So i failed my etest again. failed last time, got new cat and o2 sensors, passed like achamp.

we know it now burns oil. looks like cat is gone again. so ic an replace cat againa nd pass etest, but the rest still needs to be fixed.

going to follow giude on here and do the plenum as well as my valve seals. i think ive talked someone into doign the work for me.

but ive also been looking at used engines. found a 318 out of a 99. mine sis a 96 with a v6. aside fromt eh motor, what else will be needed? im assuming transmission, wiring, computer.

chances are i wont go the v8 route and will instead fix my v6. also looking for rebuilt head. anyone know what one should be paying for one?

 

Just fix the plenum, get an aftermarket cat and a new o2 sensor and you'll be good to go.

 

its an aftermarket cat in there now. jsut blew my 2nd magnaflow in 2 years. will have to get a new one regardless.

 

i wouldn't try to replace a V6 with V8. too much BS and you'll just end up with more motor than transmission and have to spend more money on that too.

either sell it as is, or just fix the plenum and drive it. you might even pass your emissions test once you fix the plenum and stop dumping oil into the cat.

look here and similar places for heads. this is a V8 link, but they likely have V6. V8's go for about $300 each with new castings and fully built and ready to bolt on. beware of buying anything with old castings unless they're guaranteed not to be cracked.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-D...Q5fAccessories

 

awesome, thanks for the link. and yeah, i figure a new tranny would be needed. again, probably just goign to refurbish what i have... would love to get a new head like in the link thoguh

 

The v6 has the same problem with the plenum like the v8. That's why the cat is getting destroyed soo quickly.

 

yeah, im sure thats whats doing it. i think im going to get a new cat on tuesday, adn then do the engine throughout the week. at least that way i can pass the etest and be legal. plenum has been on the to do list for far too long. jsut over the last year i started seeing smoke when i started it up.

 

Fix the plenum first. If it's totally hosed it will have the same symptoms as bad valve seals. And don't wait, or you'll ruin the new cat in short order. You can always do the valve seals after. It's not like you have to take the intake manifold off again to replace them.

 

so youre thinking the plenum is all that is needed. do it and see if that takes car of it huh. i would hate to have to tear it apart a second time

 

That's the thing, you don't have to tear it apart again. The valve seals are done by removing the Valve covers, not the intake manifold.