My monte is dead :(
Monte Of The Month -- August 2014
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 25,145
From: Southeast PA
I would truthfully take the engine down while you have it and redo all of the gaskets. Yes the series 3 has the updated metal gasket for the LIM, but I would still do it. Why not right? It's much easier when it is outside of the car and it is GREAT preventative maintenance.
I wouldn't go for ZZP wires. I have heard terrible things about them, even the 3rd redesign. Stock wires and stock plugs are perfectly fine for you.
I wouldn't go for ZZP wires. I have heard terrible things about them, even the 3rd redesign. Stock wires and stock plugs are perfectly fine for you.
Might I suggest 3 of these (currently on sale):
I bought three of them when I did all my mods in spring of 2011 to protect the paint as I leaned into the car to do my work. As seen below:
You can tuck those blankets into the crevices around the engine compartment to "hold in". I think better then any "fender" bib type thing I've seen. Covers LOTS surface area.
Also add to the list new Fel-Pro aluminum LIM gaskets, a new UIM gasket.... Heck, I'd really consider doing the head gaskets (the replacement motor is out of the car, give it as clean a bill of health as you can). With the heads off, you could easily replace the valve seals too (something I wish I did on the Grand Am, but did not think about).
I bought three of them when I did all my mods in spring of 2011 to protect the paint as I leaned into the car to do my work. As seen below:
You can tuck those blankets into the crevices around the engine compartment to "hold in". I think better then any "fender" bib type thing I've seen. Covers LOTS surface area.
Also add to the list new Fel-Pro aluminum LIM gaskets, a new UIM gasket.... Heck, I'd really consider doing the head gaskets (the replacement motor is out of the car, give it as clean a bill of health as you can). With the heads off, you could easily replace the valve seals too (something I wish I did on the Grand Am, but did not think about).
And for the valve seals, how difficult are they to change out?
won't I need to remove the rockers and springs? Lol I wish I had the time and money :p
i had to look up l26 ik the ls4 l36 lt1 ls1 ls2 and l67. i have different way refering to things i got so confused thank god for internets or id been lost kinda like first got on here i got lost cause every body refers to gen whatever and i didnt do that dont worry im learning and converting! but i didnt kno how much, or if, you tearing things apart as much as i do cause i would be pissed off for about a minute if my motor blew then id have to laugh like mad man cause i love rebuilding motors and ive only done it once and instant love for it. better not drive my monte or ill be playing mr lead foot 
but yes enjoy ur new project ik i would fer sure cant wait get started on my monte!
but yes enjoy ur new project ik i would fer sure cant wait get started on my monte! 
Hope you get it back up and running in short order.
And most importantly I hope I don't run into any problems Hi Member's,
It's great to see the concerns, help & compassion for
our Monte of the Year Winner `Frank & his
Award Winning Monte Carlo S.S.
MOTM September 2011 and MOTY 2011
`Frank, your Monte Carlo Family wishes you the best in
getting your Monte Carlo repaired & back on your roads of `life.
We shall look forward to all your updates & improvements to your SuperSuper Monte Carlo.
Good Luck 4-Sure
It's great to see the concerns, help & compassion for
our Monte of the Year Winner `Frank & his
Award Winning Monte Carlo S.S.
MOTM September 2011 and MOTY 2011
`Frank, your Monte Carlo Family wishes you the best in
getting your Monte Carlo repaired & back on your roads of `life.
We shall look forward to all your updates & improvements to your SuperSuper Monte Carlo.
Good Luck 4-Sure
Yea it does suck but i hope to have it running better than ever once I'm done
lol I would truthfully take the engine down while you have it and redo all of the gaskets. Yes the series 3 has the updated metal gasket for the LIM, but I would still do it. Why not right? It's much easier when it is outside of the car and it is GREAT preventative maintenance.
I wouldn't go for ZZP wires. I have heard terrible things about them, even the 3rd redesign. Stock wires and stock plugs are perfectly fine for you.
I wouldn't go for ZZP wires. I have heard terrible things about them, even the 3rd redesign. Stock wires and stock plugs are perfectly fine for you.
As for the Zzp wires, I already have them with me
lol should I just not use them then? Lol A few more questions:
When I go to replace my trans solenoids will I need a new case seal? Or can I just reuse the original one? I don't think it's plastic is it? Lol I don't remember
Also as far as the AC components, all I need to do is remove the compressor from the motor right? I don't wanna go through disconnecting any lines and then having to refill with freon :/
Ohh I know! Thats why he decided to just have his old 3100 rebuilt, well kinda I think they took his motor and a 3100 with 112k and mixed and matched parts to make a good motor and charged him $1,100 for parts labor etc the whole deal. It only lasted him about 20k more lol.
Monte Of The Month -- August 2014
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 25,145
From: Southeast PA
You can use them, but if the car isn't running right, that would definitely be the first thing to check as opposed to thinking you did something on the swap wrong
I'm not sure on the transmission, try emailing TEP, ask him for any recommendations on a rebuild. I'm sure he would be willing to share some knowledge.
I think you might have to recharge. The whole system is closed, I don't think you can remove a compressor without losing the freon.
I'm not sure on the transmission, try emailing TEP, ask him for any recommendations on a rebuild. I'm sure he would be willing to share some knowledge.
I think you might have to recharge. The whole system is closed, I don't think you can remove a compressor without losing the freon.
Monte Of The Month -- July 2010
Monte Of The Month -- July 2013
IT HERTZ
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,930
From: West Coast !!
Oh man, this sucks Frank !!! I had to do my motor last year but I am glad i did I Love this car !! They had a pump and the shop I was at and just held it until the swap was done then we recharged my system with the old stuff.I got a new Motor form LkQ with a 3 year warranty /100,000 mi for mine but I plan on having mine for a long time. And I had a Shop put it in .We redid the tranny at the same time so it was all new . Best of luck man !!!
Monte Of The Month -- August 2014
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 25,145
From: Southeast PA
Pretty sure our cars take 1.5 pounds? They definitely take more than usual.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,601
From: Mentor, Ohio
And from what I understand, the rockers and springs need to be removed. In general, the task looks super easy, but if you're going to consider it, just punch it up on YouTube, you'll find a couple great how to's.
I'm just throwing it out there. Granted, I did head gaskets on my '94 Grand Am at 180K, it now has almost 220K and I have not seen any adverse effects of not changing those seals (but I still wish I did since it would have been REAL easy). But I did de-gunk/grease/clean the crap other those heads, rockers and pushrods (looked almost like new, so clean you could eat off them).
There is a lot to consider when the engine is sitting out in the open that is now EASY to do.
Another thing to do, replace the exhaust bolts (even if they don't snap). They are old and brittle. Again, future preventative maintenance.