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

It's ALIVE! The 2.8 is In and Running!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 4, 2001 | 02:45 PM
  #1  
TomP's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 13,414
Likes: 6
From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
It's ALIVE! The 2.8 is In and Running!

Well, the motor swap's a success- the 2.8 works! It first ran on Monday, around 9:45 pm! Here's a quick breakdown of the work- and I have some questions at the end!

Saturday: I went to a junkyard for some miscellaneous ****. I got the top to the heater/evaporator box (on the firewall), a ton of bolts and screws & clips, a vacuum diagram, positive junction block, etc... all for $10!

Sunday: The bulk of the work was done here. Quickly, we put the top on to the heater/evap box, connected the heater motor's relay & speed resistors, and screwed the a/c system down to the car. We hooked up the vacuum lines, installed the throttle body, and hooked up the throttle cables. We attached the grounds to the back of the heads, and plugged all the sensors in. We installed the passenger side exhaust manifold and the EGR/coil bracket.

The heater hoses & pipes went back in, along with a new heater valve. The radiator went in, with the hoses, overflow bottle, and coolant. The tensioner, alternator brackets, alternator, and AIR-pump-delete (idler) pulley went on. My girlfriend stopped by, and she put on & tightened down the negative battery cable to the engine block!

Next, we filled the engine with oil, and I attached a mechanical oil pressure gauge. We primed the pump with an 8mm socket and electric drill until we saw pressure. (At first we didn't- talk about a scare- then we realized the drill's chuck wasn't tight enough. Whew!) Finally, we tried to remove the broken ring terminal from the back of the alternator. Suprise! The whole damn terminal came out of the alternator. Figures. My friend would take the alternator to a repair shop the next day...

Monday: Not much left! My friend put the repaired (only $10) alternator in. We spun the motor to TDC of #1, I "chose" a #1 terminal for the distributor cap, and dropped the distributor in at 0 degrees advance (with a new o-ring seal). The distributor, ignition coil, and EGR wiring were hooked up. The spark plug wires were hooked up. The starter motor got connected. The junction block was cleaned, a ring terminal replaced, and the wires connected at the junction block. I realized I completely forgot about an open hole on the oil filter mount. The '86 engine uses two separate oil pressure sensors; the '89 uses one "combination" sensor. I had to run to a parts store to buy a "1/8 inch NPT" brass pipe plug to fill the hole. Next, the fan went in. The drivebelt went on. And finally... (drumroll)... the battery went in!!

With the y-pipe, air box, MAF & MAT missing, my friend hopped in the car. My other friend and I backed waaaaay up, and my friend tried the key- it cranked, but didn't run. It cranked rather slowly, so my friend attached his battery charger/booster. We tried cranking it again.. no dice. We added some gas, thinking the gas went bad in the month the car sat. We were somewhat right, because the motor sounded like it was trying to catch. All that was left was timing... I was right, the motor didn't want to start at 0 advance. I spun the distributor counter clock-wise, as my friend tried cranking. That was a mistake. I should've spun the distributor, had him crank, had him stop, spun the distributor, had him crank again...

Anyway, as I'm spinning and he's cranking, I get one hell of a shock (threw me backwards), and the 2.8 roared to life! It sounded mean as hell without the Y-pipe hooked up! In fact, soon after I left, the cops were called! My friends said the cop was really cool- he was impressed with the job, said he had just finished a similar swap (although with a V8!), and told my friend to hook the exhaust up.

Tuesday: The final stuff! My friend hooked the y-pipe up to the manifolds, put the air box on, and hooked up the MAF & MAT. We added more coolant, oil, and trans fluid. I adjusted the TPS for 0.59 volts for idle (spec is 0.55 +/- 0.05, it was at 0.79v). I went to adjust his TV cable for the trans, and snapped it! The plastic snap that attaches the TV cable to the TB must've been brittle- instead of green, it was yellow- and it snapped. Right now, it's rigged up with a well-bent paperclip... I need to buy him one out of a junkyard. Last stop: Timing!

Here's Question #1: Where in the hell is the EST-bypass connector? Mine '86 has it right on top of the heater box, between the main engine harness & firewall. I wasn't able to find his at all! His car has a connector on a white wire between the igntion coil and engine harness; we tried unhooking that, but I don't think that's the one. The wire is colored brown/black on my car- did GM change it for '89? Or did GM eliminate it? We set the timing to 10 deg advance, but I don't think it's right.

Question #2: The car heated up fast! The gauge was pretty high (280), I'll have to check the wiring going into the car. I have a feeling either the wire vibe'd loose, or the connection's bad. Reason is, we heard the fan start. If the temp was really at 280, the fan would've been on a while ago (230 degrees). What do you think we could've missed? We did the head gaskets okay.. could the new thermostat be stuck closed? But the upper hose was HOT!

Well, that's it! The engine's running, and aside from a junkyard TV cable I owe him, we're done with the swap! I'll get pics up as sooon as I get these developed! Hot damn it feels good to be done! (What a relief when the engine started!!) Thanks to EVERYONE that helped me out with this swap!

------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

[This message has been edited by TomP (edited April 04, 2001).]
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2001 | 06:45 PM
  #2  
AlexJH's Avatar
TGO Supporter
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 812
Likes: 1
Engine: 5.7L V8
Transmission: 700R4
Great news Tom! Now, why do you owe him a TV cable? He should be thanking *you* for all the work you did.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the pictures.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2001 | 06:46 PM
  #3  
v6camaroguy's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, California, USA
the wire you are looking for should be tan and sticking out of a bunch of wires. It has a black connecter. I believe it is located in the upper lefthand area of the engine bay near that ac coolant can. For that second question I think I heard something about new and rebuilt engines running hot for a while.

------------------
88' CAMARO Sport Coupe
2.8L V6
K&N Air Filter w/RAM AIR
Flomaster
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2001 | 06:52 PM
  #4  
Violate 3.8's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Anoka, MN
tom,
the heating problem is most likely there because you have air pockets in the system. Did you let the car warm up with the rad. cap off? Other than that I would make sure the thermostat is openning like you thought.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2001 | 11:54 PM
  #5  
87RS402's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 0
From: Klamath Falls, Oregon
Tom, Thermo's are cheap. If it's questionable replace it. You can always boil it and see when it opens. The other reasons it's running hot is hoses routed the wrong way or a serpintine water pump and a v-belt engine or vice-versa. Steam pockets are a good possibility.

Good job junior! Maybe we'll make a wrench spinner out of you yet.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2001 | 06:59 AM
  #6  
KED85's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 1
From: ****SoCal, USA****
Tom,
Time the car be ear.
Drive, feel, re-adjust, drive again.
When I did mine, that's all I did, except replace a defective MAS on the 1985. Since I swapped engines, I haven't taken a timing light to it yet. Probably never will.
Why is it hot, NOT SURE.
Could be a clogged radiator, too.
Beyond that, great job. So much effort. Wish you could have found a 3.4 & swapped in for this job.

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2001 | 07:00 AM
  #7  
Kevin S's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Pt. Pleasant, WV (Home of the Mothman!)
Congrats Tom!Sounds like you guys had some fun putting this engine in.So..how long after your encounter with the jolt was your hand tingling I know it's not funny but I got a laugh.Only because I've been there before .

The EST,or ESC wire on my 89 is closer to the heater fan motor then anything else under the hood.With it hooked up your timeing should be somewhere in the 18 to 20 range when you open the throttle.

Did you guys check to see if the water pump is moving the coolent?After mine had been rebuilt it actually ran cooler.So you can rule out that new engines run hotter.It could be a number of things.But you know that as well as I do
Congrats on the swap Tom.Tell your friend to run it easy for atleast the first 500 miles.Then it would be wise to change the oil,then he can give it hell.

Oh BTW...I found my damn oil leak.Well the guy fixing my broken RS did.The oil filter relocater that bolts to the block had come loose.Two bolts was all he had to tighten.Now if he tries to charge my $100 for those 2 bolts I'll tell him to put it back the way he found it and I'll do it myself!
See ya!

------------------
Since my dragon pic won't work I'll have to live with this...
Kevin S
89 RS w/2.9
modded some but not heavily
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2001 | 09:06 AM
  #8  
sgtpanther's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: South Bend, IN, USA
Congrats Tomp....I hope it stays strong for you.

------------------
Sgt Panther

89 Firebird..2.8/3.4 conversion
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2001 | 10:21 AM
  #9  
TomP's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 13,414
Likes: 6
From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
Thanks for the congrats guys! Now I can say I've pulled -everything- out of an f-body! (The engine was the last piece I hadn't pulled out yet! After this, you name it, and I've taken it out!) There were a ton more differences between my '86 and his '89... stuff that's so minor, but can be so annoying during a swap. I'm going to try and make a list for other people's (and my own!) future reference.

One example is: that EST connector!! So, it's still exists, and it's still on a tan wire, eh? That's good to know! I searched the whole main harness from where it came out of the back of the fender to the distributor, and still couldn't find it. Is it inside that main harness's loom? Or is it coming off of another wire loom (like the one going to the TPS and IAC and alternator)? Is it actually -inside- the loom, or does it stick out? There's nothing sticking out from that harness that goes along the firewall... I don't understand! I'll have to search along that a/c can and heater motor today for it. My friend (also named Tom, by the way!) said that yesterday, he spun the distributor a bit, and the engine ran better. I'd love to get a light on this thing to see where it's at!

