Spikester7878's build thread

[spikester7878]

as many know I have been fighting my firebird since I got back from korea in 2011. I got it running pretty well in 2013, but it bucked it head again. I have recently been trying to get it back on the road so the other day I was going to replace the PS pump and it all went to shit from there. The second I removed the tension on the belt the harmonic balancer was extremey loose. I attempted to pull it to no avail so I had it towed to a shop that I trust. Well the balancer is bad, and the crankshaft is toast. Best case is roughly 2k and she is back on the road with the new headers installed. Worst case with me being a college student and living mainly off my post 9/11 gi bill and disability it may be to expensive for me to repair. So if things go poorly it looks like I will be parting out and will be fbodyless for the first time in 10 years. upside is the shop said if things get to expensive or if I choose to back out I can pay them for the work done and have the engine and tranny out of the car which will make parting easier. Still keeping my fingers crossed that this doesnt get too expensive and that I will be able to keep it. Things are very uncertain right now as I will have my BA this time next year and will pretty much be out of my GI bill benefits so I am not even sure if its a good idea to keep the car while I still owe over 16k on my daily. I guess this is more of my way of venting a bit since I am in a sort of shock since hearing about the crankshaft....I will keep this updated as more information comes

[harner]

Sorry to hear! That is a crappy situation.

[spikester7878]

very. I have been debating all day if I should try to fix it or just part it

[rjmarazzi]

Sorry to hear that hope you don't part it out! Especially since you have so much in it.

[harner]

You own one of the few Formulas that I really like. I hope you don't have to part but definitely understand if you do. Is there any harm in sitting on it until you have some funds available?

[spikester7878]

I should be able to afford the new crank, but if it needs a full engine overhaul I might part it. As far as expenses to just hold on to it the future is very uncertain right now. My gf is in medical school and about to do rotations so there's no telling where I could end up. I am also trying to get a job as a law enforcement instructor. If the job works out i should have no problem.

[Fastbird]

How exactly is the crank toast? If it's the threads, you should be able to repair those in car (pull condenser and radiator, lots of room). As deep as the threads are I don't see them all being fubar though unless someone botched pulling it.

[spikester7878]

The snout of it is tapered

[Fastbird]

Hmmm......you should still be able to run that then based off the fact that the crank hub is keyed and there should be a woodruff key installed in the crank/hub, and then you have the crank hub bolt holding things in too.

[spikester7878]

I am going to get eyes on asap. I am going off of what the mechanic said. This guy built some of buddies sub 10 second cars so I know he is good

[spikester7878]

and even with everything in place/ bolted up the harmonic balancer was backing off and flopping around when I pulled off the belt

[bsgreenz]

They make sleeve kits for this type of thing I believe.

[spikester7878]

The mech said a sleeve wouldn't be useable. Like I said I haven't had eyes on yet, but will soon

[spikester7878]

Other thing is the guy that was helping me lied about the crankshaft, I was told it was forged....Its the only bottom end component that isnt :-/

[firebird_1995]

Wow I don't know that I've ever seen a hub come loose so bad that it wallers the snout. I have seen the elastic go bad on the damper ring and give the illusion that the damper was loose. Hopefully when you get some eyes on it we can come up with a solution.

[Madman337]

Wow I don't know that I've ever seen a hub come loose so bad that it wallers the snout. I have seen the elastic go bad on the damper ring and give the illusion that the damper was loose. Hopefully when you get some eyes on it we can come up with a solution.

Xs2^^^^

[spikester7878]

That was my reaction as well. I should be able to swing by the shop tomorrow and take a look

[popo8]

Get some pics for us to see. That way people with advice can be more informed.

[spikester7878]

I intend to I've just been slammed with school and work. I do appreciate the input so far. Part of why I love the ltx community and im really hoping things work out

[spikester7878]

I was able to swing by the shop this morning and got some eyes on the crank and balancer. I figure rather than trying to sleeve it, if thats even possible I would rather just go ahead and put the forged crank in....guess I will be living off of ramen for a bit. The manager said he is willing to work with me and will be giving me a cheaper labor rate because I am not in a huge rush to get it back. But here are the pics of the damage

[Fastbird]

How in the hell....

[shownomercy]

Whats the runout on the crank snout?

[popo8]

WOW... how could that even happen?



With that being said, why are you set on forged (more cost), are you planning on a power adder?

