PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

From this previous post:
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... f=20&t=851

I started tearing it down today. Got as far as removing the intake manifold and valve covers. Tomorrow I will have the front cover off. Currently the waterpump and everything else is off the front. I need to drain the oil and remove the pan next.

Here are the pics:

Before the work started


Looks like I need a new grommet (haven't looked for the other half yet


TB removed


Fuel rail


Inside the intake


Bottom of intake


From the top


The good stuff:

Looks like there is room for some porting. There is also a question of this motor being apart before. Did Felpro make OEM gaskets? There is also evidence of these plastic gaskets deteriorating also. Here are the gasket pics. Will try to get better ones tomorrow.

Looks like the LIM gaskets were over-torqued at some point.

willwren wrote:Looks like the LIM gaskets were over-torqued at some point.

I was looking at them a little closer today and it does seem like they were over torqued. I remember now that there was a couple of bolts a little tight.


It's too early for you Bill, I don't have the UIM and LIM set-up. I just have the IM. Have you had your second cup yet?

please hit the Macro button on your camera before taking anymore close-up shots

harofreak00 wrote:please hit the Macro button on your camera before taking anymore close-up shots

Sorry, wasn't thinking. Late night trying to get to a certain point before I went to bed.

You know what I mean by LIM gaskets. They're the same regardless of the 'unified' LN3/LG3 setup. I've seen so many of these gaskets, the 'mashing' around the coolant ports really jumps out as over-torquing because there's no erosion anywhere. Other than that, your gaskets look great.

(on the third cup now)

Hmmm... Someone has been in there before... The gaskets you took off are Fel Pro... And GM did not have the Orange lower gaskets stock... They should have been gray..

You know any time I can give you some crap I will. I know you know what you are talking about, ya know.

Here are some better pics with the camera set right. The head to gasket match is about the same. I think I'll get the dremmel out.

I need to do this to both of my cars!! The inside of the engine looks really clean though

I'm getting ready to pick up an extra UIM and LIM to port them in advance of swapping them out. Are you going with Fel-Pro as replacements?

Looks like I need to buy a torque wrench too...

Ok guys, on to the questions.

1. Should I replace the bearing and spring on the end of the cam shaft?
2. Should I replace the oil pressure valve and spring?
3. Should I just replace the oil pump, take measurements, or leave it alone?

I have the front cover off and the filter housing removed but the pump is still assembled. I want to make sure this lasts for a long time and there is not a big rush to get it done.

As for the pressure before I started, it is an LE with just the idiot light no gage.

I'm thinking since the springs and the plunger is the same as the S2 believe it or not, order an oil pressure kit from INTENSE to bump it up a few psi.

Don't replace the pump unless you got lots of scoring. Even then, the timing cover side needs to be smooth. Otherwise, stick with the stock stuff.

Not sure about the bearing and spring thing...never heard of them being in there.

sandrock wrote:I'm thinking since the springs and the plunger is the same as the S2 believe it or not, order an oil pressure kit from INTENSE to bump it up a few psi.

Don't replace the pump unless you got lots of scoring. Even then, the timing cover side needs to be smooth. Otherwise, stick with the stock stuff.

Not sure about the bearing and spring thing...never heard of them being in there.

Wonder if he's talking about the cam button bearing? Rides on the timing cover to help keep the cam from "walking" forward.

Just my 2 pennies...

Yes, that is what I am talking about. That is what they call it in the fsm.

Sent Scott an email at intense to see what he thinks about the compatability with the 89 the spring is.

We'll see.

Update....................

Todd (intense) just informed me that Bill Wren used this kit in his series 1 and it worked. All the kits I look at for mine say they are the same for the 88-94, so I think I'll try it.

Yes the intense oil pressure kit should work for you.... Make sure your original plunger has no hole in it... I don't think it will

Yes the button and spring should be inspected.... Mainly you are looking for wear on both the button and the timming cover face... If they are not that bad you will be fine..

On the oil pump, if you have had no issues at all with oil pressure, I'd leave it well enough alone.. Its not too common to have one of these pumps fail

Works great on the Zilla. I can't imagine the LN3 being different.

Any updates on the progress?

Wow. great thread. Good to see a good ole LN3 being taken care of.

Read through some..well most of the thread...and didn't see much to what I'm wondering..

I see you're replacing the cam sensor magnet? Are you replacing the timing chain? New cam? Mild-moderate cam sure would be nice to spunk up an LN3. Lifter valley looks pretty *dang* good and clean.

Ever find the rest of that grommet? Mine did the same thing...never leaked because it just was sucking and already made a good seal...if you get one..could you post the part number for the replacement? I obviously don't need one anymore, but the information could be valuable to me as I wasn't able to find one.

Oil pressure kit should be excellent! That'll keep that thing alive for years to come....and it doesn't seem like the body is going anywhere soon...since you guys don't have salt there...nor do you have the intense sun of the south...perfect place to keep a car...as long as you're not trying to keep it dry!

Best of luck! I'll definitely be following this one.

wjcollier07 wrote:I see you're replacing the cam sensor magnet? Are you replacing the timing chain? New cam? Mild-moderate cam sure would be nice to spunk up an LN3. Lifter valley looks pretty *dang* good and clean.

Ever find the rest of that grommet?

Had my last week of classes this week and finals on Monday. I work all weekend, so I plan on hitting it hard over the next couple of weeks. Just mainly cleaning things up right now.

I don't plan on doing anything with the cam or crank. There were no issues before I started and don't want to cause any now. This is going to be my daughters car and I want it to be in top shape. (well, she will be learning to drive in it, but it will always be mine)

Yes, I am putting a new timing set in it. I did disassmble the oil pump and there are no marks inside the housing at all (actually surprised me) and all the castings have date codes of 89 on them. The cam button doesn't even look like it was touching the cover.

The grommet for the valve cover: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDeta ... 38&PTSet=A

Wasn't hard to find, just typed in grommet in the search bar.

I will keep this updated as I go along. It has just been a busy week.

I got most of my parts cleaned up and ready to do some Pand P (paint and polish). What would be a good paint to use on things like the timing cover, oil pan and such? I know the thermostat is 180, but I want a paint that will last. Along the same lines, what is a good temp range to look for on wire loom? I have been seeing a lot rated at only 200 degrees.

For the paint
http://www.duplicolor.com/products/engine.html

And I haven't found a good loom yet either, the Taylor stuff I have now is sub par.