Hello!

[BlairF]

Hey there guys, I am the new owner of a 99 Firebird with the 3.8 V6. Just thought i would drop in over here and say hi.

[Smittro]

Hey there guys, I am the new owner of a 99 Firebird with the 3.8 V6. Just thought i would drop in over here and say hi.

Welcome to LS1.com! Nice to have another v6er on board..

[BlairF]

New plugs wires and coils going on today... bleah!

[Smittro]

New plugs wires and coils going on today... bleah!

Back 2 are fun, (not really) but the driver side #5 plug has to be the worst one. Don't get me started on coils j/k I had water/washer fluid dripping from the cowl right on the 5-2 coil (middle one) inermittent miss fire with no SES light.. Too bad I did'nt discover it till I had torn down and put back together most of the top end.

[BlairF]

Photos

[flybird]

Hey man welcome to LS1!!

[BlairF]

So.. diagnosis... lifters?[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-hVE6gMs4g"]Firebird engine[/ame]

[Smittro]

So.. diagnosis... lifters?

Sorry I missed you (?) but yes, bad lifters.. What's your mileage? I would'nt run it again till it's repaired..

[BlairF]

147k, I've run some Rislone through it, and it is only making noise when the engine is cold, and then for about a minute.

[Smittro]

147k, I've run some Rislone through it, and it is only making noise when the engine is cold, and then for about a minute.

I'm not big on running engine additives.. @ best this will only be a temporary fix.. Most likely the roller/s are flat spotted and/or you have a colapsed/ing lifter.. I would seriously consider fixing this issue asap.. Other wise you could be walking...

[Smittro]

To add... It's also possible that the lifter retainer is significantly worn and has allowed a lifter/s to rotate in its seat/bore. Also not good..

[BlairF]

doubt this is something i can do... so i am looking a pretty pricey repair, eh?

[Smittro]

doubt this is something i can do... so i am looking a pretty pricey repair, eh?

In my honest oppy, if you have even average mechanical know how you can tackle it yourself.. As long as there's not any cam damage that is.. Best way to tell is get the upper and lower intake off.. Then check to be sure it is in fact a bad lifter.. If you just find a bad lifter but its roller is good then it would really only be a matter of replacement. Which I feel the average Joe with a simple Haynes repair manual can do.. If you don't have the time or any tools then a shop will be the best bet. But yes it could be pricey.. If you do deside to tackle the project let me know I can walk you through it.. I've had my top end off recently and it's freash in mind.. I also have some picks with labels and such.. The most difficult part is not the engine but it's location. It's very cramped under the cowl..

[Smittro]

These are your lifters..

[Smittro]

Also you'll need to remove the coils tray and mount..
After the afore mentioned is removed you can then tackle the upper and lower intakes..

[BlairF]

Scary, but very helpful.

[Smittro]

Scary, but very helpful.

Yeah it can seem daunting but very doable.. If you need help let me know, or shoot me a PM.. I'm here pretty much off and on every day so you'll find me..

[Smittro]

If you're into that sort of thing you can go the extra steps while it's apart to pretty it up if you desire so..

This is mine finished.

[BlairF]

how long do you think it should take a very average joe.

[Smittro]

how long do you think it should take a very average joe.

If you have the tools prolly a few hours or so..