this is probably a dumb question, but is it possible to test run the engine while it is still attached to a stand? Meaning, does it need to be in the vehicle and hooked up to the gauges and other things to function properly, or can the ECU be hooked up to the vital engine controls (cam sensor, crank sensor, injectors, IAC and so on) while it is still out of the vehicle to test before installing? Is this something you will be doing to yours prior to install? Also, in your experience, do you know if the starter from the 2.8L will fit the LZ9?
the 2.8 starter should work, but the 3.9 starter is about 1/3 of the size/weight of the 2.8 starter, it's generally used as an upgrade for the 2.8 part as it's lighter, and significantly easier to change.
as far as running the engine on the stand, it's possible, but frequently not practical.
------------------ "I am not what you so glibly call to be a civilized man. I have broken with society for reasons which I alone am able to appreciate. I am therefore not subject to it's stupid laws, and I ask you to never allude to them in my presence again."
I invited Lou Dias to trash me in my own thread, he refused. sorry. if he trashes your thread going after me. I tried.
the 2.8 starter should work, but the 3.9 starter is about 1/3 of the size/weight of the 2.8 starter, it's generally used as an upgrade for the 2.8 part as it's lighter, and significantly easier to change.
as far as running the engine on the stand, it's possible, but frequently not practical.
The reason I ask about the starter is about 7 months ago I bought a gear reduction Denso style starter when my OE starter went out. Its only 8 pounds and is made for high compression engines, but I got it for a great price and I really like the way it sounds lol. If it fits the LZ9 that will save some money for other things .
You mentioned in your opening post that when you changed out your cam, you also replaced the timing set from a 3.4L. Did you change out both the cam and crank sprockets? I ordered a new LZ9 tensioner like you have, but the only one I could find also came with a new cam & crank sprocket and chain. I had also ordered a 3.4L timing set, and it came with the chain and crank sprocket. I noticed the LZ9 chain and sprockets are much thicker than the 3.4L chain and crank sprocket, and the tooth count from the LZ9 crank sprocket is less than the tooth count of the 3.4L crank sprocket (20 teeth on the LZ9, 25 teeth on the 3.4). Did you change out both the cam and crank sprockets from a 3.4L? I the attached pictures, the smaller/thinner parts (chain and crank sprocket) came with the 3.4 timing set, and the thicker parts (chain, cam and crank sprockets) came with the LZ9 kit. I am assuming that since you replaced the LZ9 VVT cam with the Equinox 3.4L cam, you needed to change the camshaft sprocket to fit, and also the crankshaft sprocket as well(?)
t
[This message has been edited by Murcie-Me (edited 02-14-2025).]
You mentioned in your opening post that when you changed out your cam, you also replaced the timing set from a 3.4L. Did you change out both the cam and crank sprockets? I ordered a new LZ9 tensioner like you have, but the only one I could find also came with a new cam & crank sprocket and chain. I had also ordered a 3.4L timing set, and it came with the chain and crank sprocket. I noticed the LZ9 chain and sprockets are much thicker than the 3.4L chain and crank sprocket, and the tooth count from the LZ9 crank sprocket is less than the tooth count of the 3.4L crank sprocket (20 teeth on the LZ9, 25 teeth on the 3.4). Did you change out both the cam and crank sprockets from a 3.4L? I the attached pictures, the smaller/thinner parts (chain and crank sprocket) came with the 3.4 timing set, and the thicker parts (chain, cam and crank sprockets) came with the LZ9 kit. I am assuming that since you replaced the LZ9 VVT cam with the Equinox 3.4L cam, you needed to change the camshaft sprocket to fit, and also the crankshaft sprocket as well(?)
t
I used the 3.4 timing set. sprockets for cam and crank and chain.
I couldnt find an LNJ cam for the 2007 Equinox, everything said it was unavailable. I bought a stock camshaft from GM for the 2007-2009 3.4L equinox, Should it be the same (other than sprocket mounting)? You mentioned you were reusing the lifters from the LZ9 engine, which are roller lifters. Is the Equinox camshaft compatible with roller lifters, or does that matter? For some reason parts are becoming very difficult to find for this swap.
I couldnt find an LNJ cam for the 2007 Equinox, everything said it was unavailable. I bought a stock camshaft from GM for the 2007-2009 3.4L equinox, Should it be the same (other than sprocket mounting)? You mentioned you were reusing the lifters from the LZ9 engine, which are roller lifters. Is the Equinox camshaft compatible with roller lifters, or does that matter? For some reason parts are becoming very difficult to find for this swap.
That camshaft would be for the LNJ. It should be a roller camshaft either way so yes it will be compatible.
That camshaft would be for the LNJ. It should be a roller camshaft either way so yes it will be compatible.
OK thank you! I was beginning to worry I ordered the wrong cam. Have you started back on your build yet or are you still busy with your work training? Im really anxious to see how you tackle the electrical on this engine, it seems like it's going to be far less than all the connections on the stock 2.8L, and I assume no smog connections? How did you get your engine parts so clean, especially the LIM and oil pan?
I bought one a couple months ago. They are discontinued from GM, and I was only able to find them at Vintage Parts. They had around 70 of them at the time....I assume they bought up all the remaining ones.
Edit: I just checked their website, they show 43 in stock. So they might be completely gone soon-ish.
[This message has been edited by I Lean (edited 02-19-2025).]
I bought one a couple months ago. They are discontinued from GM, and I was only able to find them at Vintage Parts. They had around 70 of them at the time....I assume they bought up all the remaining ones.
Edit: I just checked their website, they show 43 in stock. So they might be completely gone soon-ish.
Could you post a link to the website you're talking about? Do you know the part number of the cam? The one I ordered from GM is 12596567
[This message has been edited by Murcie-Me (edited 02-19-2025).]
Originally posted by Murcie-Me: Could you post a link to the website you're talking about? Do you know the part number of the cam? The one I ordered from GM is 12596567
The cam I got was 12596567....which I found zero dealers had in inventory at the time. So if that's the one you got, you should be good to go!
