I purchased this Pontiac Grand Prix LJ about 8 months ago for $800 and drove it home. Its a 2bbl 301 and still has the metric transmission. Gutless, but the body is straight and most importantly minimal rust.
Up until this point I've tinkered and repaired minor mechanical issues. Sorted out an issue with the heater (no heat) which turned out to be no divider plate in the water pump; water was not circulating through the heater core. Replaced the blower relay to restore high fan speed, and replaced a water temp sending to restore the temp gauge function.
Cooling system flushed, plugs/cap/rotor/wires, timing and carb adjust, fresh synthetic oil and filter change, air filter, etc. Standard tune-up stuff.
I noticed that the car ran hot (at least according to the temp gauge) after I replaced the sending unit, but wasn't sure if the gauge was just inaccurate. I had also noticed some time ago when replacing my PCV valve that there was a bunch of debris in the valley cover. It was suggested by a member here that it could be oil coking. I cleaned out what I could with a shop vac. Enter today.
I'd settled on making due with the 301, but I can not leave well enough alone and decided to make use of a bunch of parts I'd acquired for other projects over the years. I am going to adapt a TBI unit controlled by Megasquirt II with LS2 coil-near-plug ignition in wasted spark. I pulled my carb and intake manifold and was not prepared to see the condition of the topside of my valves. I immediately pulled the valley pan to inspect further.
Up until this point I've tinkered and repaired minor mechanical issues. Sorted out an issue with the heater (no heat) which turned out to be no divider plate in the water pump; water was not circulating through the heater core. Replaced the blower relay to restore high fan speed, and replaced a water temp sending to restore the temp gauge function.
Cooling system flushed, plugs/cap/rotor/wires, timing and carb adjust, fresh synthetic oil and filter change, air filter, etc. Standard tune-up stuff.
I noticed that the car ran hot (at least according to the temp gauge) after I replaced the sending unit, but wasn't sure if the gauge was just inaccurate. I had also noticed some time ago when replacing my PCV valve that there was a bunch of debris in the valley cover. It was suggested by a member here that it could be oil coking. I cleaned out what I could with a shop vac. Enter today.
I'd settled on making due with the 301, but I can not leave well enough alone and decided to make use of a bunch of parts I'd acquired for other projects over the years. I am going to adapt a TBI unit controlled by Megasquirt II with LS2 coil-near-plug ignition in wasted spark. I pulled my carb and intake manifold and was not prepared to see the condition of the topside of my valves. I immediately pulled the valley pan to inspect further.
