Thread: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 23
  1. #1 any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    waunakee, wi
    Posts
    16
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    hey my first post on the forum,

    so i just bought an 02 grand prix gt 3.8 for $500 with blown headgasket. since i will have the top end tor apart is there any cheap mods or hop-ups i can do while im in there? performance wise? i wana keep this as cheap as i can.


    thanks in advanced!
    nick
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    Awaiting Confirmation
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    aowdnawi
    Posts
    23,292
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    port the heads.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  3. #3 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    GrandPrix Junkie
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,839
    Thanks (Received)
    18
    Likes (Received)
    76
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Wow, you actually got one w/ blown HG's? Pretty rare on these motors. Probably bad LIM gaskets or a cracked UIM.

    You could replace the UIM with the updated one, the stove pipe for the EGR, install an HV3 for better upper rpm performance. Other than that a top swap would be the next step, but you said cheap upgrades so that may be out.

    Make sure you replace the LIM gaskets w/ the updated aluminum ones from GM or Fel-Pro and not the black plastic ones. Flush the coolant and either refill w/ Dexcool again, or change it completely to green coolant. Just don't mix the 2.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    Moderator dsmuts's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Coldwater, OH
    Posts
    15,758
    Thanks (Received)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    It's probably the LIM gasket.
    98 GTP modded 1.9's, sd headers, 3.4", zzp 1.0 230K miles scrapped.
    04 Comp G zzp stb's, UMI ta's, Speedbuilt sways, bully flo heads, XP, zzp headers, fsic, thrasher shift kit, 60#, 2.6" corsa 2.5", Inferno hood
    01 gt z7 turbo tep trans zzp motor
    08 g8 gt cam exhaust 11.87@118
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    GrandPrix Junkie
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,839
    Thanks (Received)
    18
    Likes (Received)
    76
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    OP- before I forget and in case you aren't aware- the head bolts are TTY and cannot be reused, as are the rocker bolts.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    waunakee, wi
    Posts
    16
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    yup it is definatly headgaskets, we used a block tester to test the cooling system for exhaust gases. or could exhaust gases leak by a bad LIM gasket? i mean the car dosnt blow any white smoke or anything like a blown headgasket should... so idk. but yah we have a full felpro gasket kit coming along with headbolts, didnt know you cant reuse the rocker bolts either?

    where can i get the updated UIM? also what is a stove pipe for the egr? and whats an HV3, and a top swap (supercharger?)? im new to these 3.8's. i know a hell of a lot more about the LS V8 motors that are in the pickups lol still getting used to this 3.8.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  7. #7 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    Moderator dsmuts's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Coldwater, OH
    Posts
    15,758
    Thanks (Received)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    The LIM is very common on these motors also the uim is fairly common to crack as well. I'd try that first before I pulled the heads off. But if you do pull the heads you could top swap it.
    98 GTP modded 1.9's, sd headers, 3.4", zzp 1.0 230K miles scrapped.
    04 Comp G zzp stb's, UMI ta's, Speedbuilt sways, bully flo heads, XP, zzp headers, fsic, thrasher shift kit, 60#, 2.6" corsa 2.5", Inferno hood
    01 gt z7 turbo tep trans zzp motor
    08 g8 gt cam exhaust 11.87@118
    Reply With Quote  
     

  8. #8 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    Perma-Banned! JK LOL Explicit_Spade's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Omaha, NE
    Posts
    7,921
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Cheap, Reliable, Quick.

    You only get to choose 2 of the above.


    If you've got the budget it would be a good time to topswap and cam, if not, leave it stock.
    Quote Originally Posted by W-Body Store
    Remember, GM engineers didn't take into account your need for speed.
    Daily Driver: 06 Grand Prix GT / 9.4:1 CR / IS3 Heads / Ported Gen V / ZZP Headers / HPT Pro / Pulleys: 4.25, 3.8, 3.5, 3.4, 3.2, 3.0, 2.9, 2.7
    Projects: 86 Monte Carlo SS / 98 Sonoma / 74 Honda CB750
    Reply With Quote  
     

  9. #9 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    W Spfld
    Posts
    26,815
    Thanks (Received)
    53
    Likes (Received)
    90
    Dislikes (Received)
    1
    Theoretically.. you might get a little exhaust from the EGR into the cooling system. Below is the most typically misdiagnosed as a head gasket 3800 issue.

    http://www.grandprixforums.net/97-03...ure-60667.html
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
    Reply With Quote  
     

  10. #10 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    waunakee, wi
    Posts
    16
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    well when we tested the cooling system for exhaust gases the blue liquid turned yellow almost imediatly. so there was a lot of gasses in there, which is why i suspect a headgasket. plus coolant was boiling out the resovoir. even if it turns out not to be the headgaskest and is just one of the intakes, atleast i will know i have good headgaskets now lol i got the full top end gasket kit coming so i might as well replace all the gaskets.

