The subject pretty much says it all. I am buying/just bought a nice '85 Camaro berlinetta for my first car for $1300, (it's in awesome condition btw) the auto tranny feels solid, but the only thing that is odd with it is the engine. I had a good mechanic buddy of mine listen to it and he says it nothing major. It sounds marbly, but doesn't increase in intensity through the RPM range. it's got 140K miles on it but the guy has only driven it 3000m in the last few years, he said it needs a tune up... I was thinking that it's bad gas maybe, or just really needs a tune up. The engine also feels weak, when you floor it it just doesn't take off like I thought it would... (I'm comparing it to a '91 V6 auto in my friends Firebird with 32K on it) I was told by a guy at a used car dealer that -alot- of these engines have this noise, and he described the noise dead on (without any mention of my position at all). I want some opinions out there. What do you guys think could be problems? thanks alot for your time.

 

You'll be replacing the timing chain, real soon!
https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/001491.html
It's worth the effort.
When the engine dies, just toss in a 3.4 long block. And keep driving!
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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

[This message has been edited by KED85 (edited April 21, 2001).]

 

Timing chain huh... well that sucks, but oh well. I have time to work on it. Will replacing it bring back some power? Doesn't seem like it would... not one of those 'horsepower parts'... I'd like some other opinions out there (no offence or anything, just don't want to spend a weekend fixing something that doesn't need fixing... if you understand me) Thanks for the post though.

 

It COULD be a horsepower mod if your old one's bad. It makes sure that your cam and all your valves are in sync. If it's loose, or worn, you're not getting everything that you can out of your engine. If I was in your spot, which I may be soon, then I'd buy the timing gears instead of chains. They're more reliable IMO.

On a side note, I found a 92 RS White w/ red deck lid stripes and a 305TBI/5 speed. If it's still there in a month, I'm going to look at it. Also, I raced a 96 V6 Maro tonight, and he only had me by a car, car and a half, not too bad. Also going down in the books tonight 98Formula vs. 00 Formula. 00TA vs. 00MaroSS. Coulda sworn there was one more. Last night was 00TA vs. 00TA, and 98Formula vs. 00 TA.

I know those don't have anything to do w/ the topic, but there's nowhere else to put em.

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Smile, you're in my rearview I'm joking, I have a v6.
Respect My Authoritaw {Cartman Voice}
See pics @ Billy's Firebird
92 Bird 3.1L Auto--Best $750 I ever spent....DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!
Kills:93 Mustang LX (Before Mods),98 or 99 Dodge Stratus (tough one, edged out at 40),92 Camaro RS 305 TBI-Not too fair, his fuel pump went out 2 days later. Nice car, but not running right. 97+ Honda somethin or another...modded....kept at my door the entire way
Close Calls-94 Grand Am 3.1 V6, 92 Cavalier 3.1 V6
01 Porsche 911 Turbo (Had em till first gear)
Mods-Jet Stage 2 Performance Chip, Accel Cap/Rotor, Accel 8.8 MM Wires, Accell Coil, AC Delco Rapidfire Plugs, Dynomax Catback, K&N
AIM name OVRCLCK350
Best LOUSY Run...17.263 @ 77.79MPH
In a Dog Eat Dog world, I STILL go after tha cat.

 

Ahh, ok. Well, I will definatly get to looking into it. How long do gears usually last as opposed to a good chain. I also know they're alot more expensive, $120 as opposed to a cheapo chain, and money -is- kind of a big deal... Anyway, I will go and ask the guy how long ago it was that he replaced the timing chain and see what he says... thanks for the replies

[This message has been edited by Xenodrgn (edited April 22, 2001).]

 

Overclk stated it very well.
When I replaced my original chain, it was 3 sheets to the wind.
How you test this noise is very simple.
All you need is one very long screwdriver or thin, long pice ow wood dowl.
I believe you know where the timing chain is located. Put one end to there and the other placed by your ear.
You'll hear the noise.
Ger drives are very cool & such.
But not for long endurance on the street. Or for a street engine.
I finally found out why.
I used to think same, it'll be great.
The drive train of an engine, needs a shock absorber. We rev, take foot off pedal, real quick. This can cause most pedestrian engines to suffer a shock, that can lead to breakage of:
cams, cranks, rods, valvetrain.
The chain, stretches, as does shocks. Allows, soft rebound to proper tolerences/timing, etc.
Ever want to drive a shockless car (race car) on the street?
Really, a chain does this, which is why it stretches, wears put.
TomP mentioned these things "go" by about 60K-ish miles. I agree. Yet, we let them keep going.
Imagine a car, with a retarded distributor setting. Then, ya advance/correct it.
ZOOM!
Same thing with a worn out chain.
The noise is the chain against the inside of the front cover, behind water pump. That's why th marbles/rattles. It's constant, increases w/revs & converse, too.
I'll bet you'll need a new cover, too.
Call 800-831-0884 Northern Auto Parts for the parts. You'll be very pleased with the costs. I paid about $50-60 for the stuff in the mail. All Speed-Pro & Fel-Pro stuff.
You'll be real stunned with the responsiveness of the drivetrain, after a tuneup, and new chain. Drive until it dies, about 200,000, miles!
Then slip in a 3.4 long block & have real fun!


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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

well no one offers stright gear drives for the 60* V6 so the chain is it. maybe 20-30 bucks for the set...timing gear crank gear and chain. now getting it in is a different story.

 

Cloyes is the only company I know of that makes a true dual-roller timing chain set for the 2.8. It cost me $90 from Summit Racing. I replaced the chain around 180,000 miles... but I should've done it sooner!

Here's my major tuneup post; it also covers setting the ignition timing- that could be the cause of your "ping" noise. https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/000545.html Like Karl said, take care of that chain soon!


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-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!

 

Ok, so a chain it is. The question is... do I go for a regular chain replacement, or go for double roller. Keep in mind the engine has 143K on it. (On a side note: How long can I expect the engine to keep going, providing I baby it like crazy?)

 

umm sorry yet again tomp I have seen this $90 chain you speak of for 25 bucks at auto zone and IKT auto (which is a subsity of Napa.)

 

Get the cheapest chain.
The engine go to about 200,000 miles.
Why baby it.
TRY TO KILL IT
IT'S FUN!
From one that put a 2 inch hole in my number one piston!

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Camaro Hunter, you have NOT seen the Cloyes true-dual-roller chain for the 60-degree V6 for $25. You've seen stock timing chains for $25. Please, yet again, I implore you: Get a clue. Thank you for flying!

[edit] Besides; I just checked napaonline.com. Their timing chain for the 2.8 is $45, part #NTP9373, and it's a NAPA chain. Stop posting false information.

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-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 24, 2001).]

 

Please guys, stop bickering.

 

well gee wiz tomp...get a clue well what can I say you have none. IKT has it for 25. like I said.