Started my L99 to LS3 conversion and new cam install today!...Photos and Videos - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

1Camaro2SS · 10-21-2012, 08:28 PM

I actually haven't covered them yet. I will def do it tho. More pics to come tomorrow night.

1Camaro2SS · 10-21-2012, 08:31 PM

But yeah I'd like to clean those pistons and valves. What do you suggest? Pistons are not coming out tho. Lol, just the surface.

2011ozzy · 10-21-2012, 09:18 PM

Looks like you are knocking it out are you doing the oil pump or timing chain?Just curious.

1Camaro2SS · 10-21-2012, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011ozzy

Looks like you are knocking it out are you doing the oil pump or timing chain?Just curious.

Yes, i will be replacing the chain with a C5R just because I'm there although I don't think it's necessary. The pump, i'm still on the fence since the L99 already has a high volume pump, different than the LS3 and these pumps haven't failed but i haven't made a decision yet.

Regardless which pump I use though, I will be taking it apart during the install and measure for proper clearance around the crankshaft.

Ject · 10-21-2012, 09:38 PM

You sir are much braver then I.
I can't even begin to think about tearing mine apart that far.... I thought It was hellish enough that I took the entire transmission out for the torque converter then put it back in.... I can only imagine my dumbass screwing up something simple with the engine.

1Camaro2SS · 10-21-2012, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ject

You sir are much braver then I.
I can't even begin to think about tearing mine apart that far.... I thought It was hellish enough that I took the entire transmission out for the torque converter then put it back in.... I can only imagine my dumbass screwing up something simple with the engine.

I'm not a professional mechanic but I have done a tremendous amount of research on this engine. This is my first engine tear down ever. I was inspired by robertway's DIY thread and said to myself that I can do it with patience and help of other when questions come up. You just need to be 100 percent confident of every move you make in the process. Being organized helps and documenting what you do. I've been taking lots of pics for reference if I need to go back and see how stuff was. I just posted very few on here.

At first I was going to do a VVT-3 cam but decided on a 3-bolt cam instead. I've read all about the oil pump installation pains and decided that the proper way to do it is to take the engine out and also replace the oil pan gasket. After all I need a stall converter.

Yep, the trans is another beast and for me that will not need to come out.

Ivan @ Southwest Speed · 10-22-2012, 11:27 AM

That's what's up! Nice!

Kudos to you for not being afraid of this. Love seeing ANYBODY turn their own wrenches!

Good luck and can't wait to see how it comes out. Rawr!!
Ivan

1Camaro2SS · 10-22-2012, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ivan @ Southwest Speed

That's what's up! Nice!

Kudos to you for not being afraid of this. Love seeing ANYBODY turn their own wrenches!

Good luck and can't wait to see how it comes out. Rawr!!
Ivan

Thanks Ivan! It's the only way you're gonna learn. Sure it can be costly if mistakes are made but you take your chances. I've been itching for a new challenge. Something I've never done before. I've been wanting to do something like this for a long time.

I will post few more pics in a bit. Progress has been made today

but I need to go back to work tomorrow so the engine will need to wait. Uhgh! I know where my mind will be all day. Lol

litle88 · 10-22-2012, 07:52 PM

Built not bought! I have always like that.
This book by Chris Werner has been very insightful to me.
I believe all Camaro5 members should have a copy! Maybe they wouldn't be so intimidated by their car lol.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/193249460X

1Camaro2SS · 10-22-2012, 08:05 PM

Ok folks, i have just added 8 more photos. As you can see the motor is out and ready for further tear down. I need to go back to work tomorrow so all work will resume whenever I get a chance...most likely during next weekend. Pulling the engine out of the car was a lot easier than I though although great care and thought was taken during the process especially separating the motor from the trans. Having the right angles on the engine and trans was very important here.

litle88 · 10-22-2012, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Camaro2SS

But yeah I'd like to clean those pistons and valves. What do you suggest? Pistons are not coming out tho. Lol, just the surface.

On the pistons I bring them to TDC and use seafoam, mineral spirits and a scotch pad "lightly" making sure to wipe it all down towards the bottom of the piston so it falls out of the block.

For the heads since the valves are closed I've used brake cleaner and spray it so nothing gets to the valve springs or down towards the seals. I hope that makes sense.

1Camaro2SS · 10-22-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litle88

On the pistons I bring them to TDC and use seafoam, mineral spirits and a scotch pad "lightly" making sure to wipe it all down towards the bottom of the piston so it falls out of the block.

For the heads since the valves are closed I've used brake cleaner and spray it so nothing gets to the valve springs or down towards the seals. I hope that makes sense.

Thanks man, I really need to clean those pistons and valves. I will consider what you said. Also, The springs and seals are not replaced yet so it should be ok if they get cleaner on them i guess. Once the heads are cleaned, i will install the springs and hardware.

