![]() 08/25/2020 at 16:47 • Filed to: engine rebuild, Engine Swaps, rallyvan | ![]() | ![]() |
Saturday was both enlightening and a bust at the same time.
Got everything together except my passenger axle (on it’s way from RA). Got the exhaust modified, changed the trans filter, and began filling the fluids.
That was when “bust” began. Turns out my radiator now looks like a sprinkler.......
So that halted me on filling the cooling system. I topped off the PS fluid and checked the oil, then decided to give it a test fire anyway. Hooked up the battery and unplugged the coil pack.
I cranked it over until my daughter noticed the FPR seeping fuel. Replaced that and cranked it once more to make sure it had oil. Once the oil pressure moved she plugged in the coil and we gave it a go.
First turn of the key, she hit off and settled into a perfect idle. Smooth, quiet, and smoke free. Enlightening.
Went out last night and got everything buttoned up. Took her out for her maiden voyage.
This motor pulls strong (
well, stronger than the 3.3 and I haven’t given it more than 1/2 throttle yet
) and runs amazing.
Drove her to work today without hiccup.
![]() 08/25/2020 at 07:27 |
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Inspiring work!! As everyone else has remarked in the past, the speed at which you are able to complete these projects is amazing .
![]() 08/25/2020 at 08:27 |
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I bet he modified his v an so the front fenders swing out. Front wheels support the engine as he unbolts engine from transmission and rolls the engine dolly away.
By now, I think it’s the same 3 bolts he has fastened and unfastened.
I bet he also has a new radiator tucked up in his sleeve.
Dang magician
![]() 08/25/2020 at 09:08 |
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Nicely done!
![]() 08/25/2020 at 10:01 |
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Proof to the contrary:
![]() 08/25/2020 at 10:04 |
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There - Just TWO bolts were undone to remove entire engine
![]() 08/25/2020 at 10:08 |
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Also, I think you having a really good engine hoist is the reason for your continued success.
If you had to use something like a come along hoist and a tree branch, you probably would have less luck.
Oh and not as many rusted solid fasteners.
I don’t know if you know this, there are several ways of welding
Melting metal with help of electricity, melting metal with help of carbon based fuel. Friction - used in space and finally, you can weld without heating anything at all. Just let it rust till fastener and material are one.
Most of the fasteners on my equipment were welded solid using that last method
![]() 08/25/2020 at 10:20 |
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Mine come apart often enough that rust welding doesn’t usually become an issue ;)
![]() 08/25/2020 at 10:35 |
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as I suspected.
![]() 08/25/2020 at 10:53 |
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Congratulations! Did you bring an ECU with the engine?
Have you considered exhaust headers?
![]() 08/25/2020 at 12:06 |
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The ECM is my old 3.8 ECM from my original swap, runs the new engine perfectly.
Headers on these is quite hard due to then needing to go over the trans and not having much room on the backside.
![]() 08/25/2020 at 13:20 |
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That’s a cool project. Didn’t you mod one of these vans? Did you include headers with that project?
![]() 08/25/2020 at 17:05 |
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Yay, glad to see all seems well so far!
![]() 08/25/2020 at 17:39 |
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Just a thought....equal length straight pipe headers that dump out through the front quarters.....or the hood, demolition derby style.
![]() 08/26/2020 at 06:53 |
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You have any idea how hard it was for me to put the hole in the fender for the snorkel!?!?!?!
![]() 08/26/2020 at 06:57 |
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I modded our 95 Sport Wagon, but I never needed headers for that either. That was a bunch of other engine work and loads of suspension/brake work. I used that for autox on top of it being my wife’s daily driver.
I think you’re probably recalling my old Acclaim:
I modified GM 3800 headers for that motor:
![]() 08/26/2020 at 08:39 |
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My keyboard, internet warrior skills are unencumbered by your reality.
![]() 08/26/2020 at 10:36 |
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I’ve always had a thing for headers and or dual exhaust.