[firebird_1995]

I wonder if the ATI balancer was honed out a little too far to begin with and that caused the chain of events. What stroke crank are you looking to replace it with?

[spikester7878]

I have to double check the crank specs. I already found the forged counterpart from eagle for 600. I do eventually want to add boost somewhere between 8 and 10 lbs. I just figure since im there i might as well put in a high quality part. From what I saw and the mech said it seems like the balancer was loose and wobbling and slowly but surely got worse and worse.

[spikester7878]

3.750 in stroke I want to stay the same as it had but forged. I may also be in the market for a LTCC set up if i can find one for a good price and an electric water pump

[spikester7878]

Here is my "stand by to stand by" post. The shop is finishing up another project before the work solely on mine. Happens to be a really nice 41 ford drop top. I found the new crank and will most likely be buying it after pay day.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ESP-435337505700/

[383z]

Great to hear your not going to part it. A lot of us has gone through hard times and sat on our vehicles. I know I have for a while and I'm just getting back into it little by little.

[MrAngry]

Worst case, could you slap a used short block in?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[popo8]

Here is my "stand by to stand by" post. The shop is finishing up another project before the work solely on mine. Happens to be a really nice 41 ford drop top. I found the new crank and will most likely be buying it after pay day.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ESP-435337505700/
Have u checked with our site vendors to see if they can belp u out with that purchase?

[SSlowBoat]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/23/2ee84c39444598c6b1e95a2931b6fb65.jpg

[spikester7878]

A vendor PMed me so I will likely buy the crank from them instead. If I can find an affordable bored block maybe. I am hoping to keep everything else I can. The motor had no problems running/idling....just the pulleys weren't turning.

[spikester7878]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/23/2ee84c39444598c6b1e95a2931b6fb65.jpg

If i had posted this anywhere besides ltxtech im sure thats how it would be haha. Can't beat the ltx loves

[popo8]

...Can't beat the ltx loves

U know it!

[popo8]

A vendor PMed me so I will likely buy the crank from them instead. If I can find an affordable bored block maybe. I am hoping to keep everything else I can. The motor had no problems running/idling....just the pulleys weren't turning.
How did the oil look? Metal in it?

[spikester7878]

I recently changed the oil and it was fine then. I havnt driven 10 miles since the oil change

[popo8]

I recently changed the oil and it was fine then. I havnt driven 10 miles since the oil change

Well then why are you worried about getting a new block or sending yours out for intrest?

[spikester7878]

I'm not. I was responding to another post. I highly doubt it will be anything other than the crankshaft and maybe a few miscellaneous problems im aware of.

[popo8]

Oh. Ok. My bad man. I get confused sometimes, lol.

[spikester7878]

weekly update. The 41 ford is done and my bird is the only project car in the shop. The hood is off and they are slowly preparing to pull the motor. Gettin closer!

[popo8]

weekly update. The 41 ford is done and my bird is the only project car in the shop. The hood is off and they are slowly preparing to pull the motor. Gettin closer!

Keep us posted!

[spikester7878]

only update I have is getting an awesome deal on a EWP from rjmarazzi. Still wanting to track down a LTCC set up. I would love to go 24x but that may be a bit too pricey. The shop hasnt had much spare time to work on it this week, which is nbd giving me time to get parts. Starting to get excited about some much needed improvements

[popo8]

Any excitement is motivation. Remind me again why u want to go ltcc over just a good opti and factory set up....

[spikester7878]

I feel like it would be a bit more reliable, not to mention i could mount the coil packs in a way that would make wire changes much easier

[popo8]

I feel like it would be a bit more reliable, not to mention i could mount the coil packs in a way that would make wire changes much easier

Ok, are you planning on changing wires that often?

[shownomercy]

24x fo lifes, get rid of that pos opti and crappy PCM once and for all.

[spikester7878]

Not really, They are just a huge PITA haha. I was also thinking of just running them over the valve covers to help prevent them being too close to the headers....I have burned one or two before. I am conflicted though because I want to swap the rockers for something better and I know if I run a stud girdle I will need tall covers, which defeats the purpose of having the coilpacks on the valve covers since I wont be able to mount them there anymore haha.I dont think im spinning the motor high enough to need girdles, or making enough power to need them any time soon though. I am also thinking about pulling the intake off and getting everything from the CAI to the manifold powdercoated while I have the motor out.

