Houston, We Have A Problem - Project "Green Machine"........3.4 headers project

[J-Ri]

Shiney like new!

Just a thought, if it hasn't been replaced already, why not do the timing cover gasket while you have the P/S pump and alt off? I've seen a number of 3.1/3.4 that go soft around the coolant passages, it might save ya some time in the long run

[xeroinfinity]

Yeah I will change it and the timing chain/gears in the next few weeks .
I was going to now, but I need a bunch of stuff I dont have here in my garage at home. I'll take it to the shop and it'll be so much easier and faster. Plus the front main needs replaced and probly the oil pan....man this job keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Been having a hellofatime getting the cam sensor out. Wires are all bad, previous ower tried silicone on them. That would explain the random DTC I got last year for the cam sensor. Its soaking in WD now so maybe later it'll just pop right out.

Not in a big hurry, the weathers been great so I'm taking advantage of that right now, cruising in the SE @ $4.35 a gallon for premium. yee haa !


edit...

After going over the heads I find they arent warped but several valves are leaking... badly!
So looks like a small valve job nothing to radical for the daily driver, save some gas.
Getting ready to check the timing cover more closely......

[Gir-_-]

you should look into and see if any company makes aftermarket valves, same dimensions of coarse

[xeroinfinity]

Oh yeah thier are many brands and types, stainless is what I'll probly use, I just happen to have a set for the 3.4.

I inspected and cleaned the oil pan this evening, doesnt look like the pan or main has been leaking, to my surprise.
A couple years ago the heads and intake were leaking, but thier is no new/fresh oil anywhere. So I will clean it up the best I can, and see what it looks like in 600-700 miles.

I swear, GM loves those push pins and 10 mm bolts/nuts.

.... things are definatly up in the air. lol

Oil pan was realy dirty, my GT didnt have any of the under panels(splash shields) , I replaced them all but never cleaned anything.

Before....it all looked like this.


Looks better now.

[xeroinfinity]

I finaly got the camshaft sensor out lastnight....
Its bad, and the cheap plastic kept breaking off ! lol

[J-Ri]

I bet that was fun!

[xeroinfinity]

Yeah as fun as a bees nest. lol

Heads are ready to slap back on, I'm hoping to get it togehter this evening and fire it up in the morning.

Still need to get the old cat off, pipe and clamps rusted good, looks like time for the plasma cutter.

[J-Ri]

I wish I had one of those, so much better than the ol' oxy-acetylene torch

You better replace the exhaust and hardware with stainless so that doesn't happen again

[xeroinfinity]

Yeah its a cheaper Esab 650 only about $1200, it's done paid for its sell in time/labor costs.

Heads are on, though I've hit another road block due to the holiday.
I didnt have all 12 of the exhaust manifold bolts/nuts, and not all of the LI bolts. I called the local stealershits yesterday and they wanted $48 for the 8 LI bolts and I forget about the exhaust stuff.
Luckily my local NAPA ordered them for me, wont be in untill saturday morning.

Taking the week-end off I think on the GT. Going to a BBQ and getting drunk , watch some fireworks and such.
And run the DS outta the SE, see if I cant finish off my tires.

[xeroinfinity]

Well I didnt get to smashed and I got the headers on this afternoon.... major PITA !



I'll post better pics later.

[xeroinfinity]

Ok, its later .

Finaly got them on, and tight!
Some of the new studs I purchased were about 1/4" longer, and the nuts were crimped lock nuts, which made things go very slow. Could not get to one nut , and I finaly got a 1/2" boxed end wrench(when its 13mm) to fit after some bending of the wrench.
I dont see how anyone could actualy torq all these nuts, you cant even get a ratch down there.

Any who here's some pics !!

Rear Header-I think the lower heater hose is to close to the rear header pipe so that'll need modified.


Front On


Front, front


Rockers and Push Rods intact... and ready.




I would have it done but I dropped and broke my smaller torq wrench, that's in Inch lbs.

I give Bob kudos on this install, and thankx for those tips on the front, it was very very tricky!

[Gir-_-]

so XI, you're just rebuilding it correct? Not putting MMS stuff in?

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by Gir-_-

so XI, you're just rebuilding it correct? Not putting MMS stuff in?

Yeah prety much stock. I did use better valves & keepers.

Oh yeah , my Grand am love! Who says they dont have heart.

[J-Ri]

$1200's not bad at all, they were much, much more the last time i saw any prices on them. I'll have to see if I can get my boss to buy one of those plasma cutters.

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

and the nuts were crimped lock nuts

Yeah, vinyl locknuts may not work too great on exhaust

[xeroinfinity]

Well things are getting closer to being done, just taking my time, dont want to mess up my paint! lol

Worked all day at the shop then I go and do this 10 minutes into it...... smashed my right pinky cutting the nail into.



OK, On with the pics








The header cross over is realy close to the thermostat housing.


Its starting to look like an car again!