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l26 UIM swap on a l36...

T

The Gut

New member
Lol yes, I know it's pointless, and yes I still want to do it. Purely for amusement sake. I've read a bunch of reasons why it is a pointless pain in the ass, but my understanding is that there is no negative effects on performance. That being said, I just wanted to verify that its really as simple as I've been lead to believe. From my understanding, its a direct bolt on to the l36 LIM, takes the same gasket, and uses the same runners inside. Evap port needs to be blocked off and attach a breather to the stovepipe on top then use the throttlebody adapter from zzp and im golden right? Does anyone have any useful thoughts on this whole idea? also, i read somewhere that the LIM from the L26 is cast better then the L36's, and that the ports line up better...not sure if dude knew what he was talking bout?
 


The l26 Upper Manni is a alluminum one so it does not crack like the Plastic l36. That is the main point in doing the swap.
 
How can it be pointless to swap out the cracking prone plastic intake with a much better aluminum one? Plus the aluminum one is a much better option if you decide to ever go turbo, seen a few people burn their cars down because of the plastic intake on a turbo setup.
 
i put one on my L36 for fun.

there's literally no reason to if you have an updated UIM with the metal sleeve for the EGR. the plastic ones don't just crack and explode spontaneously.
 
There's two things you want if you are going to use plastic. The reduced diameter stovepipe plus that metal sleeve.

I'm a bigger fan of plugging the coolant ports though.
 


I've never heard of plugging the coolant ports? I'm definitely going with the l26 uim though. i got one for free from a friend who works in a junkyard. he also got me everything for a top swap for damn near nothing. lol not sure if im gonna do it or not but i suddenly have the option.....for now though just the uim.
 


thanks bill, thats a great thread. lol as far as the top swap goes, sadly out of the question right now. lacking time and money lol. already have the throttle body adapter in the mail for the l26 LIM, gets here monday. question though, anyone know why some people put the little breather filter on the stovepipe coming out the top of the L26's manifold rather then just plugging it? seems to me its unneccesary since theres already a vacuum line stovepipe on the l36 throttle body. also, is there any reason i shouldnt swap in an l67 TB during this whole process?
 
BillBoost37 said:
Because it's a PCV and needs vacuum technically. Doing it right means you want to tap the TB

First few pictures say it all
http://www.grandprixforums.net/thre...tead-of-valve-cover-breather!?highlight=drill

Yes..that's how mine is setup.
Click to expand...

ok call me slow, but im nbot following. i see where to tap the TB, but what fitting goes there? and in the meantime am i safe just putting a filter on that stovepipe? heres the link i got the idea from..
http://www.impalaforums.com/diy-do-it-yourself-how-to/247685-l26-intake-swap-on-an-l36-engine.html
 


You need vacuum for the PCV to function properly. Between the maf and throttle plate. By putting a filter..you aren't supplying vacuum, but any excess crankcase pressure will vent.
 
I'm confused. That new thread tells you the same thing and reasoning as the one I linked. The reasoning is so that you don't meter the air...but you put it through the throttle plate where it won't cause idle issues.
 
BillBoost37 said:
I'm confused. That new thread tells you the same thing and reasoning as the one I linked. The reasoning is so that you don't meter the air...but you put it through the throttle plate where it won't cause idle issues.
Click to expand...
lol that was from another member, damn near same name as me though. The Guz vs The Gut. But just to make sure I'm following, heres my understanding.
-crankcase needs vaccuum for gases, so drilling out the throttle body and attaching a fitting that will let you run a line to a breather cap on the valve cover will supply fresh air.
-the vent for excess pressure is the PCV valve on the top of the plenum on the passenger side.
-putting a breather valve on the stovepipe on the top of the L26 manifold gives the crank gases a way to vent (???bypassing the PCV valve????) but does not supply fresh air to the crankcase.

now assuming i got that straight, heres my questions
-where is the crankcase gettting air from now that it needs to vent through the breather? do i need to plug something when i install the vacuum line?
-everyone keeps referring to a "metered air supply" in those threads you gentlemen have posted for me. Not sure, but I've gotten the impression that that applies more to L67 then L36?
-when i tap out the plug and put in the fitting, should i also put a fitting on the rear valve cover so i can run fresh air lines to both sides? or maybe grab another front valve cover out of the junkyard so i can screw on another breather assembly same as the front? or is just air to the front valve cover sufficient?

thanks again guys, sorry to make you break it down barney-style for me.
 
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