Just wanted to let everyone know that my project started up this morning on the third turn of the key (had to let the fuel system charge itself, LOL).

This is the third engine I've overhauled but the first real "build". So, to summarize:

2.8 L stroker, 260 grind Comp Cam, 1.52 roller rockers, ARP rocker studs, double roller timing set, port and polish of heads, performance grind of valves, high volume oil pump, balanced rotating assembly (of course), Pacesetter ceramic-coated headers, Dynomax superturbo muffler to complete catback exhaust, and Cold Air intake. Ditched the AIR pump as it didn't fit with the headers.

So, on start up, no error codes. Set timing to 12 degrees as the engine seemed to prefer it to 10. The engine also seems to sound more "throaty".

Just want to thank everyone who has contributed to past threads as this is what my search suggested for the build and I am very pleased so far. Hoping to get about 1.1 HP per cubic inch - so, about 175hp. I'll dyno in a month or two.

By the way, the motor is in a 1989 Firebird, WC 5-speed and 3.42 gears in back.

Gary.

 

Good job with the build. Have any pics of the car?

 

LOL nj on the build, cheers on getting it started the first time around. I remember when I got my first 2.8 camaro it took me all of about 2 weeks to ditch it in favor of a v8 (the engine that is) I'd have never guessed back then that people would be "hotrodding" them. GL on the hp/c.i. let us know how it turns out.

 

So, I have about 600 km on the car now. Idle was a little rough so I changed the plug wires and went with a heated O2 sensor. Also had the hydraulic line to the clutch burn through so I went with the braided line for an '94 T56. I also had the car emissions tested and below are the results:

Driving Test: Max Allowed My Numbers
HC (ppm) 89.00 5.00
CO (%) 0.69 0.00
NOx (ppm) 1014 485

Idle Test
HC (ppm) 105 21
CO (%) 0.78 0.00

So, again, with no AIR pump (which I believe only works when the engine is cold). Slightly high NOx suggests I'm running a little lean (12 BTDC versus 10 - to counteract richness of headers ).

Anyway: some pics of the engine

 

And a few more (including the car)

I know the bra isn't for everyone, but with this being my daily driver, that nose takes a hell of a beating. I also had to replace the hood and liked the contrast of the red and white. The car will be painted this spring but I'm 50/50 on keeping the hood red and painting the rear spoiler red as well.

 

What colors are you considering? I'd go for a single color, I hate seeing cars with mismatched panels. So how's it feel? Punchey enough or lackluster?

 

Yeah, I hear you. I'm going to go with Arctic White and do the whole car. The car is stock and all original (except the engine So, I kind of like the "sleeper" idea (as much as a V-6 F-body can be).

As for performance, I put it somewhere between by '94 Firebird (3.4 V-6/5-speed) and my GTA (5L/ 5-speed). I do notice that at highway speed (100km/ 62 mph) that it revs about 3-400 rpm lower than before the build. It also has much better acceleration - even in 5th gear. So, not so much downshifting.

I'm very pleased with this build.

Gary.

 

so what did the build up cost you total.

i have a 3.1 and im thinking of building it

 

Total cost was about $3000. That includes the machining costs on the engine and heads as well as the 3.1 rotating assembly to replace the 2.8 rotating assembly. I did a few extras like the hydraulic clutch line replacement, heated O2 sensor and the entire exhaust from the cat to the Dynomax muffler were also replaced.

Engine removal, assembly and resinstallation I did myself.

 

Great Job Man!

I love checkin the v6 board. You guys have alot of love for your cars that most V8 guys dont! Keep up the good work!

 

sounds like a hell of a build man... you should record a video and/or take some pictures with sound clips...