Is the 2.8l really what I want?

[Guest]

I wouldn't say that Mars and Caffeine have gotten lucky, because I have yet to hear of a timing set failure. I have heard of sheared dowel pins, but not a failed timing set. I added a second dowel to my cam, when I had the timing cover off, just for some re-assurance. I'd still rather have the 3 bolt configuration of the gen1/2, though.

I think some people may be overthinking the strain on the timing chain, and reading a little too much into what little stretch happens as a timing set breaks in.

[3400-95-Modified]

What engine are you putting this on? A mpfi cam or a sfi cam? If it's mpfi just get the 93 gm timing set, it should be fine. If your running a 3100 3400 or 3500 sfi cam then the 94-99 timing set is an exact fit.

And I'm sorry but I strongly disagree on what's being said about misreading chains... My engine has generated lots of tapping noises when the chain has gone beyond use, once replaced the engine is quite again... I don't think that's misreading anything. Plus I've measured and seen how much the chain deflects after I've run them and some have been almost a 1/4" different than a stock set.

[1QUICKHATCH]

When I put the cam in my 3500 Grand Am this spring I re-used the chain that came with the engine and installed a 3900 tensioner. So far so good! I think that the 3500 chain is the way to go for a street/strip set up! The only broken 60* chain that I have seen any one post about was Iirc a high milage '99 chain.

[Superdave]

So the answer? Early version, stock GM thicker chains & sprockets for modified motors. The '99 3100 is the right chain & crank sprocket, but the cam sprocket is wrong. The LA1 and L82 engines would be the correct set that would bolt-on.
!

The 99 3100 cam gear is the correct gear as well for the 3400/3500. They all used the same single bolt cam.

We were talking about the Gen 2 earlier, it uses the same chain and crank gear as the '99 3100... but has a 3 bolt cam gear like the SBC.


I actually still have my stretched 3500 chain, it's on the wall in my garage next to a Gen 1 chain.

[Ghosteh]

The build is still alive, but stalled while I wait for the heads to be finished. Also, still waiting for my cam & valvesprings from WOT. (I have to get the springs & seals to take to the head-builder.)

But on the bright side, a few new parts did arrive today from TCE. And my serpentine pulleys should work with all this mess:



Test fitting of a few part. Also waiting on my buddy to get the polishing done on the UIM and valve covers. I have no idea how this thing will finally look, since it's going to be a combination of polished, glassbead, and painted finish, but I'm hoping it will all blend and look nice. And more importantly, I hope the dang thing runs! lol!

[Ghosteh]

I know you're all biting your nails, waiting to see what timing chain I'm going to use with this (lol!). This build is kinda like watching a train wreck in slow motion, isn't it?

Since it seems that the cam & springs I'm using are relatively mild, I'm sticking with a stock GM LX9 chain, but sending it out for cyro treatment (which is relatively cheap). I'm also using the 3900 tensioner.

Still waiting on parts... waiting... waiting...waiting...

I was hoping to have this thing done & installed in my chassis, and running well before the end of the year. (still have to deal with computer & wiring mess, bending new exhaust, running dual fuel lines, coolant lines, etc.) It still is possible, but I hate the delay when I could be getting things done. Ah well, it's still a better hobby than golf!

[1988GTU]

Ah well, it's still a better hobby than golf!

Agree 100% !

[Ghosteh]

Here's a photo of my water pump with a serpentine pulley mounted, along with a bracket & fan that I inherited from the old motor project. What's the opinion here of mounting the bracket & fan on this pump? Think it will work? (I haven't even looked at the belt clearance or rotation, but I assume the fan could be mounted either way.)

[caffeine]

Any reason you don't wanna use an e-fan? IMO they're just so much nicer.

[Ghosteh]

Any reason you don't wanna use an e-fan? IMO they're just so much nicer.

Well, I have this one, so if it will work & move enough air, I'll use it.

[hal.lyman]

That fan looks like it's saying "mmmm...fingers....yummy!!!" LOL

[Ghosteh]

I'll get out my wetstone and put an edge on those blades, just in time for Halloween! Freddy Kruger's V6 60! lol!

[ericjon262]

Cool build, very high quality! can't wait to see the finished product.

Looping the TB cable around isn't a huge deal, but if you insist on rear pull Id just pick up a 75mm LS1/LQ4/LQ9 TB and the adapter from britishcarconversions.com. It is probably overkill though.

the bcc adapter will most likely have sealing issues if used on a 3500 UIM. the O-ring overhangs the flange. might be fine for an N/A application, but I wouldn't trust it for anything boosted! I had pictures somewhere, I'll have to see if I can find them if there is any interest.

[Guest]

Whatever you do, don't use that fan.

They are known to cause water pump failures when they are installed on water pumps that have the proper locating nub. I can only imagine how much quicker it will cause failure if it's even just slightly off center.

I recommend an electric fan, they use less (mechanical) power, are usually more compact overall and can be installed on either side of the rad, if space is an issue.

If you want to run a mechanical fan, then your only real option is to run an S-10 water pump, because it's designed to use one, and will locate the fan properly. The problem here will be the length of the water pump, since it's longer than the Fiero pump you have....

[Ghosteh]

^ Got ya! Ok, I won't use it. So much for trying to reuse some parts (and $) from the old engine project! I'll see what I can do about getting an electrical fan to fit my Healey radiator.

Still waiting on my cam & springs. Apparently they are individually hand carved by Buddhist monks who ship them by mule. Grrr! Well, at least the quality should be good!

On the plus side, I got a call from the guy who is polishing parts for me, and after nearly a month delay due to dental issues, he's back at it and will have my stuff back to me next week. I've been going out of my mind waiting for everything to get back to me because I have a bet with a friend who's also rebuilding a project car. If I don't have mine finished before him, I'll be out a steak dinner!


(P.S. - Anyone want to buy a brand new fan? lol!)