Edited to add:
**********************************************************************
New parts I have on hand:
Rebuilt heads (two broken exhaust bolts need to be removed)
Head bolt set
Exhaust stud set
Head gasket set
Exhaust gasket set
Lifters
pushrods
intake gasket set
Comp Cams 1.6 magnum roller rocker arms

*******************************************************************************************
Cash received is at $781.13 (trying to keep this figure updated) 1/16/07

Parts being sent by forum members:
waterpump/front cover arrived
timing chain
oil pump arrived
fuel filter arrived

********************************************************************

Original post:

Notice the forum members are quick to help others out, I personally have experienced this in the past (2.5 breather and exhaust manifold years ago). Seeing the help threads and the project hurricane thread latley got me to thinking.

The Hurricane thread was started to help out folks who had lost their rides, become displaced, etc, but were actually able to get back on their feet, go to work, get "some" assistance from goverment, etc. A lot of the folks who have recieved help with their cars through parts, labor, financial contributions, etc, were actually able bodied folks who were having a hard time but still able to make a wage if not a living.

I've been unable to work since June of this year. Doctor does not want me working and says I am for employment purposes "disabled". I have verified his diagnosis by doing things he has advised against or warned me to be careful about. Even a shower can be somewhat exhausting and a trip to the grocery store is a major chore, I can get around okay for short periods but a full day for me (shower, trip to the store, and going to dinner or lunch with someone) may mean the next day in bed resting with sore muscles. I catch myself blacking out and have to stop whereever I am and rest for a while before continueing on. I am by no means bed ridden but am just limited in what I can handle physically (typing is tireing).
Disability was denied due to an incomplete report from my Cardiologist office among other things and I am in the process of appealing that decision. I have been told that if I can hang tight for a year and continue the appeal process it will probably be approved.

Now to the point, I have an 87GT auto that I have been pouring what money I had into, I do not want to sell the car but it is my only transportation other than friends and relatives giving me rides and it really needs a refresh in the drivetrain department, otherwise the car is fine, suspension/brakes, tires, A/C, all great. Originally I envisioned a 4.9 or 3800 complete drivetrain swap, after health issues arose I thought maybe just a 3.4 shortblock, then a fellow forum member said they had a 3.1 remanufactured for really cheap but that fell through (never heard back after a couple of PM's), now I just wish I could get the 2.8 refreshed somehow. This car is about all I have personally, my one asset, my biggest souce of enjoyment in my life (well after family and friends but I think you know what I mean), I really don't want to have to get rid of it and I hate to have to put a cover over it and let it sit.

So, what do you guys say, who's gonna help me out here?

Heck, figured it was worth a shot! LOL

PS and thanks for the ear every now and then, it sometimes helps just to get some of this crap off my chest.

------------------
Don't take life too seriously -- you'll never get out if it alive.

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 01-16-2007).]

What kind of help are you needing exactly? I don't have any extra funds (especially after the court system decided that the only income in a household of 5 wasn't enough to get me out of jury duty this week {found him guilty this morning} ), but maybe there is something else.

Obviously I am too far away to help you with any manual labor, but maybe some extra parts lying around. What is wrong with your 2.8? What does it need? I may still have some good parts from my old 2.8 that was swapped out.

What all do you mean by "refreshing"? You're only about 200 miles from me. I might be able to help out.

------------------
Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy (8/26/06)

quote Originally posted by slickrick2000: What kind of help are you needing exactly? I don't have any extra funds (especially after the court system decided that the only income in a household of 5 wasn't enough to get me out of jury duty this week {found him guilty this morning} ), but maybe there is something else. Obviously I am too far away to help you with any manual labor, but maybe some extra parts lying around. What is wrong with your 2.8? What does it need? I may still have some good parts from my old 2.8 that was swapped out.

