by "My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
Published 09/26/2017 at 13:28
by "My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
Published 09/26/2017 at 13:28
Tags: Trans Am
; Wrenching
STARS: 3
So I started disassembly of my heads. It’s a mixed bag.
cardboard box organizer! thanks interwebs! better than the plastic junk I bought.
one of the ties that holds the rocker arms together snapped just from me loosening the bolt. bad casting or metal fatigue, doesn’t matter. I haven’t looked if I can get these because it scares me.
My dad has been helping me clean these up, some of the parts are looking super.
I havent gotten to clean this yet, but some pushrods look pitted:
I got one of my heads off, realized I had nowhere to put it, and put it back on. Hence, no pictures. My cylinders look great, although some crud fell in when I pulled it. Have to figure a way to get that out now.
So I did some soul searching. Because this project is taking way longer than I anticipated, and I have so many options for completion that I can’t decide between, I have decided on completing this as cheaply as possible. Not to say that I won’t be able to get this done, but engine rebuilding is definitely not my jam. I know I am giving myself more work later, since I should have the money next summer to get the engine professionally redone, but not a ton of aftermarket upgrades. So I feel like I should just cut my losses and try to slap it back together. At least I can say I did it.
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
09/26/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 1
Yeah, pushrods are shot. Rebuild the heads and enjoy learning on cheap parts. Absolutely 100% no shame in doing a re-gasket and valvetrain refresh.
Olds 403, right? That looks like a broken rocker pivot. I think those aren’t too expensive.
What do the cylinder walls look like? Can you post a pic?
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
09/26/2017 at 13:44, STARS: 1
I know my engine option, a new one. Well, a replacement one, at least. I’m not even going to start and tear this one down.I’m at 120 across all 8 cylinders. Yeah for being even, boo for being low. And it’s been rebuilt in the past, bored .060 over. I’m still deciding between my options. I’m not burning oil, at least, but only because I leak a fair amount. Ha.
I’m not an engine builder, I’ve bolted a couple back together before, but at this stage, I’ll just have someone else handle it. The good news is that the few ancillary components I’ve bolted on can be swapped over to any other 302.
"atfsgeoff" (atfsgeoff)
09/26/2017 at 13:55, STARS: 2
Good call on the cardboard box organizer. I’ve used that trick when taking apart complex assortments of fasteners that are different lengths/thread pitches so I wouldn’t screw up their replacement order.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
09/26/2017 at 14:00, STARS: 1
Just guessing since I don’t know exact year on your Firebird but I think your rocker pivot is a GM# 22527956 . I was guessing by the bodystyle. They sold for about $7 each OE but RockAuto has them by Melling # MRM1798 or Sealed Power #MR1903 for about $2.40 each. They fit all the Pontiac 260, 350r and 403 engines.
"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
09/26/2017 at 14:41, STARS: 0
I don’t blame you, this job blows ass. I have realized there is a limit to what I can/want to effectively do on my own.
I am at the point where this motor, while saveable, is not really regarded as valuable nor are alot of parts made. I could swap in a pontiac 400, but then it won’t be original. Then I will want a 5 speed. It never ends! Hence, I am at a loss.
"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
09/26/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 0
I will post a pic in the future, they looked very smooth. Unfortunately I can’t really manhandle them myself and I don’t have anyplace to set them right now. Some oil and gasket crud fell in so I am going to have to take care of that.
"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
09/26/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 0
Yeah, luckily they aren’t too bad on price. Thanks.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
09/26/2017 at 15:09, STARS: 1
No problem. I occasionally help O.C the torque Dork out with GM info so feel free to contact me and I’ll get the info when I have spare time.
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
09/26/2017 at 15:39, STARS: 0
That’s a great technique. I like how if you use plain cardboard, you can draw pictures or text to help pinpoint where everything belongs.
"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
09/26/2017 at 15:45, STARS: 1
I do appreciate it. I think I may have gone past my abilities a bit.
"Dave the car guy , still here" (a3dave)
09/26/2017 at 16:09, STARS: 0
You’ll be okay. Take your time. Don’t rush and research anything you’re not sure of.