Got this engine cheap, really in the rebuilder price range $300.

It has everything on it except alternator and smog stuff.

I figured to change all sensors that are hard to get to when engine is in car. Leave those (risk them not working) that I can get to just incase I have to change them.

I would rather do the least amount to this motor, install it and drive just as a cruiser. Would go in a 5spd IROC. I know Im in for a chip change since MM5 IROCS came with LB9s.

This engine had 143XXX mi on it when removed from car. It ran the guy I bought it from said but the distributor was loose so it ran rough. He didnt try to set it before pulling it so I figured it needed work. It doesnt look bad so I started wondering should I risk just installing it and seeing if it does OK.

• I dont want to spend $$$$$ right now on major rebuilding a motor.
• What should I pull off engine and replace
• What are the signs of trouble?
• What sensors should be absolutly replaced.
• It will have to be emissons tested for 2 more years so that stuff will have to stay.

What should I do? What should I look out for?

TPI Gurus let me know what you think.

 

I would be nervous about installing it as-is, since it is an unknown quantity, unless you are OK with doing all that work just to find out that the engine has to come back out.

What concerns me is that you got the engine for $300 from a guy who said it was running rough, and offered up an explanation/excuse. Do you trust this guy at his word? Why was the engine removed from the vehicle?

At minimum, I think I would pull the spark plugs and examine them. They can tell you a lot about the condition of an engine, but no matter what you do, unless you tear it down at least somewhat, you are taking a chance.

 

I agree with Ternandes on this,I would check the plugs to see how they look, also I would at least pull the valve covers to see how much sludge was there. If ther is alot you mite want to check the motor out.

 

check injectors as well.

At a minimum I would pull heads and oil pan. Your just out another $75 in gaskets at most to get a piece of mind of what condition its truly in. If its a bust get your money back

 

He did say if I put it in the car and it doesnt run right he will give my money back. He said I could just keep the engine and he will mail me a check.

I figured it would be a good idea to pull the valve covers and the intake off. I wasnt sure about the heads though. But its out of the car so this is the time to do it Id figure.

1. Ok what do I look for when pulling the valve covers off?
2. When I pull the oil pan off what am I looking for?
3. What am I looking for when pulling the injectors?

What wear items should I be concerned about.

I know I should figure on a major tune up. Plugs, wires, some of the sensors, maybe coil, distributor, etc, etc. In addition to that what stuff should I change regardless assuming the engine does not require a rebuild?

Ill probably end up doing this soon and maybe I should post pics as I do this. But gurus give me specifics on that stuff you have mentioned already and even more. Im not afraid to take the engine apart and I figured do it all now while I can get to everything easy.

Am I headed in the right direction here?

Im sensing you really cant answer much else until I start getting the parts off the engine?

 

just make sure all the injectors have around the same resistance with an ohm meter

Oil filter is a given so while your there check for metal shavings

 

Think an investment into an engine test stand would be a good idea? This would not be a 1 time use. Ive got an LB9 that was in my GTA Vert that I will eventually rebuild s well. If the economy ever gets better I will have some xtra cash to play a little more with these things.

Is a test stand a good idea?

 

Start here.

1. do a compression test If that is good, continue
2. Tune it up
cap, rotor, wires, plugs, etc....
3. new fuel filter.
4. injectors (I'll help with that)

 

You sure he's not pulling your leg?

 

Compres test
check/replace bearings
install
use new injs
enjoy!