Thanks guys, I really appreciate the comments / reinforcement.
I just got back from the transmission shop, it's the ONLY thing we ultimately decided we would have someone else do... mostly because I have so little familiarity in this area, and just not willing to risk it on somethign that would require THAT much more work to remove if I screw it up.
To have her 5-Speed Isuzu transmission completely rebuilt, meaning all new bearings, seals, completely new bushings, and ensuring all gears were 100% in spec, etc... the total came to $3,470 bucks.
The 5-Speed and reverse gears were burnt. Apparently this transmission has oiling problems for those two gears (they're at the end of the gear stack I guess), and while driving on the highway, if it's ever low... it can burn the gears easily. The inside of the case, where the rod that the clutch release pivots on, one of the slots was cracked on that side of the case.
They had to buy a used unit from somewhere in North Carolina (which came to about $840 shipped, and is part of the ~$3,400 mentioned above), and they took the best parts from both transmissions, and assembled one really, really good one with the best gears from both, and of course everything else in it was new). It has a solid warranty of course, but doesn't cover install or anything since I came in with it in my arms, haha.
Overall, I'm pretty happy that I have a solid / completely rebuilt transmission that is going to literally be about as close as you're going to get to having a brand new 5-Speed Isuzu.
Frustratingly, I tried about 8 different shops, and for the ones that actually returned my call, or even picked up the phone, not a single one of them would even touch a manual transmission. This is the only shop that was willing to rebuild a manual, and they walked me through the process, took a TON of pictures as they did the tear down (for both transmissions), and pictures as they re-assembled it, and gave me all the spare parts back (I have a spare disassembled transmission now too, of course).
I realize it's almost the same cost of the original used car purchase (haha), but happy that when we get it all back together... this too will basically be "new."
Engine assembled, with the timing cover, lifter galley plate, valve cover, and water-pump blockoff plate installed.
My daughter used Epoxy Chassis paint for those items. They resist up to 500 degrees, but more importantly, they remain glossy and are more or less "hammer tough."
Every time I go to AutoZone I basically buy out their stock of it... I know people get pissed, but it's fantastic for pretty much everything that needs a durable coat.
Odd thing is... I ended up having to repaint the valve cover like 8 times. She did it the first two times, but it had a very dull sheen... which is really weird. So when she was off with her friends, I hit it with about 6-7 more coats until the sheen finally took. Anyway, it was weird... none of the other parts had that problem.
82-T/A I'll be blunt, I'd rather go to a JUNK yard than them. I won't even buy oil from them. I don't like wasting my hard earned $$ just so some nit wit who won't get grease under his nails and gee think how much money can he make, screw the mediocres..
Looks good, but no load spreaders on those valve cover bolts?
We have a donor engine from an 88 that had those on them, and we were considering using them, but my daughter wants the motor to look as clean as possible... I'll also let you in on a little secret, we're actually using a marine (rubber) valve cover gasket with copper spray adhesive... and it doesn't leak at all. I poured oil in the galley and put the engine at 90 degrees both sides to let it sit overnight... not one drop of oil.
I remember that no matter what I did... those damn cork gaskets would leak like a sieve. I had to search around, but when Sleek Fiero told me that these engines were also used in marine applications, I know from my neighbor that they always get much better / durable gaskets... I saved all the info. The gasket is a little bit thinner, but it doesn't impact the rocker arms or cause any issues with anything else. In any case... we didn't need to use the load spreaders. I flattened out the valve cover bolt holes on the anvil before she painted it (they were bent inward). The previous owner had torqued them down a good bit because they were leaking.
82-T/A I'll be blunt, I'd rather go to a JUNK yard than them. I won't even buy oil from them. I don't like wasting my hard earned $$ just so some nit wit who won't get grease under his nails and gee think how much money can he make, screw the mediocres..
I'm confused... who's "them?"
