Engine crossroads....what would you do???
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Engine crossroads....what would you do???
I geuss I don't know what to do....funds are a little low....but I can scrape by. But I have some worked over 133 D-pots/ASM runners/Accel Base/Ported plenum/Holley52mmTB.
I was dead set on having a new engine...but now as I keep thinking of all the possible problems= way more money....stuff like that. I am not sure if I am ready to dive in head first...maybe I should throw this stuff on and enjoy a good deal of ponies (I HOPE???) or should I keep pushing on. So far everything is in the car still and it is running stock(ex. cut lid)...only thing is on startup (usually only first) there is a small amout of white/bluish smoke.
So what should I do??? :smash:
I was dead set on having a new engine...but now as I keep thinking of all the possible problems= way more money....stuff like that. I am not sure if I am ready to dive in head first...maybe I should throw this stuff on and enjoy a good deal of ponies (I HOPE???) or should I keep pushing on. So far everything is in the car still and it is running stock(ex. cut lid)...only thing is on startup (usually only first) there is a small amout of white/bluish smoke.
So what should I do??? :smash:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,302
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Engine crossroads....what would you do??? (USAsOnlyWay)
If it's smoking just on startup, replacing those heads should alleviate your problem, as that symptom is most likely bad valve seals.
If you're going to allow your engine to flow more air, you might as well get a more wicked cam to take advantage, and the AFPR to get more fuel to the heads (larger injectors would help too). With all that, you will think you did put a new engine in! Good luck! :thumbs:
If you're going to allow your engine to flow more air, you might as well get a more wicked cam to take advantage, and the AFPR to get more fuel to the heads (larger injectors would help too). With all that, you will think you did put a new engine in! Good luck! :thumbs:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 2
From: The Black Hole LA
Re: Engine crossroads....what would you do??? (dtorc4)
If it's smoking just on startup, replacing those heads should alleviate your problem, as that symptom is most likely bad valve seals.
If you're going to allow your engine to flow more air, you might as well get a more wicked cam to take advantage, and the AFPR to get more fuel to the heads (larger injectors would help too). With all that, you will think you did put a new engine in! Good luck! :thumbs:
If you're going to allow your engine to flow more air, you might as well get a more wicked cam to take advantage, and the AFPR to get more fuel to the heads (larger injectors would help too). With all that, you will think you did put a new engine in! Good luck! :thumbs:
Some kind of exhaust would be nice too as the original one sucks. Someone actually figured up the flow number and came up with which one you should do first, cam or exhaust.
And I agree with the valve seal diagnoses.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 79
From: Jackson MI
Re: Engine crossroads....what would you do??? (USAsOnlyWay)
If you've got the heads and intake just sitting there you might as well install them and enjoy the added horsepower. I would also get a cam and install that while you are at it. Not that much extra work if the heads and intake are already off. With some new Roller Rockers as well. You'll probably have to get a custom chip burned too.
Cam $300
Roller Rockers $300
chip $350
But that extra grand will get you an extra 30 hp or so and allow you to use the changes in the heads and intake.
Hey, come to think of it, I've got an extra ZZ-9 Cam lying around I can sell you for $175. IM me if you are interested.
Cam $300
Roller Rockers $300
chip $350
But that extra grand will get you an extra 30 hp or so and allow you to use the changes in the heads and intake.
Hey, come to think of it, I've got an extra ZZ-9 Cam lying around I can sell you for $175. IM me if you are interested.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 617
Likes: 14
From: Loudon, TN
Re: Engine crossroads....what would you do??? (USAsOnlyWay)
I would recommend having the compression tested before doing anything else. Find out if it is worn valve stem seals or piston rings. This won't cost much but will tell you a lot about the condition of the engine. If the rings are worn why spend the time and money to install these items only to have to remove them at engine rebuild time? If the rings are worn new heads will likely increase oil consumption and you will not realize the full potential, if any, of the modifications. If the compression is good then it probably is just the valve stem seals and you can mod away.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Re: Engine crossroads....what would you do??? (George Dickel)
Thanks guys...thats pretty much the way I was leaning to.
With exception of that 96 LT4, I think that might require a bit more saving. . . :lol:
mn_vette: what are the specs for the zz-9...I might just be interested...how should the bottom half of the engine take that?
George- I agree I don't want to slam my head into the wall because I do something stupid like that...luckily about 200-250miles ago I had it compression tested and it looked all in range...so should I have it tested again now you think?
Maybe I will tackle the exhuast with some LTs and true duals. Hmm money short, geuss I will probably HAVE to buy non-smog to save money :lolg:
With exception of that 96 LT4, I think that might require a bit more saving. . . :lol:
mn_vette: what are the specs for the zz-9...I might just be interested...how should the bottom half of the engine take that?
George- I agree I don't want to slam my head into the wall because I do something stupid like that...luckily about 200-250miles ago I had it compression tested and it looked all in range...so should I have it tested again now you think?
Maybe I will tackle the exhuast with some LTs and true duals. Hmm money short, geuss I will probably HAVE to buy non-smog to save money :lolg:
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 617
Likes: 14
From: Loudon, TN
Re: Engine crossroads....what would you do??? (USAsOnlyWay)
No, 200 - 250 miles would make no change, mod away. I would like to make one other suggestion though, save your money until you can change the cam at the same time. To change the heads and intake now without changing the cam and timing chain and gears is wasted time, money and effort. Also more chance for oil leaks or something to break when you take it apart the second time. I would be chomping at the bit too if I was in your shoes but when I think about how much effort it is to change all that stuff, I only want to do it once. You are doing what I am planning on doing to my 90 at a later date. Right now I'm concentrating on replacing the suspension bushings, shocks, u-joints and brakes.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Re: Engine crossroads....what would you do??? (George Dickel)
Thats great! Cause though my shocks are still good....I know I should be doing some suspension bushing replacement and I am just sort of....oops drifting into the engine. .. :leaving:
Hehe...but yeah I am actually away from the car right now...so it looks like I will be dropping in a cam,afpr,heads,intake,and probably try to find some used LTs to go on there too and do that then.
RR....it is a pre roller block....but the heads have the guide plates on them....sooo.....what should I do here?
Hehe...but yeah I am actually away from the car right now...so it looks like I will be dropping in a cam,afpr,heads,intake,and probably try to find some used LTs to go on there too and do that then.
RR....it is a pre roller block....but the heads have the guide plates on them....sooo.....what should I do here?
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