99 SAFARI 2WD DRIVER BUILD

[sixsix]

Thanks for the update...

Thought maybe the coronaMIBriotdemoprotestBLDMmonster got you.

[JD_GM]

After some research and checking, I ordered a Cloyes C3211 timing chain. It's twice the size of the one listed for the '99. Hopefully it all works because it is numbered for "up to '98" but it installed perfectly and the hall sensor pickup lined up properly. Here are some pictures comparing it to the other chain which was a stock replacement.

I didn't want to end up putting the "factory fix" adjuster or risk breaking that smaller chain because of the added power of the engine (probably would have been fine) but the heavy duty Cloyes C3211 was just immensely better all around!

Sprocket is literally double the thickness

Both are true roller chains but the rollers on the Cloyes are double size! Very nice product.

The chain was also tighter but just enough slack to install it. I put 2 drops of blue locktite on the cam sprocket bolts and tightened them to 22 ft lbs.

The crank sprocket went on solid with a 1 1/2" pipe

dots line up

[JD_GM]

It takes TIME to build a motor! All the little things that can come up and surprise you.

Had to order the timing cover and install the oil pump after welding the pickup tube in place.

Welder broke so I got an exhaust shop to zap it. 66 ft lbs on the pump bolt. Day trip to drop welder off.

Cleaned and painted the pan (didn't want the aluminum to be able to oxidize anymore).

Installed the pan and used Permatex "Right Stuff" in the corners which is one step above the Ultra Black. The Right Stuff is the same formula as Toyota FIPG from what I hear.

Drilled the pushrod holes in the head for more angle since I'm using 1.6 rocker arms. The one on the right is drilled to 1/2" and elongated toward and from the valve. The hole on left is stock.

You can see 2 of the rocker arm studs which are almost removed. Those are the stock ones to be pulled out. I haven't installed the correct adjustable ones yet.

[TowVan]

Great write up. Looking fwd to seeing the final results. If my 99 does not sell soon, I have looked at the possibility of a 95 cam and 1.6 rockers for it. Trans is already set for towing, so a small
bump in torque would be great!

[sixsix]

Darn !!

Having to buy that whole new Beautiful Timing Cover - drat.
Heck, having to cover up that gorgeous Timing Chain would seem like a crime.
New one looks like Artwork for me.

Do you recall what the pt # is on those heads ? On the left in that 'elong'd. hole pic. ?

Thanks also for avoiding buying any 'other' porn this month - LOL

[sixsix]

Any Updates ?? - we're all holding our breath over here...
Hoping all is OK.

[JD_GM]

Work, life, weather and everything caught up with me but the motor is ready to go in. I installed the intake on it and realized I had to take the intake off again so that I could install the engine into the compartment... the way it came out...with no intake... Updates and more details to come.

[JD_GM]

I cut the EGR pipe off and went to a later intake.

I used a bearing (5/8"?) to plug the hole in the exhaust manifold and cut the tube. Used the old hardware and chamfered the pipe part to mount it down.

Mahle gasket with metal center was much better than the cheaper Fel Pros that came with the rebuild gasket set.

Lot of little things that take up time. Of course after I installed the intake and throttle body I realized I had to remove the intake again. To get the engine installed. Haha.

[JD_GM]

Another view with the preemptive intake installed. The valve covers are also the older style because the later Vortec plastic ones don't fit over these 1.6 rockers and the way we did the valvetrain. I ordered these from eBay they are for a Marine 4.3 stock stamped steel older Vortec I think '87 up? Cant remember.

This is where it's at today, ready to go in.

I will post some other pictures that backtrack on the build a little. I have to find them in my phone.

[JD_GM]

A look back to the heads installation

sharp edges taken off in chamber with a sandpaper roll

gasket i chose this one because it was thinner i think .030 as compared to something like the .045 Felpro

new head bolts with sealer, i did the right sequence but the torque stretch method sucks i did it my way based on another guys experience building a few 4.3's that ran real good (he had a few others fail using the stretch method), so hopefully i chose right.

[JD_GM]

new lifters soaking in oil before putting them in

ARP mains and rod bolts with the ARP moly thread lube. I tried Summit brand main studs/nuts which I didn't like and then Summit bolts and didn't like them either. ARP are much better quality.

[ASTROMATT0630]

Cant wait to see this thing in your VAN! Didint think anyone cared about a V6 LOL

[AstroWill]

Cant wait to see this thing in your VAN! Didint think anyone cared about a V6 LOL

LOL if you listen to some around here you would think that everyone hates them. Of course that is BS as 99% of every Astro/Safari van I come across has a v6 in it. Everything that you can do to improve a v6 also works for a v8 and vice versa. As far as costs go, I feel it's a better bang for the buck to do a v8 swap, better parts availability, better power to weight ratio(vehicle weight) as well. But not everyone wants or can do that, to each their own; we love them all.

Some people have 6 and some have 8, be happy, treat it good and enjoy what you got.

[ASTROMATT0630]

I know not alot of Astros in the 2000 model year came V8 so doing a V6 clean rebuild is nice to see also. Keep going!

Cant wait to see this thing in your VAN! Didint think anyone cared about a V6 LOL

LOL if you listen to some around here you would think that everyone hates them. Of course that is BS as 99% of every Astro/Safari van I come across has a v6 in it. Everything that you can do to improve a v6 also works for a v8 and vice versa. As far as costs go, I feel it's a better bang for the buck to do a v8 swap, better parts availability, better power to weight ratio(vehicle weight) as well. But not everyone wants or can do that, to each their own; we love them all.

Some people have 6 and some have 8, be happy, treat it good and enjoy what you got.

[sixsix]

I know not a lot of Astros in the 2000 model year came V8 ...

" rolling on the floor laughing "

... Some people have 6 and some have 8, be happy, treat it good and enjoy what you got.

Sadly & Easily the best advice I have heard in 5 years.

[Leeann_93]

I know not alot of Astros in the 2000 model year came V8 so doing a V6 clean rebuild is nice to see also. Keep going!

Not a single Astro or Safari of any year came with a V8.