I tried to look back to see who you were talking about, but I didn't see what we were referencing. Do you mean the transmission? AAMCO was the one who did the transmission work. It's actually a family owned transmission business that does the work under the AAMCO franchise. It was the only thing we didn't do ourselves... although in the end, they gave me the old transmission, and honestly... it wasn't too complicated. Still... it's warranted, so that's good. The transmission didn't come looking like that of course... it was covered in RTV sealant since they sealed the case with it, and it was still covered in oil and not really as clean as I would have liked (clean inside from what I could tell, but still a little grimy outside). But I have a ton of pictures of the work, receipts for what they swapped out, etc. We cleaned it up and painted it, and put back all the correct parts from the two transmission, and painted those components too.
We have a donor engine from an 88 that had those on them, and we were considering using them, but my daughter wants the motor to look as clean as possible...
Finish over function, eh? I would've used them, but I'm not answering to a teenage girl.
Finish over function, eh? I would've used them, but I'm not answering to a teenage girl.
It actually torques down really, really well. I couldn't get it to leak at all on either side with it at a crazy angle. One thing I did notice though is the oil pan. I wasn't able to find a single 1-Piece oil pan gasket. They do have a really good rubber one for the marine version, but the pan is a little different... AND they don't seem to sell it anymore. I finally found an NOS cork one, which only installs on the two sides (and you use RTV front and back). after some over-night testing, I found one area where it leaks and she just torqued it down a bit more, and now no leaks).
Engine assembled, with the timing cover, lifter galley plate, valve cover, and water-pump blockoff plate installed.
My daughter used Epoxy Chassis paint for those items. They resist up to 500 degrees, but more importantly, they remain glossy and are more or less "hammer tough."
Every time I go to AutoZone I basically buy out their stock of it... I know people get pissed, but it's fantastic for pretty much everything that needs a durable coat.
Odd thing is... I ended up having to repaint the valve cover like 8 times. She did it the first two times, but it had a very dull sheen... which is really weird. So when she was off with her friends, I hit it with about 6-7 more coats until the sheen finally took. Anyway, it was weird... none of the other parts had that problem.
I was referring to where you mentioned about going to Autozone.
The Autozones I used to go to and 1 in particular left a very unfavorable and lasting negative experience on me. I can understand sometimes brand new parts break or fail in unreasonably short times but when I had to go through 5 of 6 MAP sensors (all new) and saw the guy put one of the bad ones back on the shelf as to sell to another customer I had enough.
As an FYI, I had the equipment to test the MAP. I found better pricing and products at some Mom & Pop suppliers as well as online.
Hope you have better luck than I did.
[This message has been edited by Stingray92 (edited 05-12-2024).]
So, one of the things my daughter wanted to do... was weigh everything. We bought a postal scale at a thrift store, cleaned it up, and we've been weighing all of the parts we take off and replace.
Just something interesting we've discovered... we noticed no difference in weight (almost negligible) between a HR6 and a V5 compressor, when all things being the same (aluminum casing, instead of the much older 84 steel casing DA6). They both basically weigh in at 13 point something pounds, with a slight weight-bias (heavier) towards the HR6.
But when comparing the brackets from the 88's A/C compressor, to the brackets on the 84-85 A/C compressor... the ~85 weighs double what the 88's brackets weigh. I think much of this has to do with the fact that the 84-86 compressor is adjustable, because it uses an independent belt to drive it.
84-85
87-88
quote
Originally posted by Stingray92: I was referring to where you mentioned about going to Autozone.
The Autozones I used to go to and 1 in particular left a very unfavorable and lasting negative experience on me. I can understand sometimes brand new parts break or fail in unreasonably short times but when I had to go through 5 of 6 MAP sensors (all new) and saw the guy put one of the bad ones back on the shelf as to sell to another customer I had enough.
As an FYI, I had the equipment to test the MAP. I found better pricing and products at some Mom & Pop suppliers as well as online.
Hope you have better luck than I did.
Oh, no... my experience has largely been identical to yours. Back in the day, I really had no other option. I would go to NAPA when I could because I felt their stuff was better. The only thing I go to AutoZone for are batteries, or fluids and paints... and maybe some emergency part. If I need sensors, accessories, or really anything other than an oil and air filter... I always get those from Rock Auto, mostly because I can specifically pick out exactly what I want. I totally agree with you there.
