Before I call my mechanic and the tow truck, please give me your thoughts.

Yesterday went for short drive to get some fuel. Exhaust sounded like it was open, echoing off the buildings as I passed. Power was deteriorating and I believe the oil pressure was dropping.

Got it home to the garage and don't dare start it up again.

This 97SS has barely 8K miles on it. The heads and headers were done about 500 miles ago.

Never been abused. What on earth could have happened? I knew I should have gone to church yesterday.

I hope some the advance guys will chime in here.

Thanks.

 

Oil pressure dropping is not a good sign as you know. Drain the oil and inspect it. If there is a serious problem, it will probably show up in the oil.

 

While your at it, slice open the oil filter to check for metal shavings or have it analyzed.

 

did the temