Hi, i have been looking at v6 f bodies and among other cars.

I found one near me that has a leaky engine,

" My mechanic diagnosed the problem as being wiped cam/crank bearings"

then he goes on to say it is a common problem.

Here is the ad. http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/1258746314.html

He told me the engine is the only problem. My question is, is it worth it to buy this car for a price of $2750, then buy another 3.8 engine, and get a shop to swap them out?

I was estimating an engine to cost $500-$1000. Im not sure how much labor would be for the job but i was estimating $500.

That being done id have a 90,000 mile firebird for $3750-$4250.

Is it worth it? or should i just pay the 5 or 6k for a complete car? What if the price was lower?

Also i was just assuming swapping in a v8 would require too many parts and labor.

Thanks.

 

That's way too much to have invested in a 96. You'll be in deeper than it's worth by the time you're done. For kicks, I checked Craigslist (Chicago area) and found a 99 Firebird with 74k miles for $4k asking price. Actual price would end up being in the $3's. Keep looking for a good one, they're out there.

 

500-1000 will get a used engine, 500 Labor is too low. In most shops that would cover what 9 hours? your looking at atleast 20-24 hours. The other thing is any engine you buy used you should replace the intake gasket, plugs, wires, O2 sensor, motor mounts, hoses, belts etc..... O2 sensors alone will be $280

I paid $1,000 for the 96 Camaro I am working, You can pick on the link sig and see the details. I paid $650 for the motor. By the time I am done I will have 3K in it. But that is with me doing all the labor. I have seen Z28's that needed motors sell for a lot less then then that.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/1216952852.html

 

Thanks for the replies, im starting to see that i was willing to pay too much for a v6.

It does seem like id be better off just waiting for a good deal with a working engine.

Thanks.

 

Seems quite high to me. You should be able to get a Running one with those miles for cheaper.

 

I have come across a 99 with 3.8 that has knock in motor for $800 Trying to decide if good project. What you pros think

 

Sounds good depending on the rest of the condition of the car. I paid 1K for mine but I looks at alot of cars that needed major engine work. Most where not well maintained. It was hard to find one that was babied. The one I found was garage kept it whole life. Everything about the car is great except the motor knock. Her mechanic told her the car was not worth the 3-4K it would take to replace the engine. I think if he had told her she should do it she would have. I could tell she really did not want to sell it.

One standard rule I use when ever I value a car is. If I can not drive it assume it needs a new engine, tranny and rear. Unless the guy can transfer a warranty there is just no way to know if it good. Even if I 100% believe the guy is telling the truth that the tranny worked great. I have had customers bring in cars for brake issues only to find during the test drive the tranny is about to fall out of it. Most times the customers had no clue cause it was coming on so slowly they just got use to it.

 

labor cost 900 to take out the old one and put in the new one for me

 

The car I am looking at is in great body shape, driver seat needs attetion otherwise good. T_top. I drove it kind of a bump when first start then slight knock as you speed up. Not real noticable at 60 mph but still there. Steering and shifting good. They think in needs rod bearings??