Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
#201
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
That's why I like ordering cams from EPS because I got my comp cam custom ground through him then Geoff puts it on his cam doctor to tell me what I really bought Duration numbers were different(1 more degree on exhaust) and lift was spot on though. We also degreed the cam and dot to dot was exactly where I needed to be. I shimmed my springs as well and no issues at 7300 on my motor.
#202
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
I just talked to the guy that spec'ed the cam (Don at Slowhawk), and he said that 1-2 degrees of variation is completely normal. It could be the cam, or it could be the timing set. He said not to worry about it, that those couple extra degrees of advance aren't going to make a big enough difference to bother with an adjustable timing set.
I'm still going to get a usable dial indicator base and fully degree the cam for my own edification.
I'm still going to get a usable dial indicator base and fully degree the cam for my own edification.
#203
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
The new Proform valve spring compressor came in. This thing rocks. It took me about 5 minutes to pull off all 8 springs on my 2nd head. Hopefully re-assembly is just as easy.
Once I finish putting the heads together, I'll have no choice but to finish degreeing the cam so that I can finish engine assembly.
Once I finish putting the heads together, I'll have no choice but to finish degreeing the cam so that I can finish engine assembly.
#204
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
2nd cylinder head is back together. This new valve spring compressor made the job way easier than the other one I had borrowed. That said, an extra set of hands would have been nice too. I had to use my head to stop things from moving while I had one hand working the compressor handle and the other hand holding the retainers & compressor head in just the right spot.
#205
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Tonight I went through the degree process again, and I think I found the reason why my first set of measurements was so inconsistent. My valve lift is greater than the range of my dial indicator. Whoops.
I did the procedure again, and seemed to finally settle in on a consistent 110* ICL, which matches what I got last time. I'm calling it a 110 and done.
I pulled two valve springs off one of the heads, and put checker springs in their place. I installed the head, and threw lifters on to #1.
I didn't even bother setting up the dial indicator to measure my piston to valve clearance. I ran through the cam's lift range, and the closest my valve ever got to the piston was about 1/4"... well above the .080" minimum clearance.
Tomorrow I'll check the exhaust, but I can't imagine that it's going to be much different.
I did the procedure again, and seemed to finally settle in on a consistent 110* ICL, which matches what I got last time. I'm calling it a 110 and done.
I pulled two valve springs off one of the heads, and put checker springs in their place. I installed the head, and threw lifters on to #1.
I didn't even bother setting up the dial indicator to measure my piston to valve clearance. I ran through the cam's lift range, and the closest my valve ever got to the piston was about 1/4"... well above the .080" minimum clearance.
Tomorrow I'll check the exhaust, but I can't imagine that it's going to be much different.
#206
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Tonight I checked PTV clearance on the exhaust valve, and just like the intake, I had avout 1/4" of clearance. I pulled the head back off and put the springs back on. The new lifters are soaking in SAE 30. Hopefully this weekend I'll get time to install the lifters and then the heads.
#207
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
nice swap Jim
EDIT: BUILD
EDIT: BUILD
Last edited by 88FormulaKiller; 01-26-2012 at 01:55 PM.
#208
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Well, I'd planned on bolting the heads on next, but my dad and I need to pull the motor on his Mustang next week, so we're bringing my engine hoist over there. I needed the hoist to get the motor off the stand so that I could install the rear cover, so I decided to install the oil pan and the rear cover tonight.
After I installed the oil pan, I pulled the motor off the stand to install the rear cover.
Here's a pic of the rear, as future verification that I installed the dumbell.
Rear cover on:
Side pic of the newly installed oil pan:
Hopefully in the next few days I'll have a chance to bolt the heads on.
After I installed the oil pan, I pulled the motor off the stand to install the rear cover.
Here's a pic of the rear, as future verification that I installed the dumbell.
Rear cover on:
Side pic of the newly installed oil pan:
Hopefully in the next few days I'll have a chance to bolt the heads on.