The transmission actually seems pretty solid, I dropped the pan and replaced the filter when I bought the car and the fluid was clean and the filter looked clean. I was originally thinking of replacing the motor and trans with a newer combo V6/4spd A/T but at this point, well you read the original post.
The motor itself has a bad rapping/tapping that I compare to dieseling, does it on hard acceleration and at cruising speed on and off. I've experienced a couple of vehicles with rod knock, one being a 2.8 V6, and in this case it didn't originally sound like the bottom end. Last week it developed another interesting sound on startup, don't even know quite how to describe it, kinda like a bad bearing in an accessory maybe.

I have a set of heads that were freshened by a local machine shop, they neglected to remove a broken exhaust manifold bolt and I haven't taken the time to try to remove it myself. Basically just cleaned up, new seals, and valves cleaned up but not really a great job on the valves from what I can tell.
I have new push rods, lifters, crane roller tip rockers, head bolts, exhaust bolts, all the gaskets for the topend including head and exhaust gaskets.
The original plan was to freshen the topend, I'm hesitant to try just doing that now. I feel rebuild is pretty much in order at this point to make this car a reliable daily driver.

At this point I have no way to invest any more money into the car.
I always did most all of my work in the driveway and with my current condition what may have been a weekend project has now turned into weeks! Leaving the car torn down for that amount of time is just not an option so having someone perform the majority of the labor in a reasonable timeframe is pretty much a must. Surge (Suufmeister) has been a great friend when it comes to helping out and is willing to give it a go but I feel it's a lot to ask of one person.
I'm not sure how to approach the bottom end, probably would be wise to change the muffler at least (cat is gone anyway) as it is looking pretty beatup and possibly restrictive as the cat was completely blown out when I removed it.

I guess bottom line is parts/labor and possibly a better location to perform the work. I may have a relative who's garage I can use, if the car can get into the garage (bad angle coming down driveway and into the garage).

This was more or less a rant to start with, I know most of the guys on here would be glad to lend a hand if they were closer. It just sux to be in this situation and feel like your kinda out of options.

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 12-17-2006).]

If we can gather up a posse and a good place to work with power and light (a place to pee would be nice too), we could gang bust the thing over a weekend. I'm up for it after Christmas. I could pack up what tools I can fit in the truck and head out on a Friday night. That would give us Saturday and at least most of Sunday to get some things done.

------------------
Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy (8/26/06)

quote Originally posted by whadeduck: If we can gather up a posse and a good place to work with power and light (a place to pee would be nice too), we could gang bust the thing over a weekend. I'm up for it after Christmas. I could pack up what tools I can fit in the truck and head out on a Friday night. That would give us Saturday and at least most of Sunday to get some things done.

Tools shouldn't be an issue, I have a compressor, air tools, and have yet to run into a situation where I didn't have the wrench or socket I needed on hand. If the weather was decent I could get a canopy (10X20), I just know if I started into something like this by myself the parts would be laying in the driveway for a few weeks. Not to mention I really don't have the parts to freshen up the bottom end or have any machine work done. On the upside, Surge and I replaced the cradle bushings this summer so dropping the cradle should not be the nightmare it would have been (bolts were froze, spent a day on those with the angle grinder!).

I'm gonna try to figure out what my options are money wise this weekend, might be able to get a couple hundred together. Girlfriend is picking up my insurance for the next 6 months and has been making my other minimum payments. Kinda ran out of stuff to sell with the exeption of the car. LOL

Appreciate the effort to make something happen, you don't know how much.

I have some stock v6 parts in my garage. Anything you need in particular? I assume you'll need bearings and gaskets, amongst other things, if you're planning on pulling things apart. I'll check to see what gaskets I have around the house. If you can think of any parts you will need, I have some other stuff. Heatshields and the like. Let me know

I have a ball hone if the cylinders could just be rehoned and stock rings put back in. I have all kinds of engine building tools and micrometers and such that I've used to rebuild several four cylinders so far. Haven't really worked on my GT's engine that much yet.

------------------
Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy (8/26/06)

Without tearing into the engine it's hard to say if new bearings and rings would take care of it. It would be just my luck that a cylinder wall or crank journal would be fried. Appreciate the offers for engine parts but as of right now I'm just not sure what I really need to resolve the issue.