As to the cooling, thanks for all the good points! Would this affect it: My friend says his radiator is leaking. I assume the car isn't building up the correct pressure in the cooling system, and getting too hot. Also, we didn't run the car w/out the coolant cap.. there's probably a ton of air & steam pockets in there.

I feel like I owe him a TV cable because my stupid *** shouldn't have snapped it (altho it must've been brittle.) Plus he's paid me with beer & smokes & food, so it's even. That's okay, it gives me an excuse to go back to that 3.1 I saw in the junkyard!

I'm glad you found your oil leak, Kevin... too bad you had to go through an intake manifold to get it! I actually told my friend to change the oil after a few days... I don't know how much crap was in that engine after sitting for 2 years! I've never been shocked that badly before- it left me stunned on the concrete. My friends came rushing over- they thought I lost a finger.

I'm going back today after class (I have an exam, dammit!). He says there's puddles of fuel on top of the intake manifold- which to me, points to the injector o-rings. I had a spare set at my house, but we didn't put them on because we didn't want to waste the drive time. I guess we should've! I'll probably "just" replace the ones by the pintle cap. (Can the o-rings be pulled without harming the pintle caps?)

Plus, today, he's got to change his '89 starter out for the one that came on the '86 motor. Apparently the '89 starter didn't take too happily to trying to start the melted '89 engine, because it's barely turning! Good thing he got a spare!

Hopefully I find that EST connector. Mine was actually poking out of that harness that goes along the firewall- it was easy to find once I pulled the harness away from the firewall. His? Damned if I know. Hopefully a search by the blower motor & a/c can will help. What if I still can't find it? Ack- Could the previous owner, with his "hack up the wiring harness" job, have replaced that connector with a butt connector? Or, hell, maybe the EST isn't even hooked up!! Hm.

So the EST wire should definately be a tan/black wire, eh? And it should be in that harness against the firewall, and it should have a black connector? Maybe I'll do some harness hunting for a spliced wire.


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2001 | 11:15 AM
  #10  
Kevin S's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Pt. Pleasant, WV (Home of the Mothman!)
I can't remember which manual(chilton/haynes)had this in it.They said you can put the computer into service,limp home mode(or what ever damn mode it is )it will bypass the ESC to set the timing.Unfortunatly both my manuals are in the front seat of my car right now.And it's about 2 miles up the road.
it would be worth checking into when you get home.

------------------
Since my dragon pic won't work I'll have to live with this...
Kevin S
89 RS w/2.9
modded some but not heavily
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2001 | 03:49 PM
  #11  
TomP's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 13,414
Likes: 6
From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
Thanks dude, I'll have to check my Helms for that. We had to replace his fuel injector's o-rings yesterday; he had puddles of fuel on the intake manifold! All the pintle caps except 2 cracked, so we just threw 'em out. His injectors have no caps on them, but i'm pretty sure it doesn't matter. I looked around that harness, by the heater motor, and by the a/c accumulator can, and didn't see a connector. I have a feeling the previous owner cut it off. IN Fact, ever see the ground ring terminals? One is taped to the outside of the harness... it has a blue wire on it. Why the heck is that taped there??!

Also, my friend said something that made me realize why there's such a butcher job on the wiring! He was joking around and said he always has the security light on- he had VATS! The key doesn't have a VATS chip in it. The steering column has been replaced- it has no controls for cruise control, yet his car has the stuff for it. And there's this odd "starter kill" button under the column that he has to press while starting the car! I wonder if the EST bypass was removed to get the car to start!

Was that EST bypass connector poking out of the harness's black loom for you guys?


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2001 | 04:28 PM
  #12  
KED85's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 1
From: ****SoCal, USA****
Tom,
Honest.
Be lazy.
Time it by ear. Make smooth idle, then back off a tiny bit.
Drive it.
Then for fun, hook up the light.
IF YOU SET IT RIGHT, IT WILL SHOW THAT RESULT.
Tell your friends that the shock gave you smarts!

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2001 | 04:58 PM
  #13  
Kevin S's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Pt. Pleasant, WV (Home of the Mothman!)
I had to dig mine out.
I just found out the cap on one injecteor has a 1/8 or slilghtly bigger crack in it.I'm about ready to sell

------------------
Since my dragon pic won't work I'll have to live with this...
Kevin S
89 RS w/2.9
modded some but not heavily
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
eightsixseven
Tech / General Engine
2
Dec 16, 2024 01:50 PM
Cleotiz
Electronics
7
Jan 6, 2018 08:56 PM
E Rod
LTX and LSX
5
Aug 28, 2015 05:17 AM
perZ
TPI
3
Aug 21, 2015 05:51 PM
86Base
TPI
14
Aug 8, 2015 01:34 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:34 PM.