I see it took a lot to talk you into the better pump!! lol!!

I can't answer the trans gasket question.

But as far as the LIM goes, some 3800's used a paper gasket on the T-stat. NOT a requirement. I used the O-ring style (that's what I pull out of the carm that's what is going back in).

I'm not sure why Fel-Pro gave 2 different style lower valley gaskets (the end seals you mentioned). I suspect maybe this kit works on a S1, S2, S3?? Either way, again, match up what looks like it came off the engine. My guess, the dark blue ones (I recall those pins on the ones I've done).

 

i know right, thanks for the heads up on the pump jason

and i'm going to use that paper gasket just incase lol

the dark blue ones sit perfect on the ends with those locator pins, they go into some little holes on the block the other set probably is for a S1 like you said


Oh and I think i finally came up with a solution to the PCV issue! i'll post back later

 

FINALLY. Can't wait to see the update

 

No problem for the heads up to the better WP. I've been tempted to make the same swap BUT, I'm in the "not broken, don't fix it" category. And I believe you mentioned you are using a paper gasket on the WP, good move

As for the T-stat, use can use the paper gasket, no isse there, but remember, it's not a requirement.

I think you are blocking the coolant going into the T-Body? If so, you can make a mod to the LIM. It's NOT required, but if you are upgrading the pump maybe it's worth while. Expand the coolant bypass on the LIM to accomodate lost flow through the T-body. I explained it with pics on this page:
'04 Monte Carlo SS - Port Matched LIM

Again, NOT a requirement, but might improve coolant flow.

Now, I'm anxious to know your PCV vac solution!!!

 

So i got sucky news

went to pick up my water pump, got home and opened the box and it wasnt the right one so i went back and they told me that those are the only ones they have. so the pictures on their computer are wrong
i also went to NAPA, their computer showed the correct one but in the box it also had the stamped steel one. the guy told me they stopped making the cast ones so i guess im going to use my stock one

also painted my trans, crappiest paint job but at least it wont look as old anymore




right now im jb welding the ports on the LIM and the one on the UIM, i was going to paint my LIM black but it cleaned up really well so its staying like that with PCV im going to tap into the bottom of the TB, you can see where the port runs along the bottom (red L), i'll just drill a hole through that plug thing, stick a fitting on it and connect the hose to it. the only concern is if i'll have any room under there. so that'll have to wait till the end if i do have room it should work perfect

 

and jason i will have to do some more dremeling to my LIM then haha
just gotta wait for this JB weld to set so i can also sand it smooth

i have another question, im getting ready to clean my valves. they're really isnt any gunk on them but they are dirty. i noticed that theres some kind of black coating on them, i was going to use a scrub piece on the dremel but i dont want to remove that coating on them. should i just scrub em with a sponge and dish soap?

 

Thats crazy !! I got my new water pump at Auto Zone last year when I did mine

 

Odds are the pumps you saw at the stores were not AC Delcos. I did some looking around. If you still want to do this, you can get an AC Delco water, the S3 with the correct impeller is supposed to be part number <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <wontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->252693. The S1 is supposed to be part number <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <wontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->252694. Our friend's at RockAuto.com have BOTH and the S1 is like $2 cheaper ($25 and change). If you can find a shop locally that can get an actual AC Delco pump, those are the numbers to try.

You did tap the hole and put some kind of plug or set screw in, right? On the LIM I would recommend that (just because there is not a of material there to plug with JB Weld along, I use that on the threads). Also, the plug or set screw you use should sit flush with the LIM. Best part of blocking the coolant at the LIM, you will probably NEVER have an issue with the UIM gasket again (primary failure is the coolant green or dex damaging it like the LIM gaskets).
Now as for plugging the UIM, a set screw/plug would be over kill, I bet filling it with JB weld will do just fine.

BRILLIANT!!! I never studied that T-body that well!! I like it a LOT!!
I'm certain you will have plenty of clearance! Nice find, I'm putting that in the ol' memory bank!!

You can soak them in:
- Paint thinner and scrub with a nylon brush (no wire brushes IMO).
- Get a hold of Berryman Chem-Dip (comes in a 1 gallon paint can). My dad's friend is doing head gaskets on a 3800 L36, he soaked the push rods in it, pulled all the sensors from the T-Body and dipped it, it stripped the caked on gunk RIGHT off he said. I remember I watched another one of my dad's friend's rebuild my Z28's carb and he used that stuff. AMAZING STUFF! Check the link below, probably your easiest answer (FYI - I'm not endorsing AutoZone, that business annoys me but they were the first site I could pull a link for the product).
Berryman/3/4 gal. Chem-Dip carburetor and parts cleaner with basket (0996) | Carburetor Cleaner | AutoZone.com

 

Soo....many....parts...

 

sucks they didnt have it anymore

Man jason you are the man i found the pump at rockauto.... idk if i wanna order it though.... i wanted to finish my car before the 16th cus thats going to be the day i go with my girlfriends family to see her graduate bootcamp. but i HIGHLY doubt i'll finish so i might as well go ahead and order it. i dont think any part stores will have it locally anyways, i could give them a few calls first... we'll see. im still waiting on my steering shaft lube kit that i ordered from GMpartsdirect, they take forever! lol

and yes i did tap and use set bolts on the LIM, i put sealant on the threads, didnt leave em flush though, i actually screwed the set bolts a tad lower and then put JB weld over top of em with the UIM i used a 1/2" set bolt on the port, and also filled the rest with JB weld only on the outside. going to sand it smooth and i still have to paint it lol

i really hope i have clearance for the TB idea, just have to wait now

the Valves i just scrubed down with dawn soap and a sponge haha, they cleaned up ok i already installed them on the heads along with the new seals and springs.... i'll post pics in a few