Guys,

I just picked up a 97 Convertible, with a bent rod, or something knocking very badly in the bottom end. So - I need to find a good used motor. The problem is, there are only 2 motors in my area for the "Camaro". One is 140k with 125 compression, and the other is $500 that may or may not have a blown headgasket, and was overheated. Awesome picsk, huh? Nobody will answer my question if something out of another car will work (regal, 88, bonnevile, etc).

So, what other cars can I grab a 3.8L from? I'm fine with swapping the IM, or other things to make it work - my motor has good everything, besides the bottom end. I do not, however, want to deal with head gaskets, head bolts, etc.

Please help me out - as my local yards suck ***.

Also - what should I look to spend for a good used motor?

FWIW: I am in Greeley, CO.

Thanks guys!!!

Brett

 

I just bought one from a Firebird and planted in our 96. I have also been told that many of the K series engines from FWD vehicles will work but you have to change the intake and possibly the oil filter adapter. Whats up with camaro's and engine knocks? Did they put poor bearings in them or people just rag them out?

 

I think it is more from people ragging them out.

 

If you went to a GM dealership and asked for a new engine you would get this one.
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...D&ProdID=96139

Since this motor fits so many cars we can also assume the motors from these cars will fit ours. You may have to strip the motor down to the long block and use your parts. The FWD car use a differnt upper intake and I am sure all the brackets are different. I searched out a Camaro engine cause I like the idea that I can use a newer sensors and ignition system. Now 90% of the parts on my motor are 02 with 48K vs the 96 139K parts I took off. I even have a complete backup ignition system.

 

I will agree with that. Most of the time when a bearing fails its a result of another failure. A streched rod caused by over reving or weak oil pump or even a failed cooling system that allowed a piston to get to tight and jamed the bearings.

In a normal life of an engine with no failures you will see a very slow drop in oil pressure and some light knocking then the motor will spin a bearing cause there just not enough there to keep it inplace. The trick is to rebearing the motor once the oil pressure drops down but before it spins

 

Sweet! Thanks for your help!! I found an 02 Ragal motor with 42k for $900 local. Thanks so much for your help guys!

Brett

 

Sounds like you've got it figured out. Just need to swap the intakes, oil pan, valve covers, fuel rails, accessories, oil filter adapter, etc. Basically anything that isn't the exact same as what you have now.