#212
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
I never ran silicone across the oil pan gasket either, no issues there. On my second attempt, I installed the rear seal and crank free of any oil and everything was fine.
#214
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Dude where did you get those valve covers? From the parts counter at a dealership? How much?
#216
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Upon closer examination, look at the text on the box, and then what's on the inside of the valve cover.
Extremely nice build by the way!!
#217
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
We built some tooling for a company, but the part had to say "Made in Korea" even though the tool was built in Canada. Dont believe everything the parts say lol.
#220
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Tonight I got a little bit done. I installed the valley cover, the temporarily installed the intake and valve covers.
Here's a pic with the valley cover installed:
And here she is, all put together.
One thing that I'm kind of bummed out about is that the new valve covers don't use the stock oil fill cap. Instead, they use an old-fashioned push-in style cap. This is frustrating because I bought a neat new oil cap that I was hoping to use. Now in order to use it, it'll require some work.
Next I need to get my steam tube plugs & lines so that I can install those. While I'm waiting for those, I'm going to check my pushrod length so I can get those ordered as well.
Here's a pic with the valley cover installed:
And here she is, all put together.
One thing that I'm kind of bummed out about is that the new valve covers don't use the stock oil fill cap. Instead, they use an old-fashioned push-in style cap. This is frustrating because I bought a neat new oil cap that I was hoping to use. Now in order to use it, it'll require some work.
Next I need to get my steam tube plugs & lines so that I can install those. While I'm waiting for those, I'm going to check my pushrod length so I can get those ordered as well.
#221
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
*searches for WOW DROOL FACE smiley*
Looks saweeet man. Damn.... Two years maybe but lookin mighty cherry there
Looks saweeet man. Damn.... Two years maybe but lookin mighty cherry there
#222
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
If you get those valve covers off again for any reason Id like to see the underside baffling. Just curious as to what system they used or its "better" etc.
#224
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
That's one fine looking engine you got there Jim!
#225
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
nice build... wow.
#227
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
I'll make my own plug wires. Last time I made my own I used an MSD kit, but I'll figure out what I use as the time comes.
Last night I was looking at the car and on the driver side there's room on the frame rail just back from the battery tray, so for now I'll plan on using that area. That'll keep my runs short.
Last night I was looking at the car and on the driver side there's room on the frame rail just back from the battery tray, so for now I'll plan on using that area. That'll keep my runs short.
#230
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Engine looks great!!!
#231
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Today I measured my pushrod length, and checked my sweep pattern. It looks like I need some 7.35" pushrods. Now I need to figure out what ones to buy.
Here's the sweep pattern on one of the valves. It's a pretty wide sweep pattern, but based on my reading, it's pretty normal for stock rockers:
Here's the sweep pattern on one of the valves. It's a pretty wide sweep pattern, but based on my reading, it's pretty normal for stock rockers:
#232
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
another thumbs up for a very nice looking engine. valve covers are great
(wish they had some pontiac ones, boooo)
(wish they had some pontiac ones, boooo)
#233
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P9199C124.aspx
Interested to see how you run the remote coils. It seems that might be the best way to have some great looking valve covers, avoid having to do the truck coil swap, and still use the factory 3rdGen A/C and Heater box.
Will the extra length of the wires required noticably affect the spark energy delivered? I know that's one of the main benefits of coil-near-plug, less wire resistance to kill the spark due to the shorter length.
-cal30sniper
#234
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
#235
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
....and that's me getting "p0wnd" by the internet. next time I'll search harder
not necessarily in the budget right now (mid lengths are up next when the tax return comes, followed hopefully by a cam swap), but very happy to see the option's out there....
not necessarily in the budget right now (mid lengths are up next when the tax return comes, followed hopefully by a cam swap), but very happy to see the option's out there....
#236
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
They do! I found some the other day on CrateEnginesDepot.com.
