Any updates on the outcome of this rebuilt???I like how you this this,very methodical!!!

Been driving the car around regularly, did another oil change (still Dyno for now) and getting ready to swap out the stock v-ram chip for the RS version. Runs great!

Did you took care of the oil leaks??

Nope, not yet - I figure there are plently of cold and wet months for me to do that :)

Well, that sucks!!

Gee :rolleyes: - I guess it would be more fun to pull and re-seal the motor (which for me and my work/family life would be at _least_ a month) instead of driving every day with the windows and sunroof open and enjoying the 3.8 puuuush from back there....

Well, as long the oil is not dripping on a hot surface (eg. headers)it won't be that much of a pain!

My car is still leaking at the thermostat housing. I went in once to fix it and I thought I had it all sealed up, and then it started leaking again. I havent gotten back to it again yet.

I am dropping the engine next week to start the supercharger install so I guess I will look at it then.

Kirk

My understanding is 3.8 pistons/cylinders drop onto a 3.6 case? Or does the case need to be bored?

Thanks,
Scott

There are slip-fit and machine in variants of the 102s; traditionally, then you can go to 104s at the larger 109 case register.

In this case I used the machining required version, which is generally acknowleged to be stronger.

Great thread! Really enjoyed reading it.

A little vid or two might round it out nicely, don't you think?

ianc

Status Update: Recently reinstalled this engine after tearing it down to seal the base of the cylinders with Threebond 1211, install a new flywheel seal and new case thru bolt o-rings. I went with the Wayne book approach of using a very small amount of sealer (1211 in my build) under the case thru bolt washers and nuts/bolt heads. Also installed a set of Imagine Auto lower valve covers. Pleased to report that there are no leaks!! Whew.

Also installed some software to try and get the engine running closer to potential - Steve Wong provided a baseline chip (3.8 RS I think) and I will be getting a dyno run done to complete a custom chip. But even the baseline chip is much better than the ROW V-Ram programming I was running (that I never really pushed hard).

Keep us posted on the dyno run Chris! Congrats...

Congrats!

Ten years ago now. Looking back, was it worth it to go 3.8? I might be in line to do the same. Also, how many hours did you spend on this project DIY?

Thanks,
Lou

It was a great build and I would do it again anytime. Engine ran great (I have since sold car). A full tear down and rebuild is about 90 hours of labor depending on the options pursued.