2.8 Chevy V6 Teardown - Almost Done

It's been going a little slow on pulling the engine from the S10 Blazer. I finally got some time today and pulled the intake manifold and both heads. This was hard to do today because it was a high of 27 degrees. My fingers are still numb.

2.8 Chevy V6 60 degree

2.8 Chevy V6 Iron Heads

2.8 Chevy V6 Long Block

FREE Plans for the Chevy Wrist Pin Press

Here are the simple plans.


Chevy V6 Piston Wrist Pin Press DIY Homemade

DIY Chevy Piston Pin Press

Hi All,

Here are some pictures of the Chevy 60 Degree V6 Wrist Pin Piston Press. It works great and was easy to build. Take a look.

3100 Chevy V6 Piston Wrist Pin Press, Homemade, 3.1 60 Degree

Hi All,

I successfully designed and built a working 60 degree V6 Piston Wrist Pin press. It is a compact bench top model that works great. This will same me a lot of time and money over the course of doing multiple engine rebuilds. Take a look and let em know what you think.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocsnup4ayT4



Thanks,

Andy

The Side Project

The side project is the downfall to almost any project that the DIY's take on. You all know what I am talking about. The side project is the idea that comes up when you are working on something else. It is usually an attempt at a solution to a smaller problem that pops up. A great example of this is the piston pin press that I just built. I needed to removed piston from my connecting rods but wanted to do it myself. I had a bottle jack lying around and gave it a shot. It was a great success. See the posting of it with the video.

2.8 Chevy V6 Engine Tear Down has Begun

I decided that it was time to start tearing down the 2.8 engine in the Blazer to get ready for the engine pull. Here are some pictures showing progress.

2.8 Chevy Before

2.8 Chevy V6 After 1st day of Tear Down

3.1, 3100 Chevy 60 Degree V6 Custom Intake Manifold Design

Here is the start of my 3D design of a custom intake manifold. I will be converting a 1999 3.1 V6 into a RWD application. I am still missing the pieces to close off the valley. Let me know what you think.

3100 Assembly - Sheet1

S10 Blazer Seat Swap

I was in desperate need of some new front bucket seats for my Chevy S10 Blazer. I read what seats fit the Blazer and saw that someone else used Cavalier/Sunfire buckets seats but retained the older seat brackets from the S10. I am happy to let everyone know that this worked great. I chose a pair of charcoal cloth buckets seats and swapped out the brackets and here is what they look like.

60 Degree Chevy V6 Build

When I originally got my S10 Blazer my first thought was to drop in a V8 and be done with it. However after doing some research on the Chevy 60 degree V6 engine, I am realizing that I can do something different and unique with the smaller motors that I have. I will also be able to easily keep my original transmissions and 4x4 drive train.

Here is what I have learned about my current engine:

• 1984 2.8 block is bad news, it came with the small journal sizes on the motor so it has to go.
• 1984 Cast Iron heads are bad news as well, the valves are the smallest diameter built.
• The truck is non computerized carburetor with standard mechanical fuel pump.
• The good news is that I can still use the timing cover, oil pan (maybe), intake manifold (for future project), and exhaust manifolds.
• The non-computerized distributor is desirable so I am keeping it.

 Here is what I plan on doing with my new 3.1, 3100 engines:

• I will be converting the FWD 3100 to RWD use. I am no expert but I will post my findings here. I have read about doing this online and there is minimal information out there but there are people doing it.
• I will also try and run the engine with a distributor and carburetor and maintain the aluminum high flowing heads. There is almost zero information out there about this conversion but I will give a it a try.
• I have already flipped the lower intake manifold for the 3100 and will adapt that to carburetor use.
• I will reverse engineer the intake and 3D model it along with my choice of carb to design a usable set up.
• I will have to modify the back intake runner to allow for distributor clearance.

3.1, 3100 Chevy V6 with reversed lower intake manifold

Chevy 3100, 3.1 V6 Motors for the Blazer

I wanted to show the two engines I just got for my blazer s10 rebuild. Check them out, nice newer motors with better breathing heads. Stock HP is 155 with 185 ft/lbs tq. The 1984 engine put our 115hp and 150 ft/lbs tq.

S10 Blazer 2.8 V6 Engine Pictures

I've got some engine pictures to show what I am starting with. There are many options out there for engine upgrades, everything from a mild intake and cam swap to an entire V8 swap. I am weighing my options. Stay tuned.

S10 Blazer Cleaning

I am having to clean out the engine compartment from an unwanted occupant. The previous owners thinks the critter has left the building and I agree. If it were still in their my dogs would have been all over it.

1984 Chevy S10 Blazer Project

I just got a new project vehicle. It has been a long time since I have worked on a car as a project. I look forward to taking my time with this one and doing it right. Here is a picture of the truck.

Here are the current stats:

1984 S10 Blazer 4x4
2.8 Chevy V6 engine
4 Speed Borg Warner T4 transmission
Rear Differential - I am still trying to identify it.
Transfer Case - I am still trying to ID it.

I am working on getting her started. She has been sitting for a few years in the previous owner's yard eating up the sun. The truck was running a few years ago

Honda Pilot at 12,000 Feet in the Colorado Rockies

Here is a great picture of our Honda Pilot at 12,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. The drive up was typical mountain groomed road but the traction control did kick in a few times when things got tough. We stopped when we got to the ORV trail only road. Check out the great picture.

Built Honda Tough!

Build your Own Houseboat!

Hi All,

I saw this awesome example of a home made houseboat. I am kidding but it was worth taking a picture and sharing this. I am not sure if this is road worthy is sea worthy or both?

$75.00 CNC Mini Mill Plan Set

Hi All,

I found some very nice and affordable plans for a CNC Mini Mill. Check them out.

75 Dollar Mini Mill

Three Phase Power in your Single Phase Garage for Lathe, Mill

This is always a problem with small garage shop owners. How do you get a good source of AFFORDABLE three phase power in your garage to power your lathe or milling machine? The traditional way is to buy a static phase converter. The static phase converters work ok but they leave you with only 2/3 of your original horsepower rating and they make that clicking noise when you shut your machine off. I came up with a better solution. I bought a new Variable Frequency Drive controller off of eBay for $140. It was a Taiwanese unit but it work great. The VFD does two things for you. It converts your single phase 220vac power to 220 Three Phase without the HP loss and it gives you digital speed control. This was awesome for me. It also made speeds changes a breeze. The key to all of this is that I had a non-used 220 circuit for an electric dryer on my electrical panel in the garage.

New Craftsman Cordless Drill Driver, Lithium Ion

I just wanted to give everybody a quick review of a new Craftsman Cordless Screwdriver that I purchased and have been using. It is the 4.0v Lithium Ion Screwdriver, model #315.113980. I must say this has been one of the best little cordless screwdrivers I have ever owned. First of all this driver is about the size of my large hand but has the power to drive construction screws into 2 x 4's. I did this a few times but it seemed to run the battery out sooner as should be expected. This is the perfect driver to take around the house with you and tighten all of those loose hinges, doorknobs, and handles. The lithium ion battery holds a charge forever and charges easily. Here are some of the features this little screwdriver has:

• Small compact size but the 4.0v Lithium Ion battery packs a big punch.
• Has 23 torque settings.
• Offers a two speed gearbox, low speed (200 rpm) and high speed (600 rpm).
• Gearbox offers power for driver larger screws and the speed to drill holes.
• Comes with the standard 1/4" hex drive with quick release.
• I was able to easily find 1/4" hex drive drill bits to make this a very versatile tool  for my shop.
• I purchased mine screwdriver for $40 which included the charger.

AMC Hornet, My First Car

Here is a picture I took of a similar car that I had when I started driving. This one is in 100% better condition than the one I drove back East. Brings back the memories.

No More Oil Changes by Walmart

So this past weekend I decided that I should change the oil on my Subaru. My last two oil changes were done by Walmart. Part of my reasoning is because of money. Walmart's oil changes have slowly creeped up to over $30.00. In the past they were $16.00, but that was when oil was cheaper too. I purchased a filter and oil form Walmart for $14.00 so I am already saving money. I got home and started changing my oil. I went to take the oil pan drain nut off and it wouldn't budge. I know what kind of torque it should take to remove this drain plug and this plug was on way too tight. I got the drain plug off and nothing was stripped, thank goodness. I started looking at the plug and the mounting face on the oil pan and they were caked with RTV sealant. Now I was pissed off, frickin' 16 year old Walmart oil change techs can't grasp the concept of what a clean sealing surface should be so instead they apply RTV and over torque my oil pan plug. I scrapped off all of the RTV from the plug mounting surface and the oil pan surface. It was amazing how easily everything sealed tight with minimal torque. I went to remove the oil filter and it twisted off with barely any effort which does not match the tightening procedure on the new oil filter. Never taking my car to them again for oil changes.

Google can Provide Some Answers!

I am not an expert on repairing any one machine, appliance or automobile. I do have a great background in machinery and  electrical equipment design, building and repair. Even if I am familiar with particular automobile I will ask the question to Google to see if anyone has written the same problem I am having. Google is also a great place to find PDF's of your lost owners manuals as well. With Google on your side you can almost fix anything just type your question in to the search box. "My refrigerator is too warm" is what I used to find many useful troubleshooting guides that people had to offer. Give it a shot.

Need Measuring Tools

I will be reacquiring some micrometers and telescoping gauges to replaces the ones I have either lost, sold or gave away. I had an ex engine re-builder that said to make sure you measure your own engine parts before taking them to your machine shop because they will always tell you that you need machining done but you may only need things to be cleaned and polished. Check your engine bores as well in multiple places along the height of the bore to make sure they are not too far out of taper.

Best Places for Used Auto Parts

I live in the Southwest so I am fortunate to have a good supply of rust free vehicles. However the values of these older vehicles are known and it is hard to find an old Camaro for $1,000. I can find great prices on used parts. My two places I search for them is on Craiglist and at the local U-Pull It auto parts yard. My current project motor was purchased from someone off of Craiglist and I got a great deal.

Best way to Save Money at Home

One of the best ways to save money at home to to start doing your own automobile or truck maintenance. Start off with simple chores like changing your air filter and wiper blades. Don't laugh, these simple duties will get your started with the confidence you need to tackle bigger jobs to help you save money with your car repairs.