That block looks trashed, lol... Definitely not what I seen as I opened up my LSJ project, lol...

Could you photo the (intake and exhaust) ports for me, please? Just wanting to compare to my LSJ... If you were closer, I would be happy to port it for ya...

 

I have torn down the engine in the gold car. It had the early restricted chain oil nozzle. The main chain broke, it is one long chain with a broken link on each end. The balance shaft chain also shows wear and will be replaced also. The water pump was dripping when I raised the car on the rack. It bent two intake and six exhaust valves, the engine is very clean inside. So I ordered this parts list today, should be everything except coolant and oil.

 

Man, $5.79 EACH for AC spark plugs? You get all that at a dealership?

 

No, that is RockAuto online. I use that series plug in the GM trucks at work. It is a true 100,000 mile plug. I ordered two sets of head bolts on EBay. This is the car I am rebuilding for a grandson, he turns 15 this week. I will drive it for the next 6 months or so and repair any other problems. The air conditioning and the transmission are still unknowns. This car has California E.P.A. smog and the other sedan is a 49 state car. I will compare any obvious differences and let you know.

 

From what I'm aware, most 4T40 transmissions seem to last forever behind the L61, the one in our old L200 had 262k on it, and was working fine when the engine went out and we crushed the car...

 

The 4t45 in my LW300 has seen better days, when hot it will fail on the 1-2 shift and turn on the wrench light. I can spin 2nd gear if I tip in the throttle at the wrong time. I am looking forward to the l61/5 speed in the silver sedan. If I really like the combo but not the sedan I have everything to convert my wagon, time will tell. Parts arrive for the gold L61 early next week.

 

I couldn't say whether it was the original trans or not... I know our little L61s lack the torque of that V6, so the trans you have might still be good...

And yes, you'll enjoy that F23 trans... I know I really miss the third pedal while im driving my Malibu

 

I drove my 4/5 early Metro for several years, I miss that third pedal also.

 

All the parts showed up by Saturday so today I worked on the gold car. I replaced 16 valves and seals, installed the cylinder head, water pump and assorted piping, both manifolds and the throttle body. I ordered just the guides and tensioner for the small chain. The small chain drives the balance shafts and the water pump in this engine. The guides showed a little wear but the sprockets looked good. Also Rock Auto didn't sell a Cloyes kit for the little chain, just components. I will install the cams and the big chain kit and crank for oil pressure before buttoning up the engine. It will run tomorrow, I will let you know how well it runs tomorrow.

 

excellent sir.

in all seriousness, must be nice to have the knowledge and manual dexterity to fly through the work as you do.

We may need to form a company---Bones included---that does nothing but hot rod Saturns as they approach classic car status......