Questions

[vampyr]

Re: Questions

OK so here is the latest. I got both of the heads off and discovered that NOT only did one of the head gaskets let go but both of them went, AHHHHHHHH. Oh and in addition to that, I broke the bolts that hold the exhaust manifold to the Y pipe. Any one have any ideas how to get the bolts out? I should be able to post up some progress pics today, since it is once again raining here. So far I have found that both the intake gaskets were shot, both head gaskets were shot and the coolant mypass tube was broken, the block looks OK. I still think that the car was worth the 900.00 I paid for it. Oh and I have learned a lot of good lessons already...(or atleast remembered a few).

[Rob Bell]

Re: Questions

Yeah if the rest of the car is in good shape, and you just have to replace headgaskets and such, it sounds like you got a pretty good deal. Besides, it doesn't matter anyway that the other HG blew, because you'd want to replace it anyway while you're in there. If you can now that you've got everything apart, maybe it's time for a P&P job for a little extra oomph.

[vampyr]

Re: Questions

I am actually debating the P&P on this. How much extra HP am I really going to get out of just a P&P? Oh and YES I would have changed them both out any way it just tells me that I am dealing with quite a bit of heat here. This is why the heads are at the shop now being looked at. I shold know more this afternoon.

[vampyr]

Re: Questions

OK these are a little mixed up but here are the pics I have up...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2783973...7622586687576/

[Rob Bell]

Re: Questions

To remove the bolts you'll probably have to get one of those bolt extractor kits where you drill into the bolt and such.

The HP you get is going to depend on other supporting mods like a cam, intake and exhaust. I'm no expert because I have not done this myself, but from what I've read it will get you a few extra HP. Plus it will already be done in the event you do decide to add some of those supporting mods. The biggest power problem with our engines is that they can't breathe due to the poor flowing heads. Also, there's going to be different levels of porting and polishing. Look at Abbott's 3800 V6 page . If I ever have to take my heads off, I'm considering a set of the Stage 2 heads, upper and lower intake. Those also should be port matched, since they are already off the engine. There are others on here though that can give you a lot more info on P&P benefits. Also do some searching here and on Google.

LOL it's amazing how quickly projects can grow and things can start adding up when you look at "Well, since it's all apart I may as well do this, and this, and that, blah blah blah." You just have to know where to draw the line. Even if you don't do anything now other than fixing the gaskets, you now have the knowledge to quickly tear it down again someday if you do decide to start modding the upper portion. If you have the money and the time, go for it. Otherwise, you can always do it later.

[vampyr]

Re: Questions

Thanks Rob, As for the cost thing I think I am about maxed out on this one. I am only up to like 1100 including the cost of the car but... 1100 is about my max for one shot. I have to go and get my heads back today that is another 60 bucks for resurfacing, I know that is not a lot but again... I am looking into a set of 2000 exhaust manifolds also so that should help a little ( I know they are not headers but...) As always thanks to ALL for the input. After I get this beast back together I am going to sit down and do a complete write up on it. As time allows..

[Rob Bell]

Re: Questions

The important thing is to have it running so you can enjoy it!

[vampyr]

Re: Questions

OK so the car is back in one peice..... Unfortunantly it is still running rough. I also ran another fuel pressure test on it and found some strange readings.. When I put the guage on the car and turn the key to "ON" the pressure goes to about 34 LBS but as soon as the pump stops the pressure goes back to 0. Any ideas on why that would happen? I am going to give the car a GOOD tuen up and see where that leaves me. I am also goign to change the plate that the coil packs mount to and see if that is the source of the random misfires.

[timthescarred]

Re: Questions

34lbs is way too low, and then drops to zero. could mean a couple of thing, bad FPR, bad fuel pump, leaking injector, or a fuel leak somewhere in a line.