3.8L head gaskets

[JoeliusZ28]

wondering if anyone here knows of a good writeup with pictures for this job? Im finding a lot of good info on fullthrottlev6.com and camarov6.com but haven't run across a good write-up in my searching yet. Trying to decide if tackling this project would be worth it on my car. Thanks!

[98blackbeauty]

I would drop the engine and just rebuild it. The V6 engine sits far back by the firewall and makes it tough to do in car. The toughest part will be getting exhaust manifolds off without breaking bolts. Lots of miles = heat seized.

[JoeliusZ28]

I would drop the engine and just rebuild it. The V6 engine sits far back by the firewall and makes it tough to do in car. The toughest part will be getting exhaust manifolds off without breaking bolts. Lots of miles = heat seized.

My budget for this car will not accomodate a complete rebuild. If anything, id pickup a junkyard engine and trade this one in as a core. changing gaskets in the car seems a pretty basic job other than it being a complete pita. Ive already got all the bolts soaking in PB blaster and I plan to continue soaking them for at least another week before i get started on anything.

I want to see if its possible to leave the manifolds on and just disconnect them at the y-pipe. The y-pipe bolts look fairly accessible, Im going to give them a few wacks with a hammer everytime i hit them with PB blaster to help break the heat-seized threads.

[SSTODD]

My buddy swapped a 3.8 complete from the top in a red firebird about a year ago, he said it was a pretty easy swap. I would think the top of the motor should be ok.

[JoeliusZ28]

My buddy swapped a 3.8 complete from the top in a red firebird about a year ago, he said it was a pretty easy swap. I would think the top of the motor should be ok.

You know that is a thought. I have the equipment to pull the engine from the top and i bet it wouldnt be very difficult at all with a V6... could do the head gaskets that way. Did it interfere with the A/C system at all?

[SSTODD]

I believe he pulled all of the stuff because the radiator and condenser would be removed along with the intake to make room up top but he pulled the motor and trans out thru the top. He did a lower mile complete motor swap rather than fix the one in the car that had a bad lower-end rod knock.

[JoeliusZ28]

I believe he pulled all of the stuff because the radiator and condenser would be removed along with the intake to make room up top but he pulled the motor and trans out thru the top. He did a lower mile complete motor swap rather than fix the one in the car that had a bad lower-end rod knock.

So was that stuff able to go back in ok?

I am thinking this would be the best method to do it, and it would allow me to check/replace the rear main seal as well.

[jderry]

You can do it all in the car!
If you find out that you need heads, I have two sets that are good.

[JoeliusZ28]

You can do it all in the car!
If you find out that you need heads, I have two sets that are good.

I know I can do it all in the car, but pulling the engine would allow me to leave the manifolds bolted to the heads and i wouldnt have to fight to get a wrench in there.

Thanks for letting me know about the heads, I will let you know if i need them! How much are you asking?

[04DetroitLS]

buy an L26 from lucerne/lacrosse/ 05+gp swap filter adapter, uim, lim, oil pan, exh manis and call it a day
20k mile engine ~$600

[JoeliusZ28]

buy an L26 from lucerne/lacrosse/ 05+gp swap filter adapter, uim, lim, oil pan, exh manis and call it a day
20k mile engine ~$600

where would i buy such a beast?

[JoeliusZ28]

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/pts/2277549280.html

hmm.... probably not a series 2

[Darren]

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/pts/2277549280.html

hmm....

would have a killer good running DD for that! If you planned on keeping this for a great DD and to learn body work on and such that would be a great buy. I would only do it if you are planning on keeping it and putting some miles on her tho!

[JoeliusZ28]

would have a killer good running DD for that! If you planned on keeping this for a great DD and to learn body work on and such that would be a great buy. I would only do it if you are planning on keeping it and putting some miles on her tho!

I'd like to look around more and see what I can find. I would like to keep it for a while but id also like not to put more money into this car than its worth so i can sell it if i decide to.

[SSTODD]

So was that stuff able to go back in ok?

I am thinking this would be the best method to do it, and it would allow me to check/replace the rear main seal as well.

I believe he put everything back in the car and it worked because he drove it for a year, he is not on this site and has already sold the car and is back working on his 76' TRANS-AM project. He just took alot of pics to know where all the lines and cables went.