[spikester7878]

Well I talked to the guys at the shop today about getting everything I want powdercoated by the same guys who did my headers, the obviously said yes. They will be installing the EWP. I may also switch the exhaust rockers to 1.6 and keep the 1.5s on the intake, depending on how much clearance I have If i have enough for all 1.6 I will do so. He said not to worry about the stud girdles, so I am looking for some nice valve covers also will be looking for the water pump opti shield and keeping the opti/msd set up I have now.

[popo8]

Ok, I was just curious. Im an opti supporter, but I get it...

[spikester7878]

now comes the questions what color should I do the intake manifold, elbow and CAI.....Im thinking white for the intake and a dark silver for the elbow and CAI

[popo8]

now comes the questions what color should I do the intake manifold, elbow and CAI.....Im thinking white for the intake and a dark silver for the elbow and CAI

I would do them all white... but remember they will get dirty instantly when handled.

[spikester7878]

yea its gonna be a bitch to keep clean. New update, the motor is ready to come out!

[spikester7878]

Might as well paint the engine bay as well....i feel like a kid in a candy store....

[popo8]

Go get pics...

[harner]

It's hard to share your excitement without pics. :)

[popo8]

We are a SIMPLE people. Lol

[Dan]

What is this water pump opti shield you speak of?
Also I'm rockin OTVC wires :D

[popo8]

The member that makes the opti shield is no longer active here... nor is he a sponsor. I believe at one time American-Powerhouse was carrying his product.

[spikester7878]

I have seen a few people posting them on fbody craigslist, Its basically a small piece of aluminum that bolts onto the bottom of the opti to help divert water around the opti instead of it leaking onto it. I will get some pics the next time I swing by!

[American-Powerhouse]

Yes, I carry the Opti-Armor.

$30.00 shipped.

.3222432225

[spikester7878]

Just arrived, Thanks to mrjarazzi

[rjmarazzi]

No problem bud. At least I know you will put it to good use.

[spikester7878]

latest update, the motor is out. The mechanic said the oil looked good, but I will get more info once the its torn down. I will also have to replace the AC hose....being in FL without AC is not an option.

[popo8]

Good news...

[spikester7878]

very. just gotta see what happens when the pull the pistons, that will be a true yae or nae for sell or keep.

[spikester7878]

Well its been disassembled the rods and pistons look good, there were quite a few issues all over the motor as you can see from the heads. It was running rich as hell, the intake manifold wasn't properly seated and it was not properly balanced. There are wear marks from some harmonics issues. Luckily metal from the crank snout didn't get into the block and stayed in the timing cover.I may not go with the forged crank anymore,but I don't want another eagle. Any suggestions? I am waiting to hear a ballpark estimate on what its going to cost and hopefully it will be rebuilt and properly tuned and balanced this time.

[spikester7878]

here's the damage

[spikester7878]

its going to end up costing $1800 for the engine removal, machine work, rebuild and re-install. Just gotta get the parts now. Suggestions for the best non forged after market crank? I have hear very hit or miss about eagle.

[blackbirdws6]

Would suggest reusing the stock crank if it's good or can be cleaned up versus an aftermarket cast crank.

[dawdaw]

Agreeed^

[popo8]

its going to end up costing $1800 for the engine removal, machine work, rebuild and re-install. Just gotta get the parts now. Suggestions for the best non forged after market crank? I have hear very hit or miss about eagle.
Stay away from eagle cast crank... i can show u both pieces of my last one.

(Granted it was misrepresented as a forged unit and used on a boosted application...but either way... broken).

[spikester7878]

stock is long gone, plus its a 383 (Eagle took a shit). I might just have to bite the bullet and get the forged, the crank isnt something to go cheap on

[spikester7878]

going forged. Contacting the shop that painted my car to see how much they would charge to paint the engine bay and to paint a tribute to some of the buddies I lost while in the army on the underside of the hood. I am also getting the intake manifold powder coated white, with silver fins and im doing the intake elbow and CAI white. Not to sure how I want to do valve covers or if there is anything else I should do while I'm at it. I may have a buddy come over and do the wire mod and maybe rerun the fuel lines to clean up the engine bay. I didn't have the time to do the car the way I wanted when I first built the engine so I might as well do it now and do it right.