Some items I do know I would need would be assembly lube, oil, filter.

Some items I would like to have if the bottom end is rebuildable, oil pump, timing chain, waterpump, rod and main bearings, rings, cam bearings, camshaft, basically a remanufactured shortblock or a fairly fresh one.

Suggestions?

I have a water pump I was going to put on mine if I had it out. The pump's fine. Just thought it'd be a good time to do that if I had the engine out. But the pump's never been out of the box. I had a sound coming from my engine that might be something you want to check. Mine sounded terrible on startup and was fine once it got warmed up. It turned out that one of the baffles in the muffler let go. I ended up just replacing the whole exhaust instead of the muffler because they turned out to be about the same price.

------------------
Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck
'87 GT Auto
'88 Ferrario
'84 Indy (8/26/06)

Anyone local swapped out their motor for a different one recently? If yours is rough, then maybe they'd be OK with you taking their old one... I wish I could help out with the rebuild stuff, not really local though. Sorry mate!

quote Originally posted by The Funkmaster: Anyone local swapped out their motor for a different one recently? If yours is rough, then maybe they'd be OK with you taking their old one... I wish I could help out with the rebuild stuff, not really local though. Sorry mate!

I totally understand, I shipped some parts up to the great white north for a PFF member several years ago, I remember the cost and the time it took.
Just the thought is appreciated.

Well you know I've got all kinds of time for the next month. So if you want to just pull the cradle and start taking the engine apart that's fine with me. I'm bored as hell sittin' around the house. At least if we take her apart we'd have a better idea of what she needs. That way you'd have a better understanding of what needs to be done from a financial standpoint. If it just needs a good rebuild to get it to where it's a good dependable daily driver or, if it needs a new bottom end maybe there is someone out there that would be willing to part with a 2.8 or mabe a 3.1/3.4 they have lying around. Anywho, give me a call.

quote Originally posted by Suufmeister: Well you know I've got all kinds of time for the next month. So if you want to just pull the cradle and start taking the engine apart that's fine with me. I'm bored as hell sittin' around the house. At least if we take her apart we'd have a better idea of what she needs. That way you'd have a better understanding of what needs to be done from a financial standpoint. If it just needs a good rebuild to get it to where it's a good dependable daily driver or, if it needs a new bottom end maybe there is someone out there that would be willing to part with a 2.8 or mabe a 3.1/3.4 they have lying around. Anywho, give me a call.

Let me see what I can do about getting the driveway cleared and a canopy put up. I guess it would not hurt to go ahead and tear it down, I'm not driving it on a daily basis right now anyway.

Okay... Here we go.

Unfortunately, I'm too far away to be able to turn any wrenches, due to my work schedule.
However...

I'll pledge $50 towards the purchase of a short block (or even a long block.) 2.8. 3.1. 3.4. Doesn't matter.
I challenge anyone else reading this to meet or beat that. We only need a handful of people to make this happen.

Any takers?

I'll also donate an engraved (87-88) upper plenum, bored by DM. (Sorry. Still using the TB.)

quote Originally posted by Raydar: Okay... Here we go. Unfortunately, I'm too far away to be able to turn any wrenches, due to my work schedule. However... I'll pledge $50 towards the purchase of a short block (or even a long block.) 2.8. 3.1. 3.4. Doesn't matter. I challenge anyone else reading this to meet or beat that. We only need a handful of people to make this happen. Any takers? I'll also donate an engraved (87-88) upper plenum, bored by DM. (Sorry. Still using the TB.)

Hey that's really kind of you Raydar. You're the man!! And I'll match that offer as well. The $50 I mean. I wish I had some parts to donate as well but I don't have anything usable for a rebuild. However I do have time and I'm right here in Augusta so I'll be able to help get the car back on the road as soon as possible. Any other help at all from other members, no matter the form, would be much appreciated.

Really appreciate this guys!
Talked to another member on the phone last night who's checking around for a good or rebuildable shortblock.
I'm gonna try to pick up a canopy or temporary canvas garage to go in the driveway to make it possible to do the work here.

Maybe it won't be as bad as it seems when the motors torn down, but either way it would be nice to know it's done right and won't leave me in the middle of the road somewhere (just not up to the roadside repairs like I used to be!).

Again thanks!

I guess this will evolve into a build thread of sort if everything works out.

Did you mention you needed a Timing chain? I am 95% sure I saw one in my garage the other day.

I'm off to my nephews B-Day party right now and won't be home till late tonight, but I can pull it out tommorow after work.

I'll look around for anything else you might need as well.

Let me know.

Rick

quote Originally posted by slickrick2000: Did you mention you needed a Timing chain? I am 95% sure I saw one in my garage the other day. I'm off to my nephews B-Day party right now and won't be home till late tonight, but I can pull it out tommorow after work. I'll look around for anything else you might need as well. Let me know. Rick

Surge (Suufmiester), with limited assistance from me, is going to start tearing into the car this week. We will have a better idea of where we stand after getting into the guts.

For those that want to contribute parts, if you can let me know what you have and condition (part#, description, new/used) it would be greatly appreciated.
For those that are truly feeling generous and would like to make a donation of money to help out with this project, please send me an e-mail or PM.


I'll post some pics and what issues we run into during the teardown.

My e-mail is fierorulz@yahoo.com
If someone wants to go ahead and send something it can be shipped or mailed to the following address:
David Andrews
313 Habersham Rd.
Martinez, Ga. 30907

Thanks again to those that have already offered help with parts, labor, moral support, and last but not least cash,
David

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 12-17-2006).]

Yeah hopefully when we start taking this bad boy apart we'll have a better idea of what is needed. We'll make sure to keep this thread updated as we progress. Let's hope the weather is kind to us this week.

I have a new waterpump and front cover leftover from when I went GEN2. I can afford the postage if they can be used.

Work with what you got, I like your attitude. Hang in there!

------------------

quote Originally posted by Phaeton: I have a new waterpump and front cover leftover from when I went GEN2. I can afford the postage if they can be used. Work with what you got, I like your attitude. Hang in there!

Thanks for the offer, once we get into the internals we'll know more about what we need but a fresh waterpump would be nice and I know Whadeduck said he had one on the shelf also.

Quick questions, may need to do a search but I'll give it a shot here.

If we do go with a 3.4 or 3.1 shortblock, is the waterpump the same for all three blocks (2.8, 3.1, and 3.4)?

A/C mounting bracket, Surge (and I to a point) got the A/C in shape on this car, will there be a need for any special brackets to retain the current A/C compressor on the 3.1 or 3.4?

If I was fortunate enough to score a 3.4 shortblock does anyone have a starter relocation jig they could send me with the condition that I send it back to them or pass it on?

I've got a total of $150 pledged towards a shortblock or longblock, this would be the easiest and probably safest/most reliable option, but even with a shortblock/longblock some parts may still be needed. What I would like to request of anyone willing to give new/used parts to help me out is that if you have something and I can NOT use it or someone has already sent one, that you consider finding another Fiero owner who does need that part. Projects like this have the potential to become much bigger than you guys just helping me out. I'm sure there are other guys that are in a bad situation and could really use a hand up! When this is all over I plan on trying to make sure everything I don't use and some of the stuff I have laying around (2.5 and 2.8 parts) is passed on to someone who needs it. The members of this forum have to be some of the most supportive/giving/helpful bunch of folks I have ever been associated with, and when someone asks me why I love my Fiero(s) one of the reasons I usually give is the people I have met because of my car. The Fiero community as a whole seems to be a very special group!
Okay, sounds corny I know, but I don't think I will ever be able to thank all of you guys enough for being here to listen, offer advise, and when possible lending a hand.
David Andrews


Edited to add this link for the freebies thread in the mall, https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/034785.html

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 12-17-2006).]

Raydar,

I can handle the match also and might have an extra throttle body (if I can manage to get the DM bored one installed). Just let me know where to send the money. If the car could make it to Columbia, SC I have a full basement type garage, a reasonable assortment of tools and a couple of extra bedrooms. This might make a good intermediate meeting point for several of the people that have expresed interest in helping DRA. If we could do the work over the weekend it might get him up and running. If it takes longer I might have an F 308 rebody that he could drive for a week or two.

Nelson

Nelson

quote Originally posted by Raydar: Okay... Here we go. Unfortunately, I'm too far away to be able to turn any wrenches, due to my work schedule. However... I'll pledge $50 towards the purchase of a short block (or even a long block.) 2.8. 3.1. 3.4. Doesn't matter. I challenge anyone else reading this to meet or beat that. We only need a handful of people to make this happen. Any takers? I'll also donate an engraved (87-88) upper plenum, bored by DM. (Sorry. Still using the TB.)

quote Originally posted by hnthomps: Raydar, I can handle the match also and might have an extra throttle body (if I can manage to get the DM bored one installed). Just let me know where to send the money. If the car could make it to Columbia, SC I have a full basement type garage, a reasonable assortment of tools and a couple of extra bedrooms. This might make a good intermediate meeting point for several of the people that have expresed interest in helping DRA. If we could do the work over the weekend it might get him up and running. If it takes longer I might have an F 308 rebody that he could drive for a week or two. Nelson Nelson

Hey Nelson, if I bring my car up there and drive off with a 308 re-body I might not come back for my car! What you say, fair trade. LOL
I'm setting up the "portable" garage tomorrow and Surge is ready to start tearing the car apart so I'll pass on the garage offer (car might make the trip, or might not, don't want to find out the hard way that it won't). Appreciate the pledge, I want to hold off on anyone sending any fundage until we have a better idea of where we're headed with the repair.
I'll keep this thread updated on a daily basis, probably have some pics of the beginning of the teardown tomorrow or Wednesday.

Thanks,
David

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 12-18-2006).]

David,

Notice that I did not say one of the Meras but the rebody could be available for some defined period of time. BTW my basement already houses four Fieros and a Taurus so one more partially disassembled vehicle is not problem.

Nelson

quote Originally posted by DRA: Hey Nelson, if I bring my car up there and drive off with a 308 re-body I might not come back for my car! What you say, fair trade. LOL I'm setting up the "portable" garage tomorrow and Surge is ready to start tearing the car apart so I'll pass on the garage offer (car might make the trip, or might not, don't want to find out the hard way that it won't). Appreciate the pledge, I want to hold off on anyone sending any fundage until we have a better idea of where we're headed with the repair. I'll keep this thread updated on a daily basis, probably have some pics of the beginning of the teardown tomorrow or Wednesday. Thanks, David

Yes!!!!!!!!! got the call from Emory yesterday. Will be going up to Atlanta on the 16th to be evaluated for the transplant list. It's a step forward, not a big one but at least a step.
Real tired today, did some riding around yesterday and stopped to pick up my two little girls Christmas gifts, spent most of the day sitting in the car while my my gal ran in and out on errands. She likes to drag me around about once a week.
Also started the process of appealing the disability decision and picked up a more complete report from my cardiologist yesterday.

Surge is dropping by in a little while to get started on the car, may be a prep day as the 10 X 20 carport is not up yet and there is still some stuff that needs to be moved out of the driveway. Wish I was better rested, don't know how much help I will be today.

Heads are off, looks like typical carbon buildup, no obvious signs of unusual wear. The last lifter on #6 was hard to get out, seemed to be stuck but didn't see any abnormal wear on the face or the cam lobe.






Looking more and more like a rod bearing, will know better when the engine is out and we can spin the rotating assembly.

Still looking for help here guys, any donations of parts or cash would be greatly appreciated.
So far I've gotten offers of assistance from Slickrick2000, Whadeduck, The Funkmaster, Suufmeister, Raydar, Phaeton, and Hnthomps.

Total cash pledged is at $200.

Woke up and was having trouble sleeping so I figured I'd give this a bump..........

