REBUILD THREAD....MY 99 Grand Am

darkangels · 11-07-2009, 02:03 AM

My grand am was practally give to me by my brother. The engine was knocking real bad, and if I fix it. Then it's another sweet ride that I could have.. I would really like to keep my grand am stock. No body kit, No Aftermarket wheels, just new lights, and engine upgrades, and exhuast.

Today We will pull the top end of the engine to see the condition of the pistons, and determine if we are going to do I full rebuild due to the spun rods or just a partial rebuild. The GA only has 93K on it. And buying another engine just isn't a option. Unless the block is cracked, or something horrible is really gone bad. If the pistons are ok.. I am going to port the heads, and get a ported intake manifold, and 62mm TB, maybe perhaps larger injectors. I am hoping that these little mods wont jack up the trans, but just give me a little power to play with the local racers.. If the pistons are screwed....Im going to go all out on her...and get the block and heads checked for cracks, and build the engine up to par. If everything is good with the pistons...i am going to just replace the rod bearings, if I can get the engine out, and they need replacing..I will also replace the mains...

Worse case:
is a crank kit- the weisco pistons, and eagle rods are going to be on the way.. so stay tune in a few hours we'll see the damage the engine has.

BTW some background...this car will be my trip car in the family, and my daily rider here and there...If you guys have got suggestions or anything..please let a brotha know what's up!

99SEminneaplis · 11-07-2009, 02:09 AM

Good luck woth your build and keep the raceing on the track.

ENGGUY · 11-07-2009, 01:26 PM

A few hours have come and gone. So whats the news?

[ChaosweaveR] · 11-07-2009, 01:31 PM

Since you have the LA1, I suggest goodies from www.wot-tech.com. Also, MP Racing has a great selection of parts and service.

Best bet on an N/A build is the LX9 top swap, headers, 2.5" exhaust, 62mm throttle body, cam, CAI, and tune.

darkangels · 11-08-2009, 03:41 PM

it aint looking to good guys...I will take some pics and show you ...But when i took off the air intake oil poured out of it...Like 2qts, i kid you not..I have never seen an engine blow back that much oil. the PCV is like not even there..

Hey is there a way to get the timing chain cover off with the engine stll in the bay. IS there a way to get the crank out...also...or do i need to get the engine out?

darkangels · 11-08-2009, 03:48 PM

wait i dont have the LA1, this is the LD9 that where talking about here...granted...i do want to do 62mm intake, ported intake, and exhuast...If the power increase there will not require me to get a manual...then i will go with that first...my goal is not to spend more than 2500$ on this car.i dont have the equipment to do a tranny swap anyway. But I just need to get the car back on the street, and if a full rebuild is going to happen then I will be building her up...HEY on my engine...I dont have a hoist mount for the cherry picker?

BansheeRideR350 · 11-09-2009, 12:25 AM

Yes you can take off the timing cover with the engine still in. Move the coolant tank and cruise control out the way. Take off the S belt. Support the engine by placing a piece of wood between the oil pan and a floorjack. Take off the motor mount. Pull the harmonic balancer off and then take the 26 bolts out of the timing cover and pull it off, there's a gasket there too.

No there is no hoist mount.

[ChaosweaveR] · 11-09-2009, 03:44 PM

LD9 = 4 cylinder.

I could have swore you had 3400 in your info.

darkangels · 11-09-2009, 09:36 PM

its ok man...i would love to have a 3400, but i dont....lol Ok guys....so the oil in the intake plenum.... what's the deal with that...does anyone know..?

BansheeRideR350 · 11-09-2009, 09:40 PM

Mine get's it too nothing to worry about, i've seen it on a few others too.

darkangels · 11-09-2009, 09:46 PM

ok...is there a cheap place to get performance pistons, cams, crank and stuff...

darkangels · 11-10-2009, 12:49 AM

hey will stock pistons hold up to the boost....if I paired stock pistons and eagle rods...will that be alright or no

darkangels · 11-11-2009, 01:09 PM

WOW- No answer at all huh....is so how do you get the motor and tranny out without it having the mounting option to use a cherry picker, and could someone tell answer my previous questions.?

2K SE · 11-11-2009, 03:09 PM

Been running the M45 on a stock motor for 45000+ miles. Might need a stronger build for a turbo though. What boost are you talking about?

darkangels · 11-11-2009, 03:34 PM

5-15 PSI max, I may not even do turbo right off the back...it might just be all intake mods, such as ported intake, 62mm TB, I might even do nitrous, if the pistons can handle it...I just want to get my ride on the road...and then i'll worry about the turbo, exhuast, and 5 speed trans.

riceburner2006 · 11-11-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkangels

5-15 PSI max, I may not even do turbo right off the back...it might just be all intake mods, such as ported intake, 62mm TB, I might even do nitrous, if the pistons can handle it...I just want to get my ride on the road...and then i'll worry about the turbo, exhuast, and 5 speed trans.

i would decide now before u rebuild the motor if ur gunna boost or keep it NA.
cuz ur intake, head, cam, etc will be affected by if ur gunna be boosting or not...different cam for a boosted car, heads done differently

darkangels · 11-11-2009, 04:01 PM

heads done differently how? If I keep her NA and keep it stock and I still run NOS or NOT?

