84 fieor-- 94 N* swap (Page 11/24)
IXSLR8 JAN 30, 12:37 AM
Minor pitting and some minor pitting on the heads...I'd be using Hylomar.
mcfrandon JAN 31, 09:57 AM
I talked to a guy at felpro and he recommended that I install the head gasket with no sealer and if the pits aren't too bad they should be ok, however I could use a metal filler and razor blade to smooth out the pitted areas. The only one I would actually think twice about would be the one on the head, i might do that, but I feel pretty reassured it will be ok with just the headgasket. And if it is anything like the factory head gasket that was a nightmare to clean up and get off then i think i will be ok since it seems to soak into the aluminum or something.

Also I read there is an updated torque spec on the head? I have 20ftlb + 60 + 60 + 60 but i have also read 30ftlb + 70 + 70 + 70
IXSLR8 JAN 31, 02:46 PM
I'd still use Hylomar.

What inserts did you install in the block?
Are you planning to use studs or the GM bolts?
mcfrandon JAN 31, 08:37 PM
im using norms inserts with felpro bolts
IXSLR8 FEB 01, 12:47 PM
Those are very good inserts.

I have them in both my N* with ARP studs. They work great with both fasteners.

[This message has been edited by IXSLR8 (edited 02-01-2015).]

mcfrandon FEB 05, 02:02 AM
yeah i can tell. i can't imagine doing that torque sequence with the head bolts going into the aluminum with that fine thread pitch.

Im going to use a northstar surge tank so will i need to keep the fiero coolant overflow or should I cap it off at the radiator neck?

Im aiming to have the engine back in by the end of the weekend here. still just lots of things to paint, weld, and clean up before I get the engine in there for the last time for a while. Theres not a lot of wiggle room for the engine in there so I hope my one cadillac dogbone and front/rear motor mounts can keep this thing in place. Im really dreading doing the exhaust, even tho its last.
IXSLR8 FEB 05, 06:28 PM
I did keep the original fiero coolant overflow. I put a higher PSI cap on the radiator and a lower pressure cap on the surge tank located higher in the engine bay. I've used surge tanks from a landcover and Volkswagen Jetta.

If you have four engine mounting locations, you should be OK. I do have an extra dogbone or support from the cradle to the head just in case something would break. Haven't had any issues at all.

Are you using the stock exhaust manifolds and crossover pipe or are you doing custom headers?
mcfrandon FEB 06, 12:41 AM
im using the stock manifolds and cross over. I cut the collectors and bent them down at a better angle then patched them up to make everything work a little easier and also had to move the o2 sensor on the right side manifold a bit to clear the trunk. The cross over was coming into contact with the CV boot clamp so I cut the close section of the shield out, and put a small dent where it was close. I have just about everything put back together as far as the engine goes. Going to rent the water pump socket tomorrow because i can see the seal on the pulley side of the water pump dangling out. Also need to make the one bellhousing adapter, then cut a couple things, weld a couple things, paint those thing, and then put it back in the car and start making the wiring look good and running it to the PCM under the driver seat
IXSLR8 FEB 06, 03:08 PM
Your going to love it.
mcfrandon FEB 06, 03:35 PM
love what? the wiring or the car hahaha