I had better luck with Grand Prix Auto Parts (doesn't exist anymore), Rose Auto Parts (doesn't exist anymore) and even Discount Auto Parts (doesn't exist anymore). Haha...
[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 05-13-2024).]
Women do not like to share their weight, as well as their age. Tell her NASA accounts for the weight of all passengers.
I am not saying she needs to watch her weight. It might put a smile on her face.
She tends to obsess about some things like this, but I'm more than happy to oblige. She even hand painted an entire flywheel, knowing that no one will ever see it.
When I post the final picture of her engine, it'll probably be the prettiest Iron Duke the world has ever seen. She's perfect for NASA (loves it), but says she would rather work at Space-X for Elon Musk. Haha...
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: She tends to obsess about some things like this, but I'm more than happy to oblige. She even hand painted an entire flywheel, knowing that no one will ever see it.
When I post the final picture of her engine, it'll probably be the prettiest Iron Duke the world has ever seen. She's perfect for NASA (loves it), but says she would rather work at Space-X for Elon Musk. Haha...
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: That's awesome... you guys are doing amazing work. It's funny... Elon Musk has no bigger fan than my daughter, she's constantly talking about the guy.
ac
Thanks. That 10yrs flew by. Just when I think I've seen everything here, there's something new in the mix. It's good to know the next generation is actually interested in space travel rather than what the Kardashians are up to. My future step son is only 8 and is also obsessed with Elon's companies.
Thanks. That 10yrs flew by. Just when I think I've seen everything here, there's something new in the mix. It's good to know the next generation is actually interested in space travel rather than what the Kardashians are up to. My future step son is only 8 and is also obsessed with Elon's companies.
Most of my friends all think Space-X has basically "saved" space flight. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, etc... they're good companies, but they've become far too bloated. It's awesome that Space-X runs lean and mean... and is innovative. We desperately needed that. Although a little scary, it was night and day difference when you saw the Dragon launch... and they basically had iPads fixed in front of them... compared to the Artemis that still looks like a mix between the Gemini control panel and the Space Shuttle.
Thanks! The only thing I'm curious about is what we do with the crank pulley. We have a new crank pulley with the serpentine system. Because it's supposed to be for 87+, it's for DIS and obviously doesn't have a timing notch. Is / would there be a specific place for the timing notch, or can it literally go anywhere? She's going to have to make her own notch in the pulley and then paint it I suppose. Just don't know if I can put it anywhere, or if there's a specific place on the crank where the notch would normally go...
Confirm that you've selected the right spot to create a timing notch on the pulley, by making sure this notch lines up with 0° on the timing scale when #1 cylinder is right at TDC.
Confirm that you've selected the right spot to create a timing notch on the pulley, by making sure this notch lines up with 0° on the timing scale when #1 cylinder is right at TDC.
**** ... we already put the head back on. But no problem... I can shine a light in the spark plug hole.
Some updated pictures... I still need to get her to rebuild the distributor and the TBI unit. Both of which she wants to make separate videos on. She's like 5 videos behind now, haha...
We also have all the accessories to put on, except a new water pump pulley which we're waiting on (two options there).
Another issue I've run into in converting this 84-86 engine to serpentine... the AC compressor originally used three brackets. The AC compressor brackets for the 87-88 are only two brackets, because it shares the same belt. The front bracket mounts exactly the same. NO issues there. The second bracket (the one where the three smaller bolts hold the compressor end onto the bracket. The second bracket which bols to the block, it looks like GM changed the bolt locations. The top-most bracket is still 100% where it needs to be, and is perfect. The lower bolt however does not have a corresponding hole to go into on the 84-86 blocks. This means that I'll have to fabricate a small bar of steel 1/8th inch thick and weld it to the new bracket so I can make use of the second bolt hole. To be honest, I probably don't even need to do it, but GM saw fit to mount it with two bolts (down from three in the prior year bracket), so it makes sense.