    i do not have the money to do a top swap, maybe down the road.. i think i will block of those coolant ports tho for good insurance.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  11. #11 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    waunakee, wi
    Posts
    16
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    so, got the whole top end and heads torn off the block, gonna clean it up and put it back together. we found a huge hole in the top of the upper intake manifold! lol gonna need to be replaced
    Reply With Quote  
     

  12. #12 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    waunakee, wi
    Posts
    16
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    any clue what caused this huge hole in the top of the manifold? could it be from the hot gasses of the egr tube blowing up at it?
    any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? Attached Images
    Reply With Quote  
     

  13. #13 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    Moderator dsmuts's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Coldwater, OH
    Posts
    15,758
    Thanks (Received)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Hmm never seen that before lol. Looks awesome though.
    98 GTP modded 1.9's, sd headers, 3.4", zzp 1.0 230K miles scrapped.
    04 Comp G zzp stb's, UMI ta's, Speedbuilt sways, bully flo heads, XP, zzp headers, fsic, thrasher shift kit, 60#, 2.6" corsa 2.5", Inferno hood
    01 gt z7 turbo tep trans zzp motor
    08 g8 gt cam exhaust 11.87@118
    Reply With Quote  
     

  14. #14 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    waunakee, wi
    Posts
    16
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    anyone know what coulda caused it?
    Reply With Quote  
     

  15. #15 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    I AM PEWPIN! rynoman03's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Topeka, KS
    Posts
    3,668
    Thanks (Received)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    No but the Serries 3 motors have a metal UIM. You could upgrade to it if you wish, and never worry about those chinsy plastic one's again.

    Junkyard to the rescue!
    1999 GTPHP Tuned, Ported SC/TB, 42#'s, SSAC's, ZZP Modded 1.9's/LS6 Springs/Manley's, TransGo Shift Kit, Poly Uppers, KYB GR2's/Springtech's. - 231k and traded it in. - Gone
    2000 GTP: XP, P&P'd Heads, N*\Lq4 MAF, GenV, 42#'s, PRJ Rails\FPR, Racetronix, TEP w/ 3.29 Gears, 300m, 7/8" chain, SSAC's. - Collecting dust in my garage.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  16. #16 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Rogers, MN
    Posts
    21,022
    Thanks (Received)
    21
    Likes (Received)
    45
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Witchcraft caused it.

    SMGPFC Member #1
    Reply With Quote  
     

  17. #17 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    GTX Level Member Elite6's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Cambridge, Ontario Canada
    Posts
    798
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    A Robo-rat chewed your $hit
    2005 E55 - stock
    1999 GTP 2dr - 9" HAI | Headers | 1.84's | 3.4 | Ported SC|
    Reply With Quote  
     

  18. #18 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    waunakee, wi
    Posts
    16
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    lol definatly the causes!
    Reply With Quote  
     

  19. #19 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    Moderator dsmuts's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Coldwater, OH
    Posts
    15,758
    Thanks (Received)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Nitrous backfire lol
    98 GTP modded 1.9's, sd headers, 3.4", zzp 1.0 230K miles scrapped.
    04 Comp G zzp stb's, UMI ta's, Speedbuilt sways, bully flo heads, XP, zzp headers, fsic, thrasher shift kit, 60#, 2.6" corsa 2.5", Inferno hood
    01 gt z7 turbo tep trans zzp motor
    08 g8 gt cam exhaust 11.87@118
    Reply With Quote  
     

  20. #20 Re: any hop-ups while engine is torn apart and replacing headgaskets? 
    Florida Tuner Z34Phoenix's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    873
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    what does the wire harness look like above that area? my first guess would be electrical fire. or the previous owner drilled a hole there for something.... starting to make sense... Previous owner had nitrous on car and had a port there... blew the head gasket and sold the car

    96 Z34 (RIP LQ1 14.81@92.3) L36 Swap 14.9@91.5 www.cardomain.com/id/z34phoenix
    Topswap: P&P All,Si Valves,L76's,LW Pushrods,SD's,DHP PT PB 13.91@99.8
    Reply With Quote  
     

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Replacing Engine, need help deciding on engine
    By Curt7 in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 08-06-2011, 11:24 PM
  2. Replacing the engine
    By Pickup Man in forum 3.1L V6 (LHO/LG8)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 03-21-2011, 08:16 PM
  3. replacing engine - need help
    By BenZ in forum 3.1L V6 (LHO/LG8)
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12-06-2010, 08:16 AM
  4. Which Headgaskets?
    By bbptech in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 08-07-2010, 11:56 AM
  5. L36 headgaskets....old age..pics
    By UR LOSN in forum 3.8L V6 Naturally Aspirated (L36)(L26)
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 05-07-2008, 08:46 AM
Tags for this Thread

View Tag Cloud

Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •