Hello all I am new to the forum and already need help!

Two weeks ago I bought a 1998 Chevy Camaro 3.8L for $2000 black and in extreamly beautiful condition - Interior is MINT! When I bought it it had 170K on it but was a 1 owner garage kept car that I bought from the owner. I have hired a GM Certified mechanic to change out everything. The car is in the shop right now getting a new GM crate motor, new GM crate transmission, new ceramic brakes and new brake lines, new shocks, struts, new everything for the front end. When I get it back mechanically it should be perfect.

Here is the delema that I need info on....
I paid a $3500 deposit for the parts before I left for vacation, they were to have the new parts at the shop prior to my leaving on vacation but due to the 4th and a mess up (that I did not see) of them delivering a short block set up instead of a long block set up. Now that I am on vacation everything shows up and of course I am 600 miles away and I cannot check anything. Finally here is my question:

How can I tell from the block number if I am getting what I am paying for? I know that a GM replacement motor starts with a CE (which is either Chevy engine or Crate engine) but is there somewhere on the net that I can tell what the other numbers mean? I have had work done from this mechanic before but now that I am on vacation I am having issues with my new tranny in my Tahoe.

Your help will be gratefully appreciated!
Rob

 

i have moved your thread to the v6 section where you should get some great help. i think the vin k is the motor you want.

 

The 3800 Series II engine was used by all GM brands except Hummer. This engine only has one form, all Series II naturally aspirated engines came with the same cam, heads and compression ratio. The only difference between the FWD and RWD engines was what they put on the outside. If you ordered a Series II 3800 then that is what you are going to get, no 10 different variations like the Chevy 350.

Massey

 

If this a GM crate motor your mechanic will need to give you all the warrany information. That information will include all the GM part numbers installed. All you new goodies come with 3 years and 36K warranty valid at any GM dealship. It would be real tuff to pull a switch or any funny stuff. Just make sure he gives you all the warranty info before you pay him the rest of the money.

 

This isnt getting done at a GM dealership, this is a GM certified mechanic that has his own shop. The engine and tranny was purchased from GM and he extends the warranty to 3yrs/100,000 miles. On my Tahoe I have had a couple issues some come back to the prior owner screwing with the electrical and one to a loose rocker arm which he fixed asap. My concern doesnt really stem from not trusting but being able to tell if I am getting what I am paying for and that is a NEW engine and not a re-man.

Thanks for the responses.
Rob

 

That makes a lot of sense to me, thanks
Rob

 

I dont think GM remans the 3800. I think new is the only option from GM. If someone knows of a GM Reman 3800 please post the info.

 

NOt sure if they reman the engine either but it is available from GM for about $2500 long block, and you may end up with a Series III engine. If you order a Series III you get a series III but series II could be either.

Massey

 

Well that fits directly into what I am paying and Tony said yesterday that GM doesnt make a reman, only new 3800.

Thanks a lot!
Rob