Ok, I have to say, I DO like this engine, but I'm really pissed right now.

As it turns out, the waterpump on my LD9 TwinCam in my 1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT has gone out. It's leaking quite visibly from the waterpump weap hole.

So... as it turns out, in order to replace the waterpump, you just about have to pull the motor out of the car.

I've done this before in a previous 97 Grand Am I owned.

I have a 2002 Ford Crown Vic that I can drive around while I'm working on the Grand Am.

My Grand Am is my daily driver, so I don't want to go to crazy... but here's my idea..

I have a spare TwinCam from my old 97 GrandAm. I was thinking... since I have to basically pull the motor, why don't I, and then drop in an ever so slightly "built" 2.4 TwinCam. I can build up the spare motor I have from my 97 Grand Am SE.

Should anything go wrong, I can always put the old motor back. But I figured since I'm going through all the hassle, I'd like to have a low mileage motor in there anyway.


While my TwinCam is out, what are some things that I can do to improve performance that won't cost me very much money. In addition, where is the best place to go to get new crank and rod bearings? Is it worth it for me to replace the pistons too? I've always used synthetic oil, and the compression in all my cyls are basically perfect. Is it even worth it for me to rebuild the bottom end? If you were me, what would you do?

I'd like to port and polish the cyl head as well... any comments on this? What usually gets the biggest net gain?

I don't really want to do the Secret Cam swap either because this is in a 97 Grand Am which is a bit heavier than a J-body.. and I kinda need the additional low end torque.

Anything info that anyone can share with me.. I'd appreciate.

Also, what brand of crank bearings do I have already and where should I buy new ones....


Thanks!


1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6 WS6
1984 Pontiac Fiero 2m4 SE WS6
1983 Volvo 240 Turbo Wagon
1981 Pontiac TransAm WS6
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

get clevite main and rod bearings. I can say that the secret cams do improve power throughout, but you are correct, they do have a lot mor epull around 3000 and up. I would swap them in anyway...they are worth it.

I would say leave the pistons, but if you are pulling it apart, you might as well put some new rings on there and some stronger rods and pistons. All depends on how much money you want to spend.



-da chinchilla

<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/jiggamon/avatar15569_2.gif">

Atleast on a cavalier 2.4 you can change the water pump while the engine is in the car. Not sure about G/A's though.

yeah I've never had to pull a 2.4L to change the water pump, but like FasCavZ24 said, it was on a Cav.




-da chinchilla

<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/jiggamon/avatar15569_2.gif">

I can do those damn things in a few hours....they are not that bad



Goodbye Bobby, May God grant you the peace you never found in life.
“Here's my counter-offer to your counter-offer: go f**k yourself.”
—Al Swearengen

hey this sounds dumb, where can you get secret cams at?





How many steps to heaven, Doc?
...Ah, metaphysics.

Jonathan Pike wrote:hey this sounds dumb, where can you get secret cams at?

junk yard. in the FAQ there is a bunch of info on it



Im a Xbox 360 fanboy...and damn proud of it!!

99redz24: sorry about that, I forgot that blurb on the FAQ, I've gone through some of the posts and am beginning to understand the whole swap but Im tired and I shall read more tomorrow.





How many steps to heaven, Doc?
...Ah, metaphysics.

Hey guys, thanks for all the responses.

Maybe I'm just overreacting.. or perhaps.. hopeing to take advantage of the opportunity (excuse) to pull the motor.

In any case... I think I have to pull the motor because it requires that I remove the timing cover. In order to remove teh timing cover, I have to pull the front motor mount and the crank pulley.

Is this what you guys also have to go through when replacing the water pump on your cars?


Thanks!





1997 Pontiac Grand Am GT
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6 WS6
1984 Pontiac Fiero 2m4 SE WS6
1983 Volvo 240 Turbo Wagon
1981 Pontiac TransAm WS6
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

i plan on pulling the motor in my 00 to do the water pump , us auto trans guys have it easy , it will take me les than 3 hours to get the motor out


plus ill be able to clean it up and replace the cam tower gaskets , and fix any other oil leaks i find along the way

Auto's are more of a pain in the arse to do the water pump in (I've swarn I'd pull the motor on the next auto) but its really not that bad...... 6-7 hours I think GM pays for an Auto. The 5 speeds are much easier. Maybe 4 hours.

Up till 98, the Grand Ams where ALOT like the J's..... its just as hard/easy to do in that body style.... the 98+ are a bit easier..... alittle more room.




SPD RCR Z - '02 Z24 420whp
SLO GOAT - '04 GTO 305whp
W41 BOI - '78 Buick Opel Isuzu W41 Swap

82 T/A wrote:In any case... I think I have to pull the motor because it requires that I remove the timing cover. In order to remove teh timing cover, I have to pull the front motor mount and the crank pulley.

Is this what you guys also have to go through when replacing the water pump on your cars?

Yes, anyone with a 2.4L has to remove the timing cover. I remove both mounts and use the scissor jack that came with the car to raise and lower the engine. It fits perfectly on the lower mount bracket. I remove all the bolts I can reach in the engine compartment, then I lower the engine a bit and remove the rest from the wheel well. Then I pull it off and I am ready to remove the timing chain to change out the water pump.




-da chinchilla

<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/jiggamon/avatar15569_2.gif">