Yeah guys, it runs!

I've been posting on Doug'* computer, so some of his latest posts were from me. We got it going, and the engine immediately developed a loud tick . We also saw a bunch of smoke coming from the rear exhaust manifold, so we put two and two together and figured there was an exhaust leak around the rear manifold where we had the tubes welded to the flange for porting. However, the manifold looked okay, and as the engine continued to idle we noticed the ticking started to subside. Eventually, it went away completely, so we believe it was temporary lifter tick from their initial lack of oil. Once they got pumped up, the motor purred like a kitten (a mean, slightly lumpy kitten). Sound clips and/or video will come in the next few weeks!

Now we're waiting to replace a brake line tomorrow before the car'* maiden voyage. However, we're facing a dilemma concerning my scantool. The AutoXray EZ Scan 4000 does NOT scan for KR from the factory. I would have to purchase an upgrade package to get the capability, but my gut feeling is to resell the AutoXray and get the LS1M scanner with a Palm PDA. I need to know if there is a way to monitor my timing numbers with my current scanner in order to tell if I'm getting KR. If the car can make it over 2.5 hours of interstate cruising tomorrow, I can get a reliable scan from a Grand Prix owner. The plan is to load up on 93 octane and add a bunch of octane boost before the trip, just to kill any KR I might not be able to detect. I think it should get me where I'm going. I'll take any suggestions for the best advisable course of action based on my circumstances. Thanks a lot, and we'll post more info as we figure it out!

Congrats man. Glad everything went alright. I'd definitely get a LS1M to look at the timing.
Keep us posted.

Try to get scanned with 87 octane to see if you even need premium.

I think it'* pissed off is what it is....

Going back to when we had the scan tool on, what should the timing be right at idle? We were getting -17.5* to -18*.

I'm not too sure about the timing but you might want to take the intense pcm out and put it the stock one(if you still have it) since the intense one advances the timing. I mean at least till you can actually see if theres KR.

Already ahead of you on that one buddy

Normal cruising

Ignition timing adv reads

-24.5* give or take....

When I go WOT from a slow roll, the timing gets down to roughly -14*, but as the RPMs increase it climbs to -18* or -19*. Is this a sign of KR? I'm almost sure the car is pulling timing, because when you punch it there is no surge of power... it almost accelerates sluggishly at this point. We're pretty sure we have a vacuum leak, which could be the culprit, but what else is going on here? Do you guys think I'm safe to be on the interstate for 2.5 hours in order to get home to a better scan tool?

We'll keep posting info as it comes. Boy do I wish I had gotten the LS1M from the get-go


Ben wrote this one.

For a stock PCM that sounds right on the money. I know jr's3800 had almost the same #'* for his 95 series 2. Although he isn't OBD2, i'm assuming it'* the same.