[popo8]

I know gail was running some specials on rotating assemblies a bit ago... idk if she has anything goin on for just the crank.

[blackbirdws6]

Sounds like this snowballing nicely. The white intake will look nice but I hope you can keep it looking good. Just a thought long term.

[spikester7878]

haha yea. cost is building up quick. I figure I should be between 3500 and 4k when all is said and done. with how anal retentive I am about my cars i'm sure it wont be a problem to keep it looking good.

[spikester7878]

well, there's no going back now

[popo8]

610 for the crank?
Was that forged?

[spikester7878]

Yes sir. I decided i'm not cutting any corners this time. I have a daily driver and the shop is willing to work with me money wise, so if it takes a few months to build a super reliable/powerful motor then so be it.

[popo8]

Yes sir. I decided i'm not cutting any corners this time. I have a daily driver and the shop is willing to work with me money wise, so if it takes a few months to build a super reliable/powerful motor then so be it.

Good deal man. do it right.

[spikester7878]

been awhile since I updated. I just finished paying for the labor, and im having some stuff shipped out for powder coating. One step closer to the road.

[spikester7878]

well here is a small update, the bay is slowly being prepped for paint, good thing too its nasty as hell

[popo8]

Awesome man. Ur passion for the car seems to have returned.

LTXtech.com is my Drug...

[spikester7878]

Yea, it felt great to start working on it today. down side is I am finding more stuff I want to replace the the wiring harness and I really want some awesome valve covers

[popo8]

Yea, it felt great to start working on it today. down side is I am finding more stuff I want to replace the the wiring harness and I really want some awesome valve covers
Those are all good things man.

LTXtech.com is my Drug...

[spikester7878]

reviving this one a bit with a teaser pic. The new motor is in!
36249

[spikester7878]

Heres a bit of necromancy on this thread...and my car

Finally got her back, and washed. For those who don't know my crankshaft took a shit so I had to rebuild the motor. I also had some powdercoating work done, got a new canton oil pan, new fuel injectors, LPP longtubes that I got coated. Now my problem is oil is leaking from the valve cover center bolts, and it needs a tune ASAP.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIoN0ktJQVM

[spikester7878]

Some engine bay pictures

[spikester7878]

will switching to perimeter bolt valve covers fix the leaking issue?

[sleepy_z]

It's leaking from the vc bolts?

[spikester7878]

Yup. I can see oil leaking out at higher rpm.

[383z]

Man!
I bet your jumping for joy now that you got it back.
You have a very clean car.
Congrats!

[Camaro96]

I like the white intake and air intake tubing

Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk

[popo8]

Are there any rubber gaskets or o-rings on ur center bolts?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

Sure are popo

[popo8]

Sure are popo
Ok... well there goes that idea.

2nd idea... do u have a valve cover breather?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

They do not. I've honestly been wanting to replace the valve covers anyway. I just have to wait for next month when I have the money to do so.

[383z]

Time to change the title of this thread. :D

[spikester7878]

haha yup. More like a rebuild thread now

[spikester7878]

I think for the time being I will replace the O rings on the valve covers and buy a breather. What size does the factory valve cover use?

[spikester7878]

I also need a vacuum can. Anyone have recommendations?

[popo8]

Do u want the title changed to something BUILD related, and maybe moved to our BUILD section?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

Sounds good to me popo

[popo8]

Ok. Give me a new title name...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

I went ahead and moved/renamed it

[popo8]

U da man!

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

decided to prep her for ceramic coating tonight. Should hopefully be able to install the ceramic later this week. Along with another new toy :)

[spikester7878]

My fiancee just bought me these bad boys. I think they should help my oil issues. Any recommendations for gaskets?

[popo8]

My fiancee just bought me these bad boys. I think they should help my oil issues. Any recommendations for gaskets?
Sexy... love my cantons. I just run the blue felpros

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

Should I switch to a breather or keep the PCV

[popo8]

I bought my cantons used and the previous owner had made a breather set up for it using a small cone filter and a 45* from the pcv set up. I can try to snap pics if ud like.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

That would be awesome if you dont mind

[popo8]

That would be awesome if you dont mind
Ok. Will try to remember after work.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

any luck with that picture?

