I just finished my Comp cam, TPI to HSR and 700R4 to G-Force T5 transformation, but I have a few problems...

1 - Fuel pressure gauge shows that I have a fuel leak somewhere in the system (leaks down from 45psi to zero almost instantly) - checked all connections and found fuel at the base of the #2 injector each time I crank the engine.

2 - Upon attempting to start the engine, a very loud grinding(?) / whining sound comes from the starter area as the engine cranks. I don't know if it goes away once the engine starts because the engine won't start. I am using the stock starter and did not remove it when I swapped the T5 in place of the 700R4. New flywheel, new clutch, new T5, stock starter. Never had an issue with the auto trans and same engine.

3 - Engine cranks, but does not fire. Not even a sputter. The oil pressure gauge does rise after cranking for a few seconds (whew). I can tell that cylinder pressure is building because I hear it "release" as the engine stops cranking. We also know that I have fuel pressure upon cranking. I am positive (I think), that I have the distributor set correctly...

I only spent a few minutes checking things out, but need to get the leaking injector fixed first...These are "brand new" injectors that where used in my TPI setup just prior to the HSR swap. They worked fine...Could it be the injector itself or as simple as the o-ring being out of place in the injector bore of the intake?

The unusually loud noise coming from the flywheel area is most likely the starter, correct? I ordered a CVR protorque starter just in case - it should arrive by the week end. I have never heard such a noise in any of my Camaros, but sort of relate it to that starter "yelp" you hear if you try to crank an engine that is already running...Are shims required for the starter with a T5???

The car started and ran fine the last time I drove it before the swap, and only the cam, HSR, flywheel/clutch/trans are the new additions. 99% of the mechanicals on this car are basically brand new, including the engine. I am certain it is a simple fix, but I tend to complicate things unnessecarily. Please help me simplify these issues!!

By the way, I am actually "Scott C", but forgot my password...not new to the forum.

 

This is the beast I am speaking of:

 

Definately take care of the fuel leak before you do anything else. It can hold and maintain pressure with the engine off, but maybe once you start cranking the engine the pump can't keep up with the leak and pressure drops. It's most likely an O-ring that's not sealing. Take it back out, lube up a new o-ring with oil, and gently install it. If you install it dry, chances are pretty good that it will get cut on install and leak.

All your engine grounds are hooked back up? If you pulled the ECM fuse by the battery, or any other fuses, they are plugged back in?

You have verified that you have fuel pressure at the rails. You could try doing a flow test as well. I believe the spec is something like 1 pint for 30 seconds of pump "on" time.

What is manifold vacuum? Shouldn't be a no start issue unless you have a massive leak somewhere, such as brake booster line. Even that is iffy.

If all that is good, really all that's left is spark. Start over on the ignition stuff. Pull the distributor out, bring the motor up to TDC on the compression stroke. Drop the distributor back in, and plug in the wires for the module and pickup coil. Make sure that your coil is plugged in, and the bracket is bolted down nice and snug. The coil grounds through it's frame. Make sure the coil secondary wire is plugged in.

Good luck

 

Oh yeah, that engine looks very clean. Nice job on the install

 

Very nice looking damn!

I think your distributor needs to be turned a little bit while cranking. I know that my car needed a minimum of 5* advance to even start up and a max of like 11 or 12 before it wouldn't start anymore. I have relatively the same setup as you do BTW.

EDIT: your upper radiator hose fits better than mine. What part number did you use? I tried the one listed in the "swap over" instructions but it wasn't even close.

 

Thanks for the tips, Guys...I am going to tear into it shortly, but I wanted to "think out loud" with you folks before I did...

The upper radiator hose is actually the stock hose from the original TBI setup that was on this car...Fits like a glove!

What about that *** awful noise upon cranking? Any ideas?

 

Check it in the standard fashion to see if it needs shims. Sounds like that's what it wants.