Got a 97 SS camaro and I'm wanting to rebuild the engine....

I got a quote for a Long block rebuild with a machine shop for about $3900. This includes the labor of taking the engine out and putting it back. This is only internal parts of the engine and machine work, so it may go up if they need to replace waterpump or any external parts, etc.

What do you guys think? Does that sound about right? He told me that he would probably use a silverlite rebuild kit.

 

You can buy a complete used lt1 for much less than 1/2 that I'm sure. I would bet you could buy a used longblock in good condition for a grand. He'll you can pick up a complete lt1 vehicle for under 3900 these days. That sounds really steep to me. What exactly is wrong with your engine?

 

I posted it in the other thread i made but here's the list of problems:

Engine oil leak (don't know where) but my driveway is full of oil i think from somewhere by or above the oil filter.
Car studders sometimes when accelerating in 1st gear (sometimes even hear like a crackling noise when taking off but that seems to happen only when it's cold or extremely hot)
I hear a faint tapping noise comming from the engine
Power seems to have faded a bit
Car heats up (sometimes to red) when I'm at idle and when oil pressure goes low.
Oil pressure was dropping to 0 when the car was hot when i had 5w-30 oil. (had to put 2 bottles of lucas stablilzer to keep it above the red)
I'm losing coolant somehow

All these problems make me want to just rebuild it all and get rid of them all.

 

Replied to your problem post, didnt see it before this one caught my eye. Either way if you need a new long or short block that price sounds really high to me. Is this something you've considered doing yourself? If so you could get this done for a heck of a lot less than 3900. If its not your daily driver I would seriosly look into it yourself if you have the time and some skills.

 

Yeah, this is my daily driver. I was planning on just dropping it off at the shop for 3 weeks and getting it done. I'm not really good at mechanics and don't have tools. I wish i could do it myself but realistically i probably wouldn't be able to do. I'm either going to have to rebuild it or trade it in and get a new car. I really don't want payments though!!! ugh.....I have a pre-approved loan ready for 6k. So i'm not sure what's the best way to go. Think a dealer would do 3k for this? lol

 

That's not a bad price - it would be ~$2600 for the long block from us w/ warranty, and the flat rate RR engine time is 12-15 hours so that's right in the ballpark. I would find out who is building the motor - is it a local shop or are they using a Jasper or Recon reman motor? If you have the option I would always go for a local shop that has their good name to protect and won't put out crap like the production rebuilders do.

 

you can do a decent built motor for that much...

 

Thinking the same thing. Doesn't sound bad to me, then you consider they're R&R'ing the engine.

 

If you're going to spend $3,900 on a long block get it from Golen or somewhere known for quality work rather than taking a chance.

http://www.golenengineservice.com/ht...t4.html#LTlong

 

i seen that silent....but that's just for the engine. I still have to get it put in the car! lol..I don't really know how and don't have the tools or time. And the place is called R&R automotive. They do restorations and build motors for racing in irwindale, CA. A guy from the boards recommended them to me. The guy seems like he knew what he was talking about and when in depth in what he was going to do to the engine. He said he would also make sure all the external parts were in good working condition as well but said it may be a good idea to replace some of the stuff.

My only concern is, if i get this motor rebuilt, what are the chances that other things will start failing on me too later? My goal is to have the engine rebuilt so I can drive like a brand new camaro as far as the engine is concerned.... I don't want to have to keep paying for new stuff down the line.

 

it is a local shop "R&R Automotive" he said it will be a really good rebuild and they wouldn't just replace my engine with a manufactures. They would actually recondition the entire engine. He said it would be all american parts and no china brands, etc. He said they take pride in their work and many people who race in irwindale take their camaros there to build them up into beasts and then race them......The guy said it would be 20 hours, but would do it for 15...lol (sounds like he's just trying to make me feel better about the price lol)

 

Can you guys give me some tips on what I should change externally on the engine? The opti was changed probably about 60,000 miles ago (5 years). About right around the time I bought it...I'm not sure what brand though but it has a ugly yellow color on the face, is that AC delco?

 

djskiggz,
When the motor went in my '87 IROC-Z I changed everything but the fuel injectors. That means changing the TPS (make sure you set the voltage on it after you install it!), knock sensor, o2 sensor (you'll have more than one on your car) but the secondary behind the cats is probably fine, coolant temp sensor, and EGR (especially since it's a bitch to get at on an LT1). Your IAC is probably OK but check the passages the intake for carbon buildup. You can clean it with sensor safe throttle body cleaner. You must reset the pintle in the IAC before you turn on the car or you can damage it.

If you want a 'new' rebuild it's going to set you back a chunk of change. You'll also need new plugs and wires, too. For a stock rebuild with me assembling the 305 and doing all of the R&R I spent about $1800.

 

you do understand that alot of the parts your going to need arent available from "american" brands... and even some "american" brands are made over seas sounds like i wouldnt trust that shop to replace the chain on my 10 speed

 

Sounds good - I looked over their website and they have a lot of the same high end equipment I use, and it looks like they run a similar shop were we both do service and restoration in addition to machine work and engine building.