**sudden_impulse** · 11-11-2009, 04:07 PM

High power NA builds use high compression, which will kill the engine when paired with boost (needs lower compression or it goes boom).

unleashedfury · 11-11-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sudden_impulse

High power NA builds use high compression, which will kill the engine when paired with boost (needs lower compression or it goes boom).

Your best bet is to decide what you want now. NA, Turbo, Or SC. If you go forced induction. your gonna need a dished piston. different heads, stronger valves/springs. Different intake manifolds/exhaust manifolds.

Its all gonna depend on what your intentions are. WOT all the way down the track. NOS. But I recomend a stronger than stock Engine Build if you plan on going that route

Improved Road Performance/Track Performance - Forced induction of some sort

darkangels · 11-11-2009, 10:35 PM

1.
Ok you say different heads...lets remember this is just a LD9...is there that many options out there for heads? Ok...since right now...I am on a tight budget...I'll go NA, but I want to go fast...I have a slight addiction with speed...When I get on the road...I want to be able to swallow up anything and everything.. Plans are just to get the car on the road...with a little more power than stock. I will be purchasing the 5 speed tranny, and some other things later...perhaps then I could do the performance upgrade... I want more performance...out of the stock components without crapping them out...

Like if that means ported heads, ported intake, NOS , larger injectors, MSD ignition system, 62mm TB, then I can do those minor upgrades to the engine...untill I get the dough saved up to turbo her. Friday I am going to finish tearing down the engine.

11-07-2009, 02:03 AM	#1
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	REBUILD THREAD....MY 99 Grand Am My grand am was practally give to me by my brother. The engine was knocking real bad, and if I fix it. Then it's another sweet ride that I could have.. I would really like to keep my grand am stock. No body kit, No Aftermarket wheels, just new lights, and engine upgrades, and exhuast. Today We will pull the top end of the engine to see the condition of the pistons, and determine if we are going to do I full rebuild due to the spun rods or just a partial rebuild. The GA only has 93K on it. And buying another engine just isn't a option. Unless the block is cracked, or something horrible is really gone bad. If the pistons are ok.. I am going to port the heads, and get a ported intake manifold, and 62mm TB, maybe perhaps larger injectors. I am hoping that these little mods wont jack up the trans, but just give me a little power to play with the local racers.. If the pistons are screwed....Im going to go all out on her...and get the block and heads checked for cracks, and build the engine up to par. If everything is good with the pistons...i am going to just replace the rod bearings, if I can get the engine out, and they need replacing..I will also replace the mains... Worse case: is a crank kit- the weisco pistons, and eagle rods are going to be on the way.. so stay tune in a few hours we'll see the damage the engine has. BTW some background...this car will be my trip car in the family, and my daily rider here and there...If you guys have got suggestions or anything..please let a brotha know what's up!

11-07-2009, 02:09 AM	#2
99SEminneaplis Senior Member Join Date: Apr 19, 2009 Member Number: 30629 Location: Minneapolis, MN Name: Mike Sex: M Model Year: 1999 Car: pontiac grand am SE2 Engine: 3400 v6	Good luck woth your build and keep the raceing on the track. __________________

11-07-2009, 01:31 PM	#4
[ChaosweaveR] I'MMA FULL OF RAGE Join Date: Aug 14, 2007 Member Number: 22473 Location: Coram, NY Name: Chris Age: 23 Sex: M Model Year: 2003 Car: Pontiac Grand Am GT Engine: LA1 3400 V6	Since you have the LA1, I suggest goodies from www.wot-tech.com. Also, MP Racing has a great selection of parts and service. Best bet on an N/A build is the LX9 top swap, headers, 2.5" exhaust, 62mm throttle body, cam, CAI, and tune. __________________ *GAOTW - 3/11/2008* My FQuick Page Max Power: 168HP & 215TQ

11-09-2009, 12:25 AM	#7
BansheeRideR350 Property of GAOC Join Date: Sep 08, 2008 Member Number: 27495 Location: Florida Name: JON Sex: M Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: 2.4L Twin Cam L4	Yes you can take off the timing cover with the engine still in. Move the coolant tank and cruise control out the way. Take off the S belt. Support the engine by placing a piece of wood between the oil pan and a floorjack. Take off the motor mount. Pull the harmonic balancer off and then take the 26 bolts out of the timing cover and pull it off, there's a gasket there too. No there is no hoist mount. __________________

11-09-2009, 03:44 PM	#8
[ChaosweaveR] I'MMA FULL OF RAGE Join Date: Aug 14, 2007 Member Number: 22473 Location: Coram, NY Name: Chris Age: 23 Sex: M Model Year: 2003 Car: Pontiac Grand Am GT Engine: LA1 3400 V6	LD9 = 4 cylinder. I could have swore you had 3400 in your info. __________________ *GAOTW - 3/11/2008* My FQuick Page Max Power: 168HP & 215TQ

11-07-2009, 01:26 PM	#3
ENGGUY GAOC Addict Join Date: Aug 01, 2005 Member Number: 11580 Location: seattle, wa Model Year: 95 Car: Pontiac Grand am se Engine: Q4	A few hours have come and gone. So whats the news?

11-08-2009, 03:41 PM	#5
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	it aint looking to good guys...I will take some pics and show you ...But when i took off the air intake oil poured out of it...Like 2qts, i kid you not..I have never seen an engine blow back that much oil. the PCV is like not even there.. Hey is there a way to get the timing chain cover off with the engine stll in the bay. IS there a way to get the crank out...also...or do i need to get the engine out?

11-08-2009, 03:48 PM	#6
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	wait i dont have the LA1, this is the LD9 that where talking about here...granted...i do want to do 62mm intake, ported intake, and exhuast...If the power increase there will not require me to get a manual...then i will go with that first...my goal is not to spend more than 2500$ on this car.i dont have the equipment to do a tranny swap anyway. But I just need to get the car back on the street, and if a full rebuild is going to happen then I will be building her up...HEY on my engine...I dont have a hoist mount for the cherry picker?

11-09-2009, 09:36 PM	#9
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	its ok man...i would love to have a 3400, but i dont....lol Ok guys....so the oil in the intake plenum.... what's the deal with that...does anyone know..?

11-09-2009, 09:40 PM	#10
BansheeRideR350 Property of GAOC Join Date: Sep 08, 2008 Member Number: 27495 Location: Florida Name: JON Sex: M Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: 2.4L Twin Cam L4	Mine get's it too nothing to worry about, i've seen it on a few others too. __________________

11-09-2009, 09:46 PM	#11
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	ok...is there a cheap place to get performance pistons, cams, crank and stuff...

11-10-2009, 12:49 AM	#12
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	hey will stock pistons hold up to the boost....if I paired stock pistons and eagle rods...will that be alright or no

11-11-2009, 01:09 PM	#13
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	WOW- No answer at all huh....is so how do you get the motor and tranny out without it having the mounting option to use a cherry picker, and could someone tell answer my previous questions.?

11-11-2009, 03:09 PM	#14
2K SE Fear the Four Join Date: Oct 23, 2004 Member Number: 8390 Location: Kenosha, Wi Age: 54 Model Year: 2000 Car: Pontiac Grand Am SE Engine: 2.4 Best ET: 15.299@89.85	Been running the M45 on a stock motor for 45000+ miles. Might need a stronger build for a turbo though. What boost are you talking about? __________________ 2.4l with GMSC, 5 speed Getrag tranny, Team Green LSD insert Front and rear sways and STBs, Eibach springs, KyB struts, MPRacing CAI, 56 mm TB Those parts help me go fast.

11-11-2009, 03:34 PM	#15
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	5-15 PSI max, I may not even do turbo right off the back...it might just be all intake mods, such as ported intake, 62mm TB, I might even do nitrous, if the pistons can handle it...I just want to get my ride on the road...and then i'll worry about the turbo, exhuast, and 5 speed trans.

11-11-2009, 04:01 PM	#17
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	heads done differently how? If I keep her NA and keep it stock and I still run NOS or NOT?

11-11-2009, 04:07 PM	#18
sudden_impulse Wanna Joust? Join Date: Jul 25, 2006 Member Number: 16286 Location: Mora, MN/Fargo, ND Name: Derek Age: 19 Sex: M Model Year: 2001 Car: Pontiac Grand Am GT Engine: 3400	High power NA builds use high compression, which will kill the engine when paired with boost (needs lower compression or it goes boom). __________________ Ӂ Car Domain Ӂ Kenwood KDC-X693Ӂ Phoenix Gold Xenon 600.1 Ӂ 12" AudioQue SDC2.5 Ӂ YouTube Ӂ

11-11-2009, 10:35 PM	#20
darkangels Junior Member Join Date: Sep 26, 2009 Member Number: 32451 Model Year: 1999 Car: Pontiac Grand AM SE Engine: LD9	1. Ok you say different heads...lets remember this is just a LD9...is there that many options out there for heads? Ok...since right now...I am on a tight budget...I'll go NA, but I want to go fast...I have a slight addiction with speed...When I get on the road...I want to be able to swallow up anything and everything.. Plans are just to get the car on the road...with a little more power than stock. I will be purchasing the 5 speed tranny, and some other things later...perhaps then I could do the performance upgrade... I want more performance...out of the stock components without crapping them out... Like if that means ported heads, ported intake, NOS , larger injectors, MSD ignition system, 62mm TB, then I can do those minor upgrades to the engine...untill I get the dough saved up to turbo her. Friday I am going to finish tearing down the engine.