Should i go ahead and buy this whole set then? looks to have everything i need lol
>> Felpro/Head Gasket Set (HS9917PT-3) | 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 Cylinders 2 3.8L SFI OHV | AutoZone.com <<

what about this ebay one?
>> 97-05 GM 3800 3.8L 231 VIN K,2 Head Gasket Set w/ Bolts Kit engine cylinder part | eBay <<

or should i buy everything individually?

 

oh ok good to hear mitch thanks

man im going to lose my mind with all this i really hope everything goes well. its only me by myself tackling this job, with the help from all of you guys on here though!

 

You can block the coolant to the TB from the LIM (I tapped and plugged mine with set screws and they are JB Welded in for "extra" security). If you continue using a plastic LIM for any length of time, you won't have to worry about coolant leaking into the engine again. I did this on my Monte, zero issues and my dad just did it on a '98 Grand Prix with a L36 (just to avoid sinking more money into an aged car) and again no issues.

As long as you have the steering knuckle out of the way, using a dift/punch and a hammer on the inside (tapping towards the out side) should do it. I've only removed the half shafts on my '94 Grand Am, actually quite easy one you get the hang of it.

I would NOT get the eBay kit. Pic looks like nylon crap gaskets for the LIM and you don't know what you are getting. I understand trying to save money, but I question gasket kits that cheap and how good are they (in theory the could be name brand gaskets with no name on them). I would not risk it.
As for the Autozone kit, not sure if it's the aluminum LIM gaskets or not, but that might not be a bad road. Still, I'd give RockAuto a check (and see what the price is with a coupon code). They are typically FAST with shipping too.
FYI - up to you if you are worried about the bolts (some say you MUST replace head bolts). I have re-used head bolts, I know a couple others who have re-used them, not a big big deal (especially for a 1 time re-use).

 

ahhh ok, using set screws on the LIM will def. do the trick i'd have to get some threads on it first right?

the thing is, i dont really have room to get something behind the axel piece to tap it out lol not much room to try and pry it off either

ok eBay kits are outta the question lol
im checking out rock auto but i dont see any alum. LIM gaskets there either.
are these it? >> More Information for ACDELCO 89017816 <<

ive also been doing some research on them valve seals. the process looks pretty easy once the heads are out

 

with a big pry bar and some adjusting you can get it to grab just right to pop the axles out you can use a blunt faced rod (real long punch) and hold it against the inside metal hub (i guess you would call it) of the axle and smack the rod with a hammer and it should pop out as well. also when putting the axles back in put some vaseline on it and they will pop in pretty easy also put vaseline on the injector o rings and they will seat into the lower intake real easy as well

unfortunately the master cylinder will have to come off unless you just unbolt it from the brake booster and try and move it to the side but if you try this be sure not to bend and pinch the brake lines.

 

I am 99% certain this is the LIM kit I've used. I know when I was looking for it, I shot RockAuto an email verifying and they responded in LESS then 24hours to confirm (I wanna say it was about 2 hours).

FEL-PRO Part # MS98014T
More Information for FEL-PRO MS98014T

FYI - It's the same LIM kit for all Series II and Series III engines.

 

well i got the driver side axle off, came out pretty easy with a little bit of prying with a small chisel i had laying around lol
now im stuck on the passenger side. theres much less room there and no where to get leverage from lol

so i have to drain all the fluid from the master cylinder, remove the lines and remove the cylinder itself from the brake booster?

i just now need to unbolt the power steering pump from the motor and move it to the side, that and the passenger side axel and it looks like the motor will be ready to come out.... i think lol

ohh ok thanks Jason
should i just go ahead and order all my gaskets from there?

 

Not to ADD to your bills, but while you have the motor out inspect the steering rack. In my parts it's common for the lines on the rack itself to rust through (doubt you have that problem). BUT if they are, you might want to see if you can custom fab replacements for it (so you don't end up changing the rack later).... Just something I thought about if I were yanking the engine from one of my cars I plan to retain. Not a requirement by far, just a personally safety check.

As for the gasket kit, as much as I HATE AutoZone, it looked like that FelPro head kit you found had everything. I would see if AutoZone can confirm it has the aluminum LIM gaskets (or get the kit in store for you to see it). OR see if Rock has that part number (do a part # search). If they do, you can contact them with the same question. If it does have the aluminum LIM gasket, go with who's cheapest (and you can also price out ordering the individual gasket kits with Rock). I find 90% of the time, even after shipping Rock is cheapest.

Also, when working with RockAuto, don't forget they are a MCF sponsor AND somewhere here has a current coupon code for 4% off your order.

@RockAuto - Can I get paid for everytime I plug your shop, I feel like a sales guy way too often!! lol!!

 

Ok i think the motor is ready to come out
now i need to borrow my buddys hoist since i cant afford to spend $180 on one :p lol that will probably be tomorrow though.
right now both axles are off, PS pump and AC comp. are out of the way
all fluids drained, all lines and wiring out of the way. Trans shift lever thing is removed, the master cylinder too and Both eng/trans mounts are loose
I also decided to remove the fans and radiator for extra clearance and come to find out im going to need a new one
this one is so old, dirty and is leaking a tiny bit on one of the lower corners

pics....

hard to tell but its ready to come out lol





its so rusty! Im going to clean it up and apply some kind of coating on it lol



Where its leaking :p



DIRTY haha

 

I'll deff. check the rack when i have the motor out im going to remove the steering shaft and lube it up too lol

And i think im going with autozone, that way if something is wrong i can easily return it you know. i will ask about the LIM gaskets though. any chance these on the motor are reusable?
that autozone kit i posted also includes those valve seals, going to get that done as well im also going to get new head bolts just to be safe.