Thread: Top End Rebuild

well, looks like its down to oil in the water... so, i reckon its head gasket.. we've got the top end off, minus the heads, just jittery about the exhaust bolts.. But, were getting there.

The back ports had crapp all in them., But while i'm here, whats the best things to check and do?

got the front and crossover exhaust off, almost all the back manifold bolts off. Heads off tomorrow hopefully.

Look in the hole by the TB of the plastic intake manifold. Is the plastic wet or cracked? Typically this only fills the intake and cylinders though.

I surprised that didn't catch fire.... Mine had just enough residual grease/oil stuck in the heat shield after I degreased/pressure washed it and that set mine on fire yesterday. Looks like you're progressing well though.

well, i've got pics.. got the heads off, and the local Napa that does machine work, priced me 250 for pressure check ( i know it does no good on cast heads) vat and clean, milling, and the little valve job...

local shop i do business with with my 355..
100 bucks.. i hauled ass home, and hauled ass back

I'll share the pictures later, but alas, we finally found a problem.
HAd gunnk all in the ring grove of the lifters, and the one that had the loose push rod, was indeed collapsed we think.

So, Heads for 100 bucks, should have them back by the end of the week, and have the kit for everything else, so i can re-assemble everything except for installing lifters by sunday. (unless my dad wants to help me out for a week. )

Hopefully be on the road soon

Heads at the shop, no word on if i need 2 valves yet or not

But, i do have the gasket set, a nice 194 bucks, and awaiting the heads now...

Still gotta get lifters and pay for the heads, so that another 270, but, i reckon its still a pretty good deal.
























In parting words with my buddy Josh, who's headed to Afganistan sunday, ...

"Scott, youre the only guy I know, who'd build a 3.8..."
hahahaha

Heads are ready!

lazy picture of a picture..

I need help though, i dont remember where all the brackets go. lol

she lives!

You have to take the stud on the passenger side to get to the last bolt off. Also, you have to take the down pipe loose, where of hooks to the manifold. The gasket isn't but 7 bucks, but its rqzoe sharp. Cut 4 of my fingers wig it.
.

Runs damn jam-up. Perfect. A little added power.... now I gotta have a Tranny or figure out what's wrong with 4th gear....

Yeah its a good feeling to finish a big project like that. Once I get the gp out the way, its back on my bracket car.