Joe_sho build thread

[Joe_SHO]

Are there still enough enthusiasts around to bother with a build thread?

My "new" engine arrived today!

 

[Devin]

I guess that depends. Is there a minimum threshold you need?

Engine looks nice. Looks like someone overfilled the plug well with oil though. No crosshatching on the plug wires doesn't help!

 

[luigisho]

Do it.

 

[HornbakerWorks]

I'm watching.

 

[Joe_SHO]

I guess that depends. Is there a minimum threshold you need?

Engine looks nice. Looks like someone overfilled the plug well with oil though. No crosshatching on the plug wires doesn't help!

That was me! I pulled the wire to see if I had to do valve cover gaskets. The verdict is apparent haha. This will be a slow build over the winter. 3.2 engine going into my 1993.

 

[Joe_SHO]

How do these look? Do the cams, chain, and tensioner look ok? These are pictures of the donor engine.

 

[luigisho]

Looks ok in a pic. I can't tell how much material is left on the tensioner/chain mating surface. Also check cam lobes for pitting where the lobe contacts the valve shims while it's open. It's a little dirty but if the mating surfaces are good you should be fine. I would drop the oil pan and change the rod bearings.

 

[Joe_SHO]

Looks ok in a pic. I can't tell how much material is left on the tensioner/chain mating surface. Also check cam lobes for pitting where the lobe contacts the valve shims while it's open. It's a little dirty but if the mating surfaces are good you should be fine. I would drop the oil pan and change the rod bearings.

Thank you for your input. I haven't pulled the 3.0 valve valve covers. The 3.0 is prettier in every way so far.

 

[luigisho]

ok I am missing something? what is going on with this swap? 3.2 into a 3.0 car?

 

[Joe_SHO]

ok I am missing something? what is going on with this swap? 3.2 into a 3.0 car?

Yes correct. I hope it gets more extreme after that. I'm trying to keep the community alive!

 

[luigisho]

which head are you going to use with the 3.2 block? In either case if the entire engine is out, easy to find time to do the valve gaps and replace shims.

 

[Joe_SHO]

which head are you going to use with the 3.2 block? In either case if the entire engine is out, easy to find time to do the valve gaps and replace shims.

I bought a borescope camera, and I plan to check out the cylinders with it tomorrow.

I really hope it turns out to be minor problems so i don't have to 3.2 swap it immediately.

 

[Joe_SHO]

which head are you going to use with the 3.2 block? In either case if the entire engine is out, easy to find time to do the valve gaps and replace shims.

Have you ever seen valve shims out of spec? Seems like an unnecessary worry.

 

[luigisho]

Ever? on this forum yes. but generally not alot.

 

[Joe_SHO]

After seeing under the valve covers, I suspect the engine failed because the previous owner filled the crankcase with seafoam or gasoline instead of motor oil.

Here are some pictures of today's work. The unbelievably clean head and valve cover is the 3.0 that's in the car. The filthy head and valve cover are the 3.2 donor engine.

I can't believe how clean this engine is. The last picture is the tensioner on the clean engine. Very little wear on the pad, but the tensioner did not collapse when I pushed on it. I don't think I can bring myself to pull the clean engine and put in the dirty engine.

 

[icemaneric]

That's one clean valve cover.

 

[Joe_SHO]

I haven't pulled many oil pans, but this looks filthy to me.

Would you use this engine or pay to have the existing one rebuilt?

 

[StreetlightSHO]

Here for the build! Hope it's quicker than my 3.2 swap!