1) Buy an old V6 engine from a GT or Formula and take it apart ? I see them all the time for cheap that has problems. 2) Is there a cheat sheet on what to replace to rebuild one ?
I've never done a rebuild, but mostly done everything else. I need all the information I can get.
I just want to be able to pull my engine one day when it needs it. I like to be prepared.
But it is better to have a good resource as a guide to help you with any aspects of rebuilding one of these engines. An excellent resource that you should seriously get is this book: https://www.amazon.com/Rebu...&keywords=Tom+Currao
Not to mention all those who would chime in saying the materials instructions are wrong and must have been written by idiots
Over the years, we have found errors in ALL the printed material commonly used, even the factory service manuals. The engine rebuild manuals would be no different, but it's the best place to start.
Over the years, we have found errors in ALL the printed material commonly used, even the factory service manuals. The engine rebuild manuals would be no different, but it's the best place to start.
Is there a collection of corrections to the errors? One would think there could be.
I use to rebuild but considering the parts, labor and machine shop costs, it came out far less expensive to do engine swaps. The last rebuild that I did 15 years ago cost almost $2000.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
If you were to do this rebuild for less it would have to assume: the cylinders are not worn to the point of where they would need to be re-bored. Add machine shop costs and a new set of pistons that the crankshaft is not scored or grooved as that would require regrinding. If its too worn it will need replacement . that the valve seats are still in good shape. In all cases a new timing chain, rings, gaskets, bearings then what about the fuel injectors. Professionally cleaning can cost $100. Then do you have the tools required like a ring compressor, cylinder hone, micrometers etc. If you want you can buy ours at half price and we even have some new unused stuff in the shop. If you luck out in the best case, you will need, rings, bearings (don't forget the cam), new lifters, and gaskets but in all the rebuilds that we have done that wasn't the case. Machine shop work and rebuild parts costs added up too quickly to be practical. Those engines were money pitsThat is why few rebuild engines these days..
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Curious, how many miles are on the engine, why does it need to be rebuilt? Simply rebuilding the heads on my 2.8 was a major improvement at 145K. The bottom end was still pretty tight, oil pressure good and once I had the heads off, there wasn't much of a ridge in the cylinders. While I was there, I replaced my water pump. If I were to do again, I would also do the timing chain and front cover seal.
BR's,
Mark
------------------ 86 SE V6 Auto 65 Tempest 400 CID 2008 G6 GT "Street" Coupe 2005 Buick 3.6 Rendezvous 2001 Olds Silhouette (AKA The Band Van)
Seems like it has 148K on the engine. If I pull it I'm doing what I can to it while its out. It has an exhaust leak and a bolt broken off on the manifold from the previous owner. Yep the hard one to get to. Its very drive-able but lacks power....expected I have another manifold already.
[This message has been edited by robert1234 (edited 12-05-2016).]
Seems like it has 148K on the engine. If I pull it I'm doing what I can to it while its out. It has an exhaust leak and a bolt broken off on the manifold from the previous owner. Yep the hard one to get to. Its very drive-able but lacks power....expected I have another manifold already.
Going forward, depends on your goals and budget. I can tell you if the bottom end of your engine is tight, pulling the heads for a rebuild can be done with the engine in the car and will allow you to fix the manifold bolt addressing the exhaust leak. At the same time you can port the exhaust manifolds for a few extra ponies. Cost is in the hundreds of dollars. But no step wise increase in power.
