V6 Discussion and questions about the base carbureted or MPFI V6's and the rare SFI Turbo V6.

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Old Jun 7, 2002 | 08:45 AM
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V6 engine questions inside

i was thinking about takin my car to the mechanic and seein if there was anything that might have needed to be fixed prior to doing this...
first of all, my camaro was given to my by my father when i turned 17, and just 2 weeks ago, he told me that he has never changed the tranny fluid (he has had the car about 6 years)!!!! so i was wondering, would it be a good idea to change the fluid, or should i leave whats in there in there, because i talked to some friends (who i dont know if they know the stuff or not), they said that i shouldnt change it cuz it would hurt the tranny, im gonna ask my mechanic, but i want some advice from you guys...
secondly
if nothing else has to be done to the car, i was thinking about getting new rockers, and a new cam...do any of you guys have this done to your car? if so, whats best, and what were the results?
Staul Converter was something else i was thinking about getting, but i think im gonna hold on that till i go to college somewhere where it doesnt snow...

also...what other mods do you guys have done to your cars? and what are the approx. costs?

and heres the killer...WHERE can i find v6 camaro parts?! (i got a 3.1)

thanks

mike
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Old Jun 7, 2002 | 01:41 PM
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From: Tenino, Washington
Car: 89 f-bird and some others
Engine: 3.4
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
custom intake....5euro (about $5) so far haven't got the filter yet though...about $35
dynomax exhaust, cat, muffler, Ipipe....$180-200
complete ignition upgrade, MSD 6A,blaster coil, accel module, 8.5 wires,......$200-250 I think.

Search through the older pages, you find some stuff on cams and roller rockers, etc
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Old Jun 7, 2002 | 03:19 PM
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From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
A lot of V8 parts (exhaust, suspension, intakes, suspension, ignition, transmission, rear axle, etc) will fit in the V6. If you ever want to know about a part, either search here, search summitracing.com , search the manufacturer's online catalogs, or (fastest) give summitracing a call at 800-230-3030.

As for the trans, wow, 6 years? How's the fluid look? If the fluid is burnt-smelling, and very gritty, you might not want to change it. Supposedly, when the clutches are that badly burnt, the trans needs the extra clutch material in the fluid (the grit you feel) to be able to limp around on the burnt clutches. So a fluid change might have you buying a rebuilt trans in a month or so. Then again, if the trans is almost dead, you should save up for a trans, anyway. Look in the Transmission/Drivetrain board for more info on the 700r4. We use the exact same trans as the V8 guys. For a v8, the 700r4 started as an option in '83, and became standard in '84. For a 2.8/3.1 v6, the 700r4 started as a standard in '84. Only differences? Our 700r4 is in a smaller case (to fit the smaller motor). Our 700r4, in a few places, is weaker than the v8 700r4- some examples being, fewer clutches in our clutch packs, and in one spot, we use a "thin sprag and spacer" where the v8's use a "thick sprag". What's this mean? Any internal trans mods, including trans rebuild kits, will work in our transmisisons. 'Fact, I don't think you can even buy a kit specifically for a v6 "weaker" 700r4.
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Old Jun 7, 2002 | 04:29 PM
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For the tranny rebuild I have going
$500-ish
saw clutches, no material left
saw guts, looked great
Saw your thread.
SAVE MONEY!
Trannys go for about $1200, installed.
Hop up now?
Gotta be Kidding!
Save your money for a tranny, you'll need it.
Don't go fast (with your old engine) or you'll be walking quicker!
Once tranny done, spend you money on the engine.
You have LOTS of worn parts catching up to do.
Exhaust is about $300-ish
Motor stuff about same price, unless you slip in a low milage running used 3.4 then you've got about $1K w/o install costs!
This is AN OLD CAR (like close to 10-20 years old now) and you are bringing it back to day one. Expect to pay for that privlidge.
BUT it is a great ride, when better!
Expect car to not act like a NEW car while you are fixing it.
We've ALL been there!
Your wallet, seek advice, then spend.
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Old Jun 7, 2002 | 04:46 PM
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From: tucson
Car: Camaro
Engine: 355c.i.
Transmission: th350
Originally posted by TomP
A lot of V8 parts (exhaust, suspension, intakes, suspension,
:lala:
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Old Jun 9, 2002 | 07:25 PM
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thanks guys


but i have a Automatic Tranny
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Old Jun 9, 2002 | 08:04 PM
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personally I would NOT change the fluid.

I would however go buy the rebuild book for the trans, go to a junk yard get a trans replacement and rebuild IT. Take your time and follow the book. You will learn alot. No real speacial tools are needed either, and you will learn something.

You are in no real hurry for the replacement, it has lived this long it will survive another 2-3 months.

I am a Do-it-yourselfer, The only things I have other people do is things I have no clue, or do not have the right tools for.

Performance for the V6 is easy, and yes it can be made to move. I would save for the rebuild, do it and when you are almost done with the rebuild you should be recovered enough for a good new higher stall converter to match your new "Pat on the Back" Job, and to make it even better, get a trans-go shift kit too!.

As far as list of important things to get now, I would buy the book, look over it THROUGHLY and decide if you really want to learn something. Trans are not hard to rebuild, its just alot of tedious work to do.

Then I would begin on the engine. Yes a ignition system upgrade would be nice, but pull and rebuild the Distrib first.
Then take of the valve covers and look at the spring/rocker area, is it nasty? then time for a good flushing.
Then I would start thinking of other things. As far as Cams, and that many miles on the engine anyway, (I always say) GO CROWER. You are looking to replace the rockers anyway, and crower replaces just about everything else.