[popo8]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160925/4fc7493f6f16c2d8bdd9696978b6ca8e.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160925/f79fa0a13c9f198a0188a61ce876b5a4.jpg

Sorry. Busy day and change. Hope these help

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

Decided to put on the new valve covers today....One of the bolts was bent soooo I only have the drivers side on right now.

[spikester7878]

Side note the shop did a lot of little repairs I had no idea about until I started working on it today. For instance they put the splash guard that goes in the front on and they replaced some weather stripping like the one on the windshield cowl. I had no idea these cars came with a splash guard.

[popo8]

Side note the shop did a lot of little repairs I had no idea about until I started working on it today. For instance they put the splash guard that goes in the front on and they replaced some weather stripping like the one on the windshield cowl. I had no idea these cars came with a splash guard.
U mean the air damn? Or up inside the nose?

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

I'll take a picture of it to make it easy

[popo8]

I'll take a picture of it to make it easy
Lol... ok. Np.

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

That little splash guard is definitely not a factory piece. I removed it. I also finally got the valve covers on. One of the bolts was bent so I got a replacement from canton. I noticed it is still smoking on the passenger side, and I can't figure out where it is coming from. Any ideas where to look?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYwEHz2_maA

[popo8]

That little splash guard is definitely not a factory piece. I removed it. I also finally got the valve covers on. One of the bolts was bent so I got a replacement from canton. I noticed it is still smoking on the passenger side, and I can't figure out where it is coming from. Any ideas where to look?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYwEHz2_maA
Check ur vc gasket seal all the way around for wet spots...

LTXtech.com IS my drug...
OWNER/ADMIN

[spikester7878]

Another revival. The car sat for a long time and I've slowly been chipping away at it. Finally installed the petris opti with a bit of fighting from the car thanks to the aluminum intake elbow and the tall, Canton valve covers. Its starting and running, but is backfiring a bit. I marked the pin position and made sure the female teeth were good. I'm currently swapping the fuel fouled plugs and am going to try the ICM tomorrow as well. How on earth do you guys change the plugs with LPP headers. I thouht the pacesetters were tight [emoji1787]

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

Thanks for the guidance Cathead!

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Cathead]

Thanks for the guidance Cathead!

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk I'm glad I could help, brother

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

Came out pretty nice aside from desperately needing a detail....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190606/d6da08ab11e1bfc89e6aab49e7917d62.jpg

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Cathead]

Still looking good! The white color looks like it's holding up well

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

Yea, its holding up pretty well. I definitely have to repaint the CAI though. The white still pops really nice when its cleaned up. I was afraid it was going to stain when I was swapping the fuel injectors recently but its held up fine. I may ceramic coat it and the valve covers with an industrial coating soon or IGL Wheel if it will hold up to the heat

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Cathead]

White under a hood is a bold choice and it looks awesome

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

Ran great this morning and now isn't starting again. I'm about ready to turn it into a MK19 target

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Cathead]

What kind of symptoms?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

Seems like a fuel pump issue. Its cranking and tries to start if I give it some gas but nothing. I'm going to pop off a fuel line tomorrow to see if its getting fuel

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Cathead]

Seems like a fuel pump issue. Its cranking and tries to start if I give it some gas but nothing. I'm going to pop off a fuel line tomorrow to see if its getting fuel

Sent from my SM-G960U using TapatalkThat sucks, man. I hope it's an easy fix, whatever it is.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

Thanks man. I'm just getting really frustrated and pissed off. I'm moving to NY on the 16th and this bitch is fighting me every step

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Cathead]

Thanks man. I'm just getting really frustrated and pissed off. I'm moving to NY on the 16th and this bitch is fighting me every step

Sent from my SM-G960U using TapatalkThat deadline is tough but maybe it's just a fuse, relay or connector

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

Yea, hopefully. I'm going to troubleshoot tomorrow after work. I was too pissed off to do anything productive

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

whoever buys this beast will be getting a mostly new car at this point :laugh:

[Cathead]

You might decide to keep it [emoji106]

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

Nope

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[popo8]

Ran great this morning and now isn't starting again. I'm about ready to turn it into a MK19 target

Sent from my SM-G960U using TapatalkWhat's it doin?

LTXtech.com is my drug...

[Injuneer]

Check the fuel pressure. Pressure is just as important as flow.

[spikester7878]

I was thinking about the pressure as well. I'm going to do the usual cheapest to most expensive fix

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[spikester7878]

its basically acting like its 180ed out.