3FE "While I'm in there" ideas

[Dokken]

TLC 1991 3FE

This started as a valve cover gasket job. Turned into an EGR delete after that. That turned into a head gasket job. The rabbit hole goes further my friends... Anyway...

I plan on taking the cylinder head to the machine shop for a pressure test, measurement and bath. Should I shave the head? If yes, then how much should I shave off? I would like to keep it minimal. While I'm in there, (since I have a lot of space to work with) what kind of headers are good for the 3FE? Any other ideas on how I can run a cooler engine with better air flow? Should I do a timing advance with the dizzy if I shave the head?

Or should I keep the head to factory specs and throw a turbo on later? I'm a mechanic but I have never gone this far. I figured a good 1st time project would be my own vehicle instead of somebody else s.

 

[bugsnbikes]

1Fz is a cooler engine....... and it will likely run cooler. Just crack your cooler- enjoy a few cool ones and get that 1fz in there.

 

[Alleycats]

1FZ runs real cool until the HG goes, then not so much.

 

[Dokken]

I have a 3FE gents. Posted above iirc

 

[jeepkiller]

TLC 1991 3FE

This started as a valve cover gasket job. Turned into an EGR delete after that. That turned into a head gasket job. The rabbit hole goes further my friends... Anyway...

I plan on taking the cylinder head to the machine shop for a pressure test, measurement and bath. Should I shave the head? If yes, then how much should I shave off? I would like to keep it minimal. While I'm in there, (since I have a lot of space to work with) what kind of headers are good for the 3FE? Any other ideas on how I can run a cooler engine with better air flow? Should I do a timing advance with the dizzy if I shave the head?

Or should I keep the head to factory specs and throw a turbo on later? I'm a mechanic but I have never gone this far. I figured a good 1st time project would be my own vehicle instead of somebody else s.

what is this egr delete you are speaking of

 

[RockDoc]

Keep the stock manifolds, they flow well, and headers for the 3FE have a bad reputation as far as sealing and excess heat.
I'd clean up the bowl area behind the valve faces while you have the head torn down.

 

[Dokken]

Viable information. Thank you. Anything else I should improve or look at while I have the room?

 

[tacosupreme]

New hoses, radiator, vacuum lines, balance injectors, replace temp senders, etc. I replaced my radiator and even in triple digit heat the gauge hangs out around the half mark. Just get the head resurfaced. That removes the least amount of metal to return it to a flat, like new surface (if your machinist knows what he's doing). Shaving the head isn't the right way to increase the compression ratio, domed pistons are. Cleaning all of the gunk out of the intake will probably net more power than bumping compression by half a point.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Maybe another cam grind too.

 

[Dokken]

I have all new oem hoses for coolant, intake, and heating (PHH) etc. Painted my Valve cover Blue I think I will leave shaving the head or block alone then. I'm just wanting this baby to run like a top while maintaining it's durability. Not sure what radiator to get. That has been a real pain... Any suggestions? I will rebuild the injectors myself if I can find a kit for that

I will take some pictures tomorrow. A little eye candy for a change.

 

[White Stripe]

Port and polish the head, put a reground cam in from delta cams. A turbo or supercharger would be cool if your not afraid of fab work. Free flowing exhaust unless your doing a turbo and then u may as well do that same time as turbo.

 

[Springs505]

I have all new oem hoses for coolant, intake, and heating (PHH) etc.

I don't think you need a PHH

There is a plug on the head that tends to pop out and leak at the worst times. If the head is off, it's the best time to drill, tap, and plug it. I'm sure there is a thread about it here somewhere...

 

[rmblaire]

I did my head last year. EGR delete, new valve seals, rebuilt injectors, head resurfaced (I don't recall what he took off it) removed/capped all non essential vacuum lines. I think the best thing to do would've been the radiator and all hoses but budget didn't allow it at the time and there were no overheating issues. I'm going down that road soon.

 

[l1coeea9]

I don't think you need a PHH

There is a plug on the head that tends to pop out and leak at the worst times. If the head is off, it's the best time to drill, tap, and plug it. I'm sure there is a thread about it here somewhere...

Oil galley plug.