Last edited by Camar_Hunter_c; Jun 9, 2002 at 08:06 PM.
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Old Jun 9, 2002 | 09:19 PM
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thanks

wow, that was really helpful
i hope my trans has more than 3-4 months left on it! haha
how much does a junkyard trans cost? how much for the rebuild kit? you seem to know your stuff, what have YOU done to your car, and what were the outcomes? noticeable difference?

thanks

mike
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Old Jun 9, 2002 | 11:10 PM
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Bad idea on the tranny from a yard-
WHY
You don't know what ya got, until it's opened up.
OR what is broken in$$ide.
GOOD idea on the yard tranny---
Ya can get lucky, too.
Cost-
I was offered a rebuild kit (clutches, seals, small odds & ends, book) & a new rebuilt torque convertor (in Los Angeles) $200+tax.
I got mine rebuilt for <$500.
Why?
I needed it done right first time.
I'm swapping in a good used running engine.
I don't want to experiment on a tranny job I did.
IT IS YOUR CALL.
CHC IS giving a real good tip, too.
You are far behind (used, near worn out car) to get back to a good level again.
NO easy way out, just good common sense decision$$$.
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 01:04 AM
  #10  
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Re: thanks

Originally posted by 92RSMuscle
wow, that was really helpful
i hope my trans has more than 3-4 months left on it! haha
how much does a junkyard trans cost? how much for the rebuild kit? you seem to know your stuff, what have YOU done to your car, and what were the outcomes? noticeable difference?

thanks

mike
Usually you can get a decent one for 1-150. I have seen goos rebuild kits for under 200. so say 400 you have a trans. (No offense Ked) I just perfer to do the things that I can on my own.

the worst trans I have seen that came out needed 2 gears replaced(648,982 miles). another $75 to the rebuild. But rarely will that happen. Mostly the clutches give out and the friction plates ect, thats all included in the rebuild kit. 1 out of 300? trans I have seen needed something more then the standard rebuild stuff. and that one was mentioned with that unbelievable life span...

My mods...
Hmmm
First was custom CAI. besides the loud howling noise that could be heard outside the car with it. Gains.. a few ponies I bet. above 2500 its a beast.
second. port polish upper and intermidate intake. Gain. About 2500 you get another good "Kick".
third. Injectors. 19Lbers I think.. Sent off to be cleaned so they were like new. You know that Lean spot when you floor it? GONE NONE EXISTANT. Alot more pick up high speed/RPM's.
I replaced the clutch when it was burned out. I replaced with a more perfomance one. Not really a mod.

Total cost so far.. Under 300. And the Joy of being able to beat alot of V8 TBI's... Priceless....

I also forgot the project I am getting ready for... "Monster 400" a 400 with a 350 crank= torque MONSTER. And to add insult to injury the car needs a new rear bumper cover and I found one that has 2.8 Fuel Injection badge on it. I wonder just how many kids will want to race that thing?... Yes I have 2 thrds. a 91 T Top "The project" and my 92 V6.

Last edited by Camar_Hunter_c; Jun 10, 2002 at 01:14 AM.
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 09:07 AM
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thats awesome...yea so get this
i ask the kids in my auto shop whats a good tranny to get? i told them i had a 700r4
they say "oh we have a brand new one in auto we could prolly get ya, it only needs a torque converter" i was like "No Way! ill give all you guys 50 bucks (there were three of them) if you can get it for me!" they agreed...so i think im gonna have this new tranny and im gonna get a performance rebuild kit...whats a good kit to get?

your a huge help

mike
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 09:47 AM
  #12  
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Trans Go
is a primo selection.
Higher priced than others, but apparently worth it.
CHC, no offense at all.
I've never rebuilt a tranny.
I will go the "myself rebuild a tranny route" on a V-8 version for my Wife's 1968 6 Cylinder Camaro.
Me, for the couple hundred more, I do get a proven, one time installation job.
Our buddy found a GREAT option.
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 10:52 AM
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just make sure the trans is a V6 700R4 not a V8 one.
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 10:58 AM
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From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
Originally posted by 92RSMuscle
thanks guys


but i have a Automatic Tranny
92RSMuscle, I know, that's why KED85 and I mentioned clutches in our first messages to you. Automatic transmissions actually have clutch discs inside.
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 11:16 AM
  #15  
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From: fayetteville, nc
Car: 86 firebird
Engine: v6
Transmission: 7004r
my tranny

I had to replace my tranny about a year ago and it cost me 1195.85 cents. Plus they had to replace it afterwards. It was shifting very late. It was coming out of 2nd gear at 45-55.

I had to wait almost 3 months to get my car back.
If you want to see the total bill go to http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...=209235&page=2
that lists everything that had to be done.
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 02:27 PM
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for some reason i thought that the v8 and v6 had the same tranny
i was also thinkin bout doin 3.73's and posi
any words?


tomP, where you from in NJ?

Last edited by 92RSMuscle; Jun 10, 2002 at 02:31 PM.
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 04:36 PM
  #17  
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Originally posted by 92RSMuscle
for some reason i thought that the v8 and v6 had the same tranny
i was also thinkin bout doin 3.73's and posi
any words?


tomP, where you from in NJ?
Same trans.. Kinda.
the bellhousing is different. The internals are basically the same, very few parts differ. GM took the cheap route with our V6 trans in some places.
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 05:30 PM
  #18  
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man, i hope its for a v6 then

thanks
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 05:58 PM
  #19  
TomP's Avatar
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From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
Smack dab in the middle!
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 06:30 PM
  #20  
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VERY SIMPLE.
IF narrow, it's a V-6 60* (like 10")
IF WIDE, V-8 90*
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Old Jun 10, 2002 | 08:12 PM
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nice, ill have them measure it

tomP, im in the middle too
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