My Astro engine V6 to V6 swap

[Astrovator]

Ok, here it goes, with pictures as requested. It started with a knock that I couldn't identify. Until last moment I believed that it is something simple. Good oil pressure mislead me. First it was making a knocking sound when I trhottled it up and then let go, so on transition from high to idle it woild knock. Later it would knock when hot all the time, an finally it would knock hot or cold. But as I mentioned - the oil pressure was good.
Oh, I forgott - it is '98 Astro RWD with 250000 km on it. So finally I drove it into my tiny garage, with only 1' spase on each side, and drained the oil - it was like black metallic paint. Dropped the oil pan and found #5 connectin rod losse, in fact about 1/8" play. So searched the internet, found this forum, read all threads about engine swap and desided to do it. Ordered a reman long block, and started removing all the junk out of the way.
So now she is ready for big lift, which I hope to do this weekend.
Here it goes:

[doyoulikeithere]

Thanks for sharing those great pics!

Can I ask where you ordered your remaned long block?
I recently bought one from http://www.hiperformer.com Real happy with it.
Well, good luck with your project Astrovator.

Keep the pics coming....

[chevy57bert]

Your on the right track here at AS.com.
I see that your workshop is wider then mine.

good post with pictures.
keep us posted

[Astrovator]

I've ordered my block here locally from Dominion Auto, but they are getting it from US. Was supposed to be here on Thursday, but was changed for Monday. Well, on meantime I'll pull the old one, clean up some rust from the frame, perhaps reline the brakes, inspect front suspensions.

[Matrixx]

Great pictures Astrovator, thanks for posting them.

Hopefully their will be more to come with your motor swap.

Thanks.

[sfeaver]

Im on the east mountain, your neighbourhood looks similar. You near by? I just put the frame back in my van a couple of weeks ago so things are still fresh in mind if you run in to a snag..

Scott

[Astrovator]

Im on the east mountain, your neighbourhood looks similar. You near by? I just put the frame back in my van a couple of weeks ago so things are still fresh in mind if you run in to a snag..

Scott

East Mtg too, see PM. So far things go smoothly. Don't be shy, if you see me working, stop and let's have a chat.
One question for you - where do you get your parts? I'm using Parts Source. Used to buy parts from A&A Discount they are cheap, but their brake rotors last only 2-3 months, so I'm a bit concerned about them.

[Astrovator]

Some progress. I managed to get the "Beast" out on Friday night Took me 3.5 hrs. I've done engine swaps before, but not this way, so I was a little nervous. Spent Saturday cleaning up and relining front brakes, and of course half a dosen trips to auto parts store to finally get the right parts.
A little hickup during the lift - forgot to undo the fuel line bracket from the transmission. Later when I tried to pull the motor, the transmission fell of the support and destroyed rear mount ($100 mistake), and ATF all over the floor. Otherwise all went pretty smoth.

[Astrovator]

Couple of questions:
- is it worth to change transmission oil seals while I'm in there, are they available?
- frame mounts (rubber bushings) - should I reuse the old ones, or new are available and it is better to get new ones (will have to replace one of the bolts, it is almost 50% rusted away)?
Motor mounts seems to be in descent shape so I'll reuse those.

[chevy57bert]

Check those engine mounts for wear. this the time.
nice brake lines. you don`t have to worry about that anymore.

[Astrovator]

Check those engine mounts for wear. this the time.
nice brake lines. you don`t have to worry about that anymore.

They look allright, Is anything in particular to check on them?

[Astrovator]

I always prefer to stay with original parts, sometimes an old original one will outlast new aftermarket.

[chevy57bert]

Check those engine mounts for wear. this the time.
nice brake lines. you don`t have to worry about that anymore.

They look allright, Is anything in particular to check on them?

no nothing special. just take a look if there not cracked .
it`s harder to changed them with the engine in it..... ask Luci
I don`t now about the rubber bushings. but if they look good, dont` replace them.
this is the time for a 2inch lift..

viewtopic.php?f=40&t=7256
Gone Blue made a good post with lots of info..

[Astrovator]

I would do the lift, but I need this one back on the road ASAP.

Now how about the frame bushings - reuse old, or buy new?

[chevy57bert]

I would do the lift, but I need this one back on the road ASAP.

Now how about the frame bushings - reuse old, or buy new?

If you want to do a lift later then use the old ones.
Or order the thicker lift bushings.
Take a look at Gone Blues Topic, and decide what You wanna do...

[sfeaver]

I generally get my parts in the US now. I have a mailbox in NIagara Falls, NY and have it shipped there and go pick it up. I deal with a dealership near Philidelphia that is about 15% over cost. Dealer cost in Canada is exactly 200% of cost in the US so the prices down there are pretty reasonable.

Also get alot of stuff from RockAuto.com too. If I need something in a hurry I have a friend at a dealership, but I buy stuff in the US cheaper than his cost.

I replaced all the bushings and bolts when I did mine, i think it was about 150 US or so total. That was for GM stuff.. I dont think there is any aftermarket for it.

Scott

[sfeaver]

Do any of your mounts look worn? I still have all my old ones, if you have a bad one maybe there in better shape. I'm just gonna toss em so your welcome to them. I have to go to burlington for a bit tomorrow, but I will try to pop in for a quick visit if I can..

Scott

[chevy57bert]

Do any of your mounts look worn? I still have all my old ones, if you have a bad one maybe there in better shape. I'm just gonna toss em so your welcome to them. I have to go to burlington for a bit tomorrow, but I will try to pop in for a quick visit if I can..

Scott

Watch out Astrovator. Scott is talking you in to a V8 Swap

[chevy57bert]

I generally get my parts in the US now. I have a mailbox in NIagara Falls, NY and have it shipped there and go pick it up. I deal with a dealership near Philidelphia that is about 15% over cost. Dealer cost in Canada is exactly 200% of cost in the US so the prices down there are pretty reasonable.

Also get alot of stuff from RockAuto.com too. If I need something in a hurry I have a friend at a dealership, but I buy stuff in the US cheaper than his cost.

I replaced all the bushings and bolts when I did mine, i think it was about 150 US or so total. That was for GM stuff.. I dont think there is any aftermarket for it.

Scott

Looks that Canada is the same as The Netherlands with the prices..

[sfeaver]

Yes you are right there! And alot of the parts are made here in Canada but are cheaper to buy after they have been shipped to the USA.