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P9199C124.aspx
Interested to see how you run the remote coils. It seems that might be the best way to have some great looking valve covers, avoid having to do the truck coil swap, and still use the factory 3rdGen A/C and Heater box.
Will the extra length of the wires required noticably affect the spark energy delivered? I know that's one of the main benefits of coil-near-plug, less wire resistance to kill the spark due to the shorter length.
-cal30sniper
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...P9199C124.aspx
Interested to see how you run the remote coils. It seems that might be the best way to have some great looking valve covers, avoid having to do the truck coil swap, and still use the factory 3rdGen A/C and Heater box.
Will the extra length of the wires required noticably affect the spark energy delivered? I know that's one of the main benefits of coil-near-plug, less wire resistance to kill the spark due to the shorter length.
-cal30sniper
#237
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Well, I'm in the process of picking out pushrods. I just got off the phone with Al at Manton, and got a good education. I'm going to be getting some 3/8" .120 wall Stage 3 pushrods. The only snag is that the comp pushrod length checker tool that I have measures length differently than Manton, so instead of ordering them now and having them waiting for me when I get back from my work travel, I need to wait until I get home, and actually measure the tip-to-tip length of the comp pushrod checker with a large mic.
Oh well, it's hardly the first time I had to wait for parts.
Oh well, it's hardly the first time I had to wait for parts.
#238
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Wow, just read through this whole build!! I like to think I have the attention to detail you do and the desire for getting things done the right way. I just keep running into lack of knowledge/tools, procrastination leading to 'gotta do it NOW!'. And lack of patience , which all leads me to be happy it's done, but unhappy with how I think it could have been done better.
#239
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Wow, just read through this whole build!! I like to think I have the attention to detail you do and the desire for getting things done the right way. I just keep running into lack of knowledge/tools, procrastination leading to 'gotta do it NOW!'. And lack of patience , which all leads me to be happy it's done, but unhappy with how I think it could have been done better.
#240
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Today I finally ordered my pushrods from Manton. I got a set of 3/8" .120 wall pushrods. Pretty soon I need to start pulling the car apart so I can get the motor out and on the engine stand so I can get the new heads on it and ready to go in my GTA.
#241
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
GTA? I thought you were putting this in your IROC?
#244
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Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Ah, okay. Now I understand!
#245
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
Right. Once the SBC comes out of the IROC, I'll be starting another swap thread in the engine swap forum for that. The SBC is getting Vortec heads, an SDPC vortec intake, a few other ancillaries, then it along with the IROC's T5 and eventually the 10 bolt are all getting moved over to the GTA.
And among all this, I'm still working on my father's 65 mustang. No wonder it's taking me so long to get anything accomplished.
And among all this, I'm still working on my father's 65 mustang. No wonder it's taking me so long to get anything accomplished.
#246
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
I had the day off today and no "Honey-do" list, so I actually got something accomplished!
Here's the last shot for a while of the IROC as a fully functional car
And here's where I got to. Jacking the car up was the hardest part. Because it was backed almost all the way against the back wall, and I didn't have it on ramps to begin with, getting the front end up was difficult and getting the back up was even harder. After that, I got the nose off with the help of my dad. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get the fenders off, and maybe I'll start pulling the trans.
Here's the last shot for a while of the IROC as a fully functional car
And here's where I got to. Jacking the car up was the hardest part. Because it was backed almost all the way against the back wall, and I didn't have it on ramps to begin with, getting the front end up was difficult and getting the back up was even harder. After that, I got the nose off with the help of my dad. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get the fenders off, and maybe I'll start pulling the trans.
#250
Re: Build Thread - 85 IROC 402 LS3 6 speed
A couple days ago my pushrods came in. They're Mantons, 3/8" .120 wall, 7.37" in length. Most of them measure in right around 7.371", with the highest around 7.373, and the lowest at 7.363. When I measured for my required pushrod length, I found a larger range than that, so I'm satisfied with the variation in height. I marked the length on each one, and I'll match them up to the corresponding cylinders that had the longest/shortest measurements.