I was really surprised at how much carbon buildup there was on the pistons for 11K miles. Is this normal or related to a bad or aggressive tune? Also, I realize I need a oil catch can and I plan to install one. There is a ton of oil in the intake manifold.

markmass · 10-22-2012, 08:16 PM

Subscribed... You Sir have a couple pumpkins hidden down there!! I tore down a few engines years ago back in the UK, but they were little 4 bangers and hoisted out with 4x4 piece of wood some rope and a mate the other side. learnt as i went along

I would loved to have done mine, but alas i left to GET TORQ to do the business. Have a fairly similar set-up to you Comp cam 223/243 113LSA

Good luck, and I'll be following!!

litle88 · 10-22-2012, 08:17 PM

Now is the time to change the oil cooler if you'd like, I hear they leak a lot. Just my .2

I was going to use these guys but my headers are 2" and clearance was "0"! Lol

http://www.improvedracing.com/adapte...6737d59f4f616b

Then I got this one and it was the same lol
http://www.improvedracing.com/adapte...6737d59f4f616b

Food for thought lol

10-21-2012, 08:28 PM	#15
1Camaro2SS Drives: 2010 2SS/RS L99 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 1,430 View My Garage	I actually haven't covered them yet. I will def do it tho. More pics to come tomorrow night. __________________ 432 RWHP 391 RWTQ 12.37 1/4 mile on stock tires

10-21-2012, 08:31 PM	#16
1Camaro2SS Drives: 2010 2SS/RS L99 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 1,430 View My Garage	But yeah I'd like to clean those pistons and valves. What do you suggest? Pistons are not coming out tho. Lol, just the surface. __________________ 432 RWHP 391 RWTQ 12.37 1/4 mile on stock tires

10-21-2012, 09:38 PM	#19
Ject aka Patrick Drives: '10 Camaro 2SS '04 Silverado Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Derby Kansas Posts: 3,072	You sir are much braver then I. I can't even begin to think about tearing mine apart that far.... I thought It was hellish enough that I took the entire transmission out for the torque converter then put it back in.... I can only imagine my dumbass screwing up something simple with the engine. __________________ Current Modifications: Your average Bolt-ons & Suspension Upgrades GForce Engineering: 9" Rear End, Strange Pro Iron Case w/Moser Nodular 3.70:1 Detroit locker, 3.5" Solid Drive Shaft

10-22-2012, 07:52 PM	#23
litle88 V8 Lounge member #2 Drives: 2001 Ws6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Burbank,IL Posts: 6,373	Built not bought! I have always like that. This book by Chris Werner has been very insightful to me. I believe all Camaro5 members should have a copy! Maybe they wouldn't be so intimidated by their car lol. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/193249460X __________________ 2001 ws6, 40k miles, Ls3 416 stroker, short block built by PER the rest by me. LPE Ls3 heads milled to 12-1 comp, FAST 102, NW 102, kooks 2", dual DMH cutouts, Magnaflow C/B, BTR cam + springs. Full UMI suspension.

10-22-2012, 08:05 PM	#24
1Camaro2SS Drives: 2010 2SS/RS L99 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 1,430 View My Garage	Ok folks, i have just added 8 more photos. As you can see the motor is out and ready for further tear down. I need to go back to work tomorrow so all work will resume whenever I get a chance...most likely during next weekend. Pulling the engine out of the car was a lot easier than I though although great care and thought was taken during the process especially separating the motor from the trans. Having the right angles on the engine and trans was very important here. Attached Images __________________ 432 RWHP 391 RWTQ 12.37 1/4 mile on stock tires Last edited by 1Camaro2SS; 11-21-2012 at 10:50 PM.

10-21-2012, 09:18 PM	#17
2011ozzy Drives: 2011 ss Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: elkton Posts: 98 View My Garage	Looks like you are knocking it out are you doing the oil pump or timing chain?Just curious.

10-22-2012, 11:27 AM	#21
Ivan @ Southwest Speed Drives: '15 Z06, '01 NBM SS, '97 SS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho, NM Posts: 12,170	That's what's up! Nice! Kudos to you for not being afraid of this. Love seeing ANYBODY turn their own wrenches! Good luck and can't wait to see how it comes out. Rawr!! Ivan

10-22-2012, 08:16 PM	#27
markmass TRI-COUNTY CAMAROS Drives: 2SS/RS Oct 2009 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Coral Springs Florida Posts: 448 View My Garage	Subscribed... You Sir have a couple pumpkins hidden down there!! I tore down a few engines years ago back in the UK, but they were little 4 bangers and hoisted out with 4x4 piece of wood some rope and a mate the other side. learnt as i went along I would loved to have done mine, but alas i left to GET TORQ to do the business. Have a fairly similar set-up to you Comp cam 223/243 113LSA Good luck, and I'll be following!! __________________ GET-TORQ custom CAM 223/243 LSA113, Full LS3 conversion, 3200 stall Multi-Disk TC from Circle-D, B&M Supercooler to cool that tranny down....1 7/8" Kooks Headers and High flowCats. MACH XL Catbacks. Eibach springs, R2C Performance CAI, powdercoated calipers, Footwell lighting in tune with dome lights, tints, ABL Lighting, ACS T3 ports and ACS Eagle T3 triple LED lighting kit. Heritage grill, Hex vents, ZL1 rockers, ZL1 Diffuser, Quad tips...the list keeps getting longer - whats next??

10-22-2012, 08:17 PM	#28
litle88 V8 Lounge member #2 Drives: 2001 Ws6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Burbank,IL Posts: 6,373	Now is the time to change the oil cooler if you'd like, I hear they leak a lot. Just my .2 I was going to use these guys but my headers are 2" and clearance was "0"! Lol http://www.improvedracing.com/adapte...6737d59f4f616b Then I got this one and it was the same lol http://www.improvedracing.com/adapte...6737d59f4f616b Food for thought lol __________________ 2001 ws6, 40k miles, Ls3 416 stroker, short block built by PER the rest by me. LPE Ls3 heads milled to 12-1 comp, FAST 102, NW 102, kooks 2", dual DMH cutouts, Magnaflow C/B, BTR cam + springs. Full UMI suspension.