need to go down this route, tho.

Probably the best way to go for a steering rack conversion is to use an E36 forward-mounted rack, together with the struts and make wishbones to suit. That way, you're preserving the all-important rack-to-hub-to-strut geometry. A front-mounted rack also means that you don't really need a super-compliant bush either

On the Omega A, the compliant bust is mounted at the other end of the wishbone. This will have been reversed for Omega B in the name of better handling. Considering the rearward steering box position, a compliant rear bush gives some passive toe-in when cornering.

get one off compact version lots people fit those to m3 as they better angle

[05omegav6]

The V8 in the Omega/Catera is also mounted off-centre by approximately 1.5-inches towards the passengers side (this is quite common is a lot of V8 automobiles such as the older V8 5-series BMW) to provide additional clearence for the steering gear. If you look closely at the engine mouting base plates on the V8 Omega subframe, you may notice this. The GTO uses rack and pinion steering which provides more clearence. I am not 100% certain, but I believe that the GTO's engine is on-centre.

Right, forgetting the Monaro/Commodore subframes (posted the links as I had been looking for a half decent pick of one, and those new/old stock ones were near the top of the list), the link the Chris has found might be the holy grail in its detail. Take one empty Omega engine bay, offer up an LS lump, short engine would do, then modify the engine mounts so that the engine sits as far over to the nearside as possible. Simples

Using the existing steering gear/suspension layout will retain the steering geometry which can only make life easier

[omega3000]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNGyuZh1EPU 

[05omegav6]

Sounds good, but 2pots missing

[omega3000]

Sounds good, but 2pots missing

Sounds better than 4 pots missing   

[TheBoy]

Well, you're all wrong.

I had my nose under a Monaro bonnet on Tuesday afternoon, 7l with 2 enormous turbos, in excess of 1000bhp. Those turbos won't fit under the bonnet of an Omega.