I have an opportunity to get my V6 engine and Auto transmission rebuilt at my local technical college over the summer semester. Because I work there, I would only need to provide parts; all labor would be free and come with paperwork/receipts.
They would be completely removing both from the car for the rebuilds. Since there are many things that are easy to replace with the engine and trans out of the car, that would be the ideal time to replace items attached to or closely associated with the engine and trans. The rebuild processes will be focused exclusively on the internal components of both, I suspect, but anything that needs to be removed and replaced as part of the uninstall/reinstall of these two are eligible for replacement or upgrade at the point of reinstall.
I have some questions about what would be the right things to do while the engine is out and the transmission is out. First, I am looking for recommendations for rebuild kits for both. I see that Fiero Store has an engine rebuild kit, but doesn't seem to have the tranny rebuild kit (unless I overlooked it). What are the best kits for both engine and tranny rebuilds?
I also have a starting list of things that are not typically part of a rebuild kit that come to mind:
I am wide open to ideas for both the rebuild kits and the accessories lists. I'm not really looking to stroker or try to make new power. I'm really just looking to get the car back to 100% good stock running condition.
while the engine and trans is OUT, could you "exchange" the 125 trans for an overdrive ? otherwise, a shift kit and a new torque converter. maybe swap out a 3.4 block for the 2.8 ? (direct swap) are they going to Bore the block ? or just "re-Ring" it ? I don't remember those classes doing any "Machine work"
Yeah, I asked them about bringing over a 3.4 from a 95 Camaro at the salvage yard right across the street. They balked at the idea. I also asked about a tranny sway. No can do either. I'm totally cool with that, especially since they're really doing me a favor by providing free labor for something they usually get $35/hr for. I also completely understand that they're running an academic program, and it's not my personal garage.
You are correct, Lou5t4gto; they don't do any machining there. That's one of the reasons I'm not looking to try to stroker the engine to a 3.1. They will, however, hone the cylinders during the rebuild process. I have known these guys for a while, and I trust them to take good care of the Fiero and the mechanicals. I just hope to learn more about what I can/should replace while the engine and tranny are out, and which rebuild kits would be best.
Yeah, they're having the car show this upcoming Saturday. Good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise (as they say here in the south), I am going to try to get my Fiero up there. If not in the show, at least there so the guys can check it out.
At least in the Fiero Store kit, it'll include the manifold gaskets. I'll definitely get a new water pump for them to use during the reinstall.
Thanks for your inputs. I'll post up something as soon as I know if the Fiero will be suitably ready to make it to the car show. Either way, I'll still be going.
I think I will drive the Fiero Saturday and swing by after work. I am not sure of the time things will wrap up, I get off tip 1:30. If you are still there, my Fiero is Blue with gray offset racing stripes.