Before I go back to bed I just wanted to get some stuff off my chest, I know a lot of folks are kinda thinkin' it's silly of me to be worrying about a car with the situation I'm in. Sure I got family, girlfriend, friends, that'll make sure I make it to doctors appointments and what not. But the car represents a lot to me as far as what freedom I do still have, theres a lot of stuff I can't do right now and knowing that I have to depend on everyone else to get around on top of everything else just kinda rubs it in. Some of you might know what I mean, guess I need to get back to sleep, thanks for listening.

Got that creeping feeling, need to get up tomorrow and try to get that positive attitude going!

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 12-21-2006).]

I have a stock oil pump (new) I'll contribute. I put a new fuel filter in there as well. I'll pop it in the mail today or tomorrow.

Can't contribute money, sorry, I would if I could. Got some problems going on around here, myself, nothing like yours but between Christmas stuff & $500 in vet bills yesterday (I have a mighty unhappy dog this morning,) and a cracked tooth that needs a grand worth of work. . .the cupboard is looking bare. (Explains why I'm trying to sell stuff in the mall.)

I gave Suffmeister a plus earlier this year for his help for you. I would like to suggest that everyone give this fine gentleman a good mark for his efforts. Surge is a good friend, sounds like. . .

And, David, if anyone give you a hard time about wanting to be involved with your car, tell 'em it's part of your therapy.

[This message has been edited by Brian Lamberts (edited 12-21-2006).]

quote Originally posted by Brian Lamberts: I have a stock oil pump (new) I'll contribute. I put a new fuel filter in there as well. I'll pop it in the mail today or tomorrow. Can't contribute money, sorry, I would if I could. Got some problems going on around here, myself, nothing like yours but between Christmas stuff & $500 in vet bills yesterday (I have a mighty unhappy dog this morning,) and a cracked tooth that needs a grand worth of work. . .the cupboard is looking bare. (Explains why I'm trying to sell stuff in the mall.) I gave Suffmeister a plus earlier this year for his help for you. I would like to suggest that everyone give this fine gentleman a good mark for his efforts. Surge is a good friend, sounds like. . . And, David, if anyone give you a hard time about wanting to be involved with your car, tell 'em it's part of your therapy.

Thanks Brian, I totally understand the cash flow situation, I probably picked about the worse time I could to ask folks for help financially. Christmas is a big drain on everyone and I know that those that have offered to send any amount of money probably have plenty of other things it could go toward right now.
Really appreciate the parts and more than anything else the thought!
As far as the engine your pulling, keep me up on that as what money I am getting may be better off going toward shipping a good bottom end than rebuilding the one I have.
We spent the day today rounding up a hoist, Surge treated me to lunch at Burger King. It was a break I really needed, it's been hard to stay out of his way the past couple of days and I'm really feeling the effects.

The hoist and engine stand are here and we will pull the motor tomorrow. Look for pics and an update on the bottom end tomorrow, it's supposed to rain but I think we are pretty well covered.

Again, thanks to everyone.

Package on the way, won't make it by chrismas even via ups.

Rain? I won't see rain until middle of May, if I'm lucky. Sometimes its still snow until June.

quote Originally posted by Phaeton: Package on the way, won't make it by chrismas even via ups. Rain? I won't see rain until middle of May, if I'm lucky. Sometimes its still snow until June.

I'm not gonna complain about when it gets here, I'm just happy to know it's coming!
Had my share of snow when I was up in northern Idaho for a couple of years, once every few years is plenty for me now.
Thanks, David

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 12-21-2006).]

well i dont know how long thisll take... but mid Jan.. me and the Ms.Funk could make a trip and help out... all id ask in return is a place for us to sleep, and a few bolts off of your old 2.8

quote Originally posted by BobadooFunk: well i dont know how long thisll take... but mid Jan.. me and the Ms.Funk could make a trip and help out... all id ask in return is a place for us to sleep, and a few bolts off of your old 2.8

PM sent...........

Have a lot of loose bolts/nuts/fasteners here as well as some other odds and ends.

David,
Check your PMs. Worth considering?