Engine will look so much nicer with all the accessories on, and the TBI and distributor installed.
Since our friend from New Brunswick didn't seem to catch my drift Here and Here, I thought I'd try it once more.
Links just took me to the second page of this thread, first post on the page, but I think I have an idea what you are talking about haha, I'll try and work on that/remember. Everyone who knows me in person knows that I am unnaturally forgetful haha!
Links just took me to the second page of this thread, first post on the page...
Your phone's broken then... as each link is for a specific post.
[EDIT] I never use my Android phone for accessing the internet, but I was curious if there was some reason why my links wouldn't work as I had intended (on a phone), so I checked out PFF. My links worked just fine, thank-you!
quote
Originally posted by 1985 Fiero GT:
...but I think I have an idea what you are talking about haha, I'll try and work on that/remember.
I appreciate that you've removed the totally unnecessary duplicated material. (I've also helped to unclutter Todd's thread further by removing my "hints" which were directed towards you.) Years ago I remember someone here bitching about people who quoted an entire post... only to follow it up with a short single sentence response... so I know I'm not the only one that this irritates.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 05-29-2024).]
Originally posted by Patrick: Your phone's broken then... as each link is for a specific post.
I appreciate that you've removed the totally unnecessary duplicated material.
Yeah, I wouldn't doubt it haha, I noticed the #p63 and #p64 in the link address, so I counted posts to 63/64 to see them as for some reason my phone didn't go there automatically.
You're welcome, but I am forgetful, so changes are good it will happen again haha!
My daughter got all the accessories on the engine today. It's been slow going, just a lot going on... but she got the new alternator, new starter, cleaned up water pump pulley (with new water pump), and the new A/C compressor installed... all with the correct brackets.
I don't know why these pictures came out so badly... but whatever...
Hey guys, just got back from a trip where my daughter and I got to meet Cliff Pennock. We interviewed him, and gave him at least one of the things we talked about (as a group) giving him. The other stuff still hasn't arrived yet, so I'll have to send it to him in the mail.
My daughter's next video will still be her engine assembly one (which as you can tell we're way behind), but I'll put Cliff's interview as the next video. I'll make sure Cliff sees it first in case he wants me to address anything or take anything out.
I won't post a whole lot for the next few days as I'm swamped with work of course.
Those woden ChrisCrafts are stunningly beautiful boats!!!!!!!!!
quote
Originally posted by Raydar:
Yes. Good job. I haven't commented too much in your threads. Mostly because I'm not here as much as some, and they have already beat me to an answer. But you are doing a great thing. She'll be a better mechanic than most guys her age, and will hopefully be able to figure her way out of a "tight", if something breaks. This to possibly include when she's riding with someone else.
My dad was a jack of all trades, and a fairly decent mechanic. But he was also pretty busy trying to earn a living, so he didn't do much of his/our mechanical work. He did help me out, but mostly I had to learn as I went along. I "broke" several cars in the process. He also was not as passionate about cars as I was/am. To him, a car was merely an appliance. So he wasn't interested in modding anything. He thought it was foolish.
He was however a "boat guy". Rebuilt a 23' wooden Chris Craft (mostly) in our carport. And then his health went to hell, so he only got to enjoy it for a couple of years. Oh well...
Hey guys, just got back from a trip where my daughter and I got to meet Cliff Pennock. We interviewed him, and gave him at least one of the things we talked about (as a group) giving him. The other stuff still hasn't arrived yet, so I'll have to send it to him in the mail.
My daughter's next video will still be her engine assembly one (which as you can tell we're way behind), but I'll put Cliff's interview as the next video. I'll make sure Cliff sees it first in case he wants me to address anything or take anything out.
I won't post a whole lot for the next few days as I'm swamped with work of course.
You all met Cliff? That's amazing! This whole thread lights up my day. You all are doing beautiful work
I would've used them, but I'm not answering to a teenage girl. 
I hope not!
