LT1 into '84 Jag XJ6

[dhen]

Hi all,

I'm swapping an LT1 into an '84 Jag XJ6. Someone said they like to read works in progress, so here you go.

This is the victim. It's in great condition but has very high mileage and a massive leak from the front main seal. I.e., it's the perfect candidate for a swap.


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I bought a kit to install it and bought this filthy pullout for $700. The guy said it came out of a '95 Roadmaster that someone drove down from Illinois. He said it only had 70,000 miles on it and it was complete with transmission, everything - except the torque converter.

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So I went to taking apart and cleaning it. The whole thing was covered in a mud and salt coating. Under that the block was covered in surface rust. I actually managed to chip off some large flakes with my fingernail.

Still, though, the compression check came out OK - 180 in all cylinders according to my checker. The area under the valve covers was OK. The oil pan and the pan under the transmission seem clean, too.

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[dhen]

continuing from before.

The transmission:

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Under the intake manifold:

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So I've come to the conclusion that while the outside of this engine is a dirty pig, the inside is OK. I brushed off the loose rust with a wire brush, treated the remaining rust with liquid rust treatment, and painted it rattle can black. I know that it won't look perfect, but it should look OK.

I took a wire wheel to the alternator. Came out looking pretty good. Certainly an improvement, anyway.

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The main pulley was wire wheeled and soaked in Purple Power (acid). I spray painted it black as well. Don't know how long it will look nice, but I'm not looking for perfection.

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[dhen]

There's a bug in this system with how I'm trying to post pictures. Anyway, this is continuing from before.

The wiring harness was filthy as well, so I took it off and power washed it. I'm dreading putting that thing back on, but it did come out looking a lot better.

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Before I put it into the Jag I'm going to bead blast the intake, accessory bracket, and timing cover. They're pretty dirty especially since aluminum is porous...

I also plan on replacing the timing cover gaskets, the oil pan gaskets, the intake manifold gaskets, and the valve cover gaskets. Do you think I should replace the rear main gasket? Seems like a good "might as well," but someone told me that you have to know what you're doing or it won't turn out right.

One thing I've been impressed with is that this engine seems pretty maintenance friendly. I have a Nissan engine that I work on and this Buick engine is much more straightforward. Having said that, I'm brand new to GM engines, so any constructive ideas are welcome.

Thanks,

Darian

[dhen]

Well, the engine is in. Now there are dozens of small things I have to do that will add up to weeks of work I'm sure, but it's in.

Here's a picture:

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It actually looks like it came from the factory like that.

I cleaned things up. One problem, though, is all the glass particles that got into the intake. I followed a friend's advice and soaked the manifold in soapy water and power washed the inside of it. I think I got 99% of the stuff out.

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Sprayed the aluminum parts with clear enamel. It should hold up.

Still haven't started it yet, though. That's a while off.

Any constructive comments - critical or otherwise - are welcome.

Thanks,

Darian

[Blubird]

looks like its coming along good.im curious to see how the trans is,the fluid looks pretty dark and like theres wear on the valve body

[dhen]

looks like its coming along good.im curious to see how the trans is,the fluid looks pretty dark and like theres wear on the valve body

Yeah, hopefully it's OK. All the parts are used so it's a crap shoot. Still, though, I think I won't lose much money if I have to have it rebuilt since you need a core anyway...

Thanks,

Darian

[Phstratton]

Yo I have a stock torque converter w/ only 10k miles on it. I'll send it to you for 20 + shipping.

[dhen]

Yo I have a stock torque converter w/ only 10k miles on it. I'll send it to you for 20 + shipping.

I already bought on but thanks.

Darian