WarShrike's Project Thread - V6 Firebird

[CTX-SLPR]

Cool build. I'm looking at a 98 camaro same motor but supposedly "knocks" . I think full refresh is in order. How big of a pain was it to pull the motor and cradle?

Considering I did the removal and install all on my own, it was a pain. Up until the engine removal, I'd never done anything of the sort on a car. I took my time and pulled everything apart, labeling each sensor and piece on the wire harness. I also had a bunch of zip lock bags and labeled them after putting each group of bolts in there (I.E. Engine mount, Water Pump bolts, timing cover, etc. etc.).

It took me a few days in between school and work to do all this. I only had ramps, stands and an engine hoist to do it. If you have access to a lift, USE IT! Much safer, easier and faster.

I just pulled the engine and trans out the top, but put it all on the k-member for ease of install. Pulling it all out the bottom makes it a bit easier as you will have a portable, albeit heavy engine stand to work from.

A few things, the knock probably is from worn rod bearings, usually the oil filter bypass is the culprit. A lot of guys are spinning bearings as of late 100K miles+. My bearings were fine, even though the top end was coked up so bad.

Have the crankshaft, rods and pistons checked over by a machine shop, get the proper main bearings and rod bearings.

Then get an oil pump rebuild kit (Melling) and a new oil filter adaptor kit (It's the little spring and plunger piece). The oil filter bypass spring wears out and will stick open if there are any deposits in the oil, thus flooding the crank with unfiltered oil. BAD JUJU! You'll have a spun bearing in no time when it lets loose. Guys have done whole builds on their cars without addressing the old oil filter bypass. Destoyed new builds have happened as it is not exactly common knowledge.

If the 98 is a daily driver, get a secondary engine and build it so you're not too badly out of a car or flintstoning it to work.

Another thing, make sure that you get a 98 and earlier engine as it will have the angled intake that your car has. The 99+ have a straight intake, but you can swap intakes if you so desire when the day comes to put in the new motor.

The 98's also get all the benifits of the LS1 suspension and brake enhancements while still retaining a cable throttle, the only year to do so. It's also the first year of the standardized PCM so HPTuners fully supports it (as much as they do for any 3800) where the 97 only had partial support and the 94-96 had none. Best year in my opinion for the L36 F-body and I want one with a 5spd for a commuter.

[WarShrike]

The 98's also get all the benifits of the LS1 suspension and brake enhancements while still retaining a cable throttle, the only year to do so. It's also the first year of the standardized PCM so HPTuners fully supports it (as much as they do for any 3800) where the 97 only had partial support and the 94-96 had none. Best year in my opinion for the L36 F-body and I want one with a 5spd for a commuter.

Bingo. The 99's had a throttle lag issue on the electric TB that was only addressed on the 99 GT which was standard on the 2000+ V6's.

I hope HPTuners opens up a little more on the suite as adjusting the throttle map would be a nice option to make the throttle a little more responsive. Even more, I'd love to have the time to go with a holden intake manifold. Longer runners and cable throttle. Lots of room for porting, direct port nitrous etc. etc. Here's how it looks on the F-body.



Additionally, I forgot to post this, but I have a WS6 hood that I've got my dad working on right now. It was on a car in a minor front end collision that essentially broke the lump under the hood that the latch attaches to. No biggie as my dad deals with repairing composites and fiberglass all day. He's a one-man shop that deals with Vettes and Exotics for the dealer Classic Motor Cars here in Lubbock.

I've got locking aerocatch hood pins I'll install and fab up a custom airbox to make the best of the improved airflow. It'll initially be flat black until I get things figured out on the paint job for the car as a whole. Peeling clear coat like it has skin cancer right now.

[bnjny]

Very cool project!

[tedly]

The open headers don't really do it for me, but the full exhaust system sounds oh so right! Keep it up.

[WarShrike]

The open headers don't really do it for me, but the full exhaust system sounds oh so right! Keep it up.

Some have said the car sounds akin to a diesel when I've pulled up to the get togethers w/ open headers lol!

[Bamfster]

Bada$$!....thats all I can say man, keep up the good work.

[WarShrike]

Nothing much going on, hopefully installing the LS6 injectors tonight or tomorrow. Updating HPT with the latest beta.

Gave the bird a bath, just basic handwash detail, nothing too fancy since the paint is pretty rough (peeling clearcoat) and I don't have a porter cable.

[WarShrike]

Waiting on adapter fittings for the LS6 injectors

[WarShrike]

Installed LS6 injectors to deal with the current stockers just getting too close to maximum duty.

Getting started!


LS6 connector from Casper's Electronics:


Spliced into the harness:


Injector Spacers:


Back to tuning!

[BetterWithBoost]

This thread seriously kicks ass. Sticking with the V6 and using all
the tricks and treats others have learned along the way... Really
F'in cool IMO.