🔧 BUILD Upside-down M90 GTP build thread

Overview Gallery Join the Discussion

General Information

When your wife gives you permission to build a racecar, you build a racecar.

This is what happened to me. However, all funding for this project comes out of my construction account. I really need a telehandler, so this is very budget friendly. Luckily, I've been stockpiling parts for years. This isn't an overnight build by any means. My goal is to make a 1/4 mile pass with it before the tracks close for the season. I'm taking a risk here and using photobucket for image hosting, so hopefully they don't screw me over again.

So let's start it off. I bought a 04 L26 motor with somewhere north of 100k on it and started to tear it down.

1689132772823.png












Everything looks good so far. The pistons are really clean. There was some junk sitting in the oil pan, but not much.
Click to expand...
v6buicks

v6buicks

TCG Elite Member
TCG Premium
Oct 22, 2018
6,353
15,766
Franklin, IN
Real Name
Jon
  • #403
    GTPpower said:
    I think I'm going to pull it out after Friday and send it to someone that knows what they are doing.
    Click to expand...
    Autos in general are like voodoo to me. Even when you're sure you've done everything right, something isn't right. Any idea who you're going to try? With TEP out of the game, I'm not sure where else to turn anymore.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: GTPpower
    GTPpower

    GTPpower

    TCG Elite Member
    Jun 5, 2012
    6,345
    9,746
    Nebraska
  • #404
    Nichols in Kansas City has received most of Dave's business. I might take to there since that's a 4 hour drive for me. Otherwise there is Harmon performance transmission in Minnesota I think. Or the guy that has been helping me with it, who I think is in Michigan. Or I might try to sweet talk Dave into looking at it. I'll have to do some calling around.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: v6buicks
    GTPpower

    GTPpower

    TCG Elite Member
    Jun 5, 2012
    6,345
    9,746
    Nebraska
  • #413
    Well, I think with help I have a solution.

    I used a bonded separate plate with a paper gasket on each side like the manual says to. But since it's bonded, you aren't supposed to use the paper gaskets. Doing that will cause no 1st and 4th. So, it'll be a pain, but I should be able to fix this without dropping the trans.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: SaturdaysGS, m_dogg and v6buicks
    GTPpower

    GTPpower

    TCG Elite Member
    Jun 5, 2012
    6,345
    9,746
    Nebraska
  • #415
    Mattstrike said:
    Explain that one to me more.... I have this exact problem right now with my '97 LeSabre, I thought it was a shift solenoid issue.
    Click to expand...

    The manual shows to install the separate plate (spacer) in the middle with a gasket on each side.
    IMG_20201101_135140913.jpg

    I used this during the rebuild. But, I didn't see anything that said not to use gaskets on it.

    www.gmtransmissionparts.com

    4T65E Bonded Valve Body Separator Plate 24217553

    Transmission Rebuild Kits, Hard Parts & Assemblies! Order Online or Call Toll-Free (844) 298-6404! We stock thousands of GM transmission parts to ensure we can get the part you need for you rebuild delivered to your garage in days quickly at the lowest cost online!
    www.gmtransmissionparts.com www.gmtransmissionparts.com

    It has the gaskets already attached, so if you use gaskets like the manual shows to, it will keep you from having 1st and 4th. I will try to show the differences in the gasket and separate plate when I get it apart.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: SaturdaysGS and v6buicks
    GTPpower

    GTPpower

    TCG Elite Member
    Jun 5, 2012
    6,345
    9,746
    Nebraska
  • #416
    Dropping the subframe on the driver's side to get to the valve body.

    IMG_20201125_172951020.jpg

    IMG_20201127_160841990_BURST001_COMP.jpg

    If you look really close, you can see where the check ball tried to year through the paper gasket to allow flow for 1st gear.

    IMG_20201127_164130909~2.jpg


    There's also lots of places where the passages don't line up.

    IMG_20201127_164632917~2.jpg

    IMG_20201127_164654390.jpg

    IMG_20201127_170047240.jpg


    Pulled the paper gaskets off and got it all put back together. I'll put in a new filter and fluid before I take it for a test drive.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: TurboTPI, m_dogg, Mr_Roboto and 3 others
    Mr_Roboto

    Mr_Roboto

    Doing the jobs nobody wants to
    TCG Premium
    Feb 4, 2012
    25,867
    31,018
    Nashotah, Wisconsin (AKA not Illinois)
  • #419
    GTPpower said:
    Dropping the subframe on the driver's side to get to the valve body.

    View attachment 74994

    View attachment 74995

    If you look really close, you can see where the check ball tried to year through the paper gasket to allow flow for 1st gear.

    View attachment 74998


    There's also lots of places where the passages don't line up.

    View attachment 74999

    View attachment 75000

    View attachment 75001


    Pulled the paper gaskets off and got it all put back together. I'll put in a new filter and fluid before I take it for a test drive.
    Click to expand...

    Yeah, a little fuckery will cause shit to happen. Back in the day I bent the corner of a VB gasket less than 1/4 inch installing it. Had to fucking drop the VB to fix it. I'm doing the Transgo HD Kit in my 700R4 so I am hoping to avoid similar fun again.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: GTPpower and Rent Free
    Ron Vogel

    Ron Vogel

    TCG Elite Member
    Jul 12, 2007
    5,175
    4,286
    Aurora
    Real Name
    Ron Vogel
  • #420
    Mr_Roboto said:
    Yeah, a little fuckery will cause shit to happen. Back in the day I bent the corner of a VB gasket less than 1/4 inch installing it. Had to fucking drop the VB to fix it. I'm doing the Transgo HD Kit in my 700R4 so I am hoping to avoid similar fun again.
    Click to expand...
    When I did my wife’s trans, I used the tq converter bolts to pull it into the flexplate (Don’t do this) . It didn’t sit right and killed the pump bushing. I had to pull the whole assembly out to replace a $3 bushing, and $6 seal. Found out you pull the TQ converter forward from the backside towards the flexplate to properly clock it. Then tighten. Been fine since
     
    GTPpower

    GTPpower

    TCG Elite Member
    Jun 5, 2012
    6,345
    9,746
    Nebraska
  • #422
    98GrandPrixIraqVet said:
    Whats the highest hp FWD engine GM makes now? Itd be killer to stuff a say 360+ hp 8 speed or whatever with a 100 shot and send it. I should look it up and just find a wreck so youve got everything. Electronics and all.
    Click to expand...

    I have no idea. No way I'd have the time to do something like that. I'm slowly getting the kinks worked out. This thing should be nearing 400 whp.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Rent Free
    Ron Vogel

    Ron Vogel

    TCG Elite Member
    Jul 12, 2007
    5,175
    4,286
    Aurora
    Real Name
    Ron Vogel
  • #423
    If you really want to know, use your trap speed. It’s the most accurate way to determine HP

    www.ajdesigner.com

    Engine Horsepower Calculator From Trap Speed

    Estimate engine horsepower using trap speed or quarter mile drag race speed and vehicle weight.
    www.ajdesigner.com

    L67’s don’t dyno right. Witnessed it on many occasions, and even my own car.
     
    Receive Email Updates

    Thread Info

    Top Bottom
    Topics
    New Posts & Threads
    Garage
    Menu