VS cam project almost finished, a couple of questions

**Nchristopherson** · 12-27-2013

Hey guys,

Wow has this been a long drawn out process doing this cam swap while I am in college, what a mistake. Anyways, I have a 98 GTP, I was hooking up all of the harness wiring connections again and there is a stray ground wire coming out of the harness that I am not sure where it gets hooked to on the car. It is on the accessory side of the engine and is right next to the brace bar for the alternator. Any ideas on where this ground connection gets hooked up?

Also, I have a heat shield that I have absolutely no recollection of where it goes. It's a 2-bolt half circle aluminum heat shield. Other than that, she's almost ready!

**machinegunsquid** · 12-27-2013

If you could take pics, that would help a bunch.

The heat shield sounds like it's for the crossover exhaust pipe, where it bolts to the front/rear manifolds.

And for the ground, I'm not sure with it being in that location. I know there is one little ground wire that is part of the coil pack mini-harness, and gets bolted to front cylinder head. Again, pics should help.

^Exhaust crossover heat shield

**Nchristopherson** · 12-27-2013

Ah yep that's definitely it. I went to sd headers, so it would be far to say I wont be using that again. Theres a pic of it, let me know if you need more

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**machinegunsquid** · 12-27-2013

Yep, that ground gets bolted to the front cylinder head.

You'll have to pull the S/C Tensioner back off, and there should be a stud with a nut 1/2 way down it's threads. It goes there. Unbolt said stud/bolt, put ground on, retighten.

**machinegunsquid** · 12-27-2013

It is that bolt/stud directly to the left of the S/C tensioner pulley at the very back of the coil bracket.

**Slick2500** · 12-27-2013

On my 97 that was mounted on that stud with the alt brace on it, directly under the brace.

**Nchristopherson** · 01-03-2014

So the VS cam and headers install is finished! I gave it its first start today, it ran well indicating the timing was on correctly, but there are two issues I have run into. The first is the engine randomly 'pops' here and there, but I see no KR on my scanner. The second problem is there is a light smoky haze coming from the engine, and it smells like oil. The VC gaskets, LIM gasket, and front cover gasket were replaced along with the cam and headers. Is it normal for a build like this to have smoke from say, oil or coolant? on the headers?

**REDCRAPGP** · 01-03-2014

Take a video of the popping as far as the smoke could just be old oil, fluids etc burning off I would monitor it and leave it running for a bit to see if the smoking stops after a few minutes.

**Nchristopherson** · 01-03-2014

I have a video. Where to upload?

**Nchristopherson** · 01-03-2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7uzNFd3Gzs

There. The pop is at 10 seconds.

**QUICKSILVER462** · 01-03-2014

Never had an engine that DID NOT smoke on first start after being installed. It is just the oils evaporating off the parts, and any fresh paint taking a "set".

**Scottydoggs** · 01-03-2014

does it keep popping? or it just once when you start it up?

**Nchristopherson** · 01-03-2014

Yeah it keeps popping but only here and there. Not timed at all

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**Scottydoggs** · 01-03-2014

does it pop if your driving it? or just at idle? sounds like a misfire.

**Nchristopherson** · 01-03-2014

I haven't driven the car at all yet. Right now its is off and I am waiting until I have acquired more information before I move on. By the way, is there a PID for oil pressure? I noticed my light didn't turn off and that has me a bit nervous.

**machinegunsquid** · 01-03-2014

Sounds like a misfire that is being super audible due to open header.

As far as the light smoke, that's fairly normal. Let it run in a well ventilated place for about 5-10 minutes WHILE WATCHING IT and see if it dissipate. If it starts getting heavier, shut it off and trace the smoke.

Check your plug wires and make sure they are on tight.

**machinegunsquid** · 01-03-2014

As far as the low oil pressure, couple questions;

Are you 100% sure the connector for the Oil pressure sensor is connected properly?
Did you change the oil?
Did you remember to refill the oil after is was changed?

**dsmuts** · 01-03-2014

Did you pinch the wiring in the rear header? Ask me how i know? lol your oil pressure light will stay on and your speedometer will quit working.

**Nchristopherson** · 01-03-2014

I suppose I'll have to pull the wheel off to see if the sensor is plugged in? I don't believe it was ever unplugged. as for the oil, yes it was changed and it was refilled.

Also, I just pulled the misfire history form the ECU and it showed 0 for historic on all cylinders. Also, no SES or CEL, only the oil pressure light.

**machinegunsquid** · 01-03-2014

It would have to get unplugged in order to pull the front cover with the oil filter neck still attached. Should be able to turn the wheel hard left, and slide up in there with a flash light and see.