97 3.8 with 208,000 miles. CAI, headers and flowmaster. MPG is dropping (bout 20-22) clicking sound like lifter failing or exhaust leak. Multiple oil leaks...all minor but annoys me to death. Considering a top end job, which could easily result in total rebuild OR finding a low milage engine to replace it with. Also, tranny is slipping a bit. Have had it dealer flushed at 100K and again 200K, would consider replacing the tranny with the engine if I go that route.

Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated.

Mike

 

I am having one rebuilt right now, everything inside it new and they are charging me $1400. I have seen several engines listed for sale from $650 to $1200 with miles ranging from 85K to over 100K. None of them local and freight would have to be paid to get engine to my location so I chose to just have mine rebuilt. The only master rebuild kit I can find on the net is selling for around $800. There are several different vehicles that have the same engine as the 3.8 Camaro if you are willing to change over the intake manifolds.

 

http://www.golsn.com/listings/automo...s/1263980.html

 

You planning to do the work yourself?

Click on the thread in my sig. Low miles engines are out there. You just have to look. The nice part about getting a complete low miles Camaro engine is you can get all the parts that bolt to the motor also.

As stated above many of the 95-2004 3.8 FWD car have long blocks that will bolt right in. Those are a lot more abundant and they are cheaper. I spent 200 more then I could have gotten gotten a FWD engine for. I ended up with a large box of spare parts and much newer parts on the motor.

 

Yes I plan to do the work. Same problem as you, small garage no motor lift and have read that the "preferred method" is to unbolt the engine, lift the car and pull the motor from underneath. How did you get your ride high enough to pull it out from the bottom. Another dumb question, what does FWD refer to? I'm pretty sure it aint four wheel drive!

Thanks for the reply. I know if I rebuild it will take longer but be done right (I'm slow, not stupid) but getting a decent low mileage replacement sounds like an easier alternative for the same or maybe less money. I plan to repaint, new interior, and finish with a new convertible top (replaced the back window section last year at about $600) AFTER I get the motor and tranny in top shape.

 

front wheel drive. have u checked out music mans build. u can do alot with a 3.8.
https://camaroforums.com/forum/showt...ighlight=music

 

Flushing the tranny is likely what killed your transmission tbh with you.

But just pick up a low miles short block and replace gaskets. It's pretty easy and isn't too big of a budget hit because 3800s are abundant and cheap. I replaced mine with a 80k mi shortblock and redid all the gaskets for less than 600 bucks.

 

You use an engine lift and hook it to the front frame inside before the Rad support. You get the rear on some jack stands and use that as a pivot point. Shoot me a PM with an email address I can send you some info in PDF form.

 

mikeleland40@hotmail.com

Looking forward to the pics of yur engine pull.

thanks,

 

Email sent. If you don't get it let me know.

GL