2.8 to a 3.6 LF3 swap (Page 3/3)
Fiero_Guy AUG 23, 11:47 PM
Very excited for this build please keep us updated with your progress, we need a new swap for the Fiero.
Rickady88GT AUG 24, 11:48 PM
Is it in yet?
Joseph Upson AUG 25, 09:29 PM
Given the year I'm assuming it's a low mileage engine. A Tech I spoke to at the dealership recently said they recommend timing chain replacement at 120k miles on the 3.6L. Some have suggested timing chain wear in the 3.6L is planned obsolescence and that the purpose is to make repair so expensive that many owners will invest in a new vehicle instead depending on the value of the car. I just replaced the timing components on the 3.6L in my CTS. My cost for parts, including the four camshaft actuators which are optional was about $500. The chevy dealer quoted me $2500, and an independent shop even more and that didn't include the actuators. That's for a properly facing engine. FWD will probably run closer to $3k. I did the job myself in about 20 hrs taking my time over three hot days.

This engine is hard on oil and unforgiving if you let the oil level get too low as some use oil and some sip it through the PCV system. They often fail shortly after a low oil level incident. Some have a noisy cold start whether brand new or high mileage apparently a combination of oil drain back issues resulting in actuator rattle until oil control is achieved (exhaust actuators are locked in full advance and slam back against an empty compartment at lock pin release). Some Aussies call it the "Rattle Tech" instead of Alloy Tech.

Here are some examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoYs6Akpnx4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbRuXho44kQ

I've read about and heard examples of the same noise at cold startup in 2017 vehicles also. GM doesn't seem to mind selling them this way and apparently suggesting it's normal.

Just a heads up if you own a 3.6L of any version; LY7, LLT, LFX, LF3, etc. Use full synthetic motor oil and no matter what the oil life meter says, change the oil no later than 5k miles. If you believe 3k mile oil changes are a waste, this motor can make a fool out of you.

[This message has been edited by Joseph Upson (edited 08-25-2017).]

cs xtreme SEP 04, 05:37 PM
Yes 14k on this engine. It will only see synthetic. According to gm and others the lf3 has a better pcv system. It will be interesting to see. But I'll still probably add catch cans or air/oil seprrators. I'll be doing compression as soon as I get the starter. Some pieces will be appreciated so I'll get to see what the internals look like. Looks like the oil pan is different than the regular too.
cs xtreme NOV 08, 11:27 PM
F40 saab 2.8l transmission is ordered. It came with a few extras so with any luck I'll be able to star mock up soon.
0z APR 22, 10:10 PM
What ever happened to this?