So you may have seen from my other posts, I'm currently swapping my old blown 3.8 to a series III 3.8 from a Grand Prix. The motor is finally in!! Now, before I start it up, I'm replacing all the old fluids, because the new motor has basically sat for a year and a half. It has only 42,000 miles on it and I have all new gaskets (except for head gaskets) new plugs and wires, and obviously headers.. what are some things I should do on the first start up to ensure the engine will run well and for a long time and know that the overall health of the motor is fine? Cause I've spend too much time and money on this car for it to blow up in my face the first 15 minutes I drive it. Since I'm 17 and get paid barely above minimum wage, I'm obviously on a budget. Any advice would be more than helpful and the wonderful people on this forum have helped me time and time again, and to that I thank all of you. Thanks for your time and consideration.

-Johnny

 

check and recheck everything, all fluid levels, bleed air from cooling system, check fluid levels, lol. just need to maintain it right. after headers are broke in change 02 sensors, whatever is on them on the inside of some will foul 02's when it burns off.

 

to add to crab's list, I like to focus on the pain in the butt stuff. In other words, what don't you want to deal with in 6 months or a year.

Of all fluids, and that includes brake fluid in the mouth, I hate coolant. So, I'd be sure to change the thermostat.

After that, give all of the wiring harness and vacuum tubes a thorough look/repair.

What about accessories? Were any of them chirping? Now would be a good time to address bearings which are on their way out. With the engine out you have easier access to the front suspension/steering components so grease/lube/replace as needed and that includes flushing the P/S fluid.


How about those old coolant hoses or worse, that gnarly hose to/from the heater core? It's also a good time to flush the heater core. Again, with no engine in the bay, hop right in

 

Good advice given, mine is change all coolant hoses and belt(s)
Keep the old belt in the trunk/hatch for a temp roadside fix until a new one is bought.

 

That looks like a new water pump? A lot easier to do now if its not and if the motor sat with coolant in it for over a year it will not last long.