I have an opportunity to pick up a 94 LT1 with 121k miles. It runs and is drivable but definitely has a blown head gasket, cracked head because the oil and water has mixed. I have worked on several of the 3.8's but never on the LT1's. I have replaced head gaskets on the 3.8's but the situation was the water was not getting into the oil pan. Am I looking at a total rebuild on this engine if I decide to buy?

 

alot depends on how long it was run with water in the oil and how long has it set in that condition. if the gasket is changed right away and motor not run with the water in the oil then u should be ok. if it has set or run for any length of time the bearings are not going to last long and rust could have set in.

 

I don't know much about the car. I was purchased through a auto auction. I can get this car for a really low price but kinda wanted to know what I am getting into. Didn't I just say in an earlier post I'm going to be done with projects when I get the engine in the 98? Geeze. Something about the V8 is drawing me in!

 

V-8's have a way of doing that lol

 

it all depends on what you call "really low price"

I would not count on just the head gasket. It has 121k miles and you know that you need to tear into it. The heads will already be off so a top end rebuild definitely sounds to be in order and there is no better way to know the health of the bottom end than ................

So, I'd factor in some $$$$$$$

 

pick it up...buy a used LT1 for a grand...throw it in...cheap LT1 car

then tear apart other motor and build as you like

 

if its at auction then i would say its been setting. i would consider the motor toast and plan accordingly.

 

Low price is $600. Going to go look at it to see if it looks as good in real life as the picture. Supposedly, the body and everyhting is in really good shape except the dash is cracked.

 

buy it. take the motor out, and like whammer said, buy a lt1 used. keep old motor and build it up.

 

if it has all the parts and tranny is good, buy the thing at $600.

Damn, that is what is called a no-brainer. BUT, and here is the big but, do not expect to have a well running car for $600 plus the price of head gaskets. I'd budget at least another $2,000 exclusive of tires and brakes should you need those too. So, you may end up with a nice running Lt1 for $2600-$3300 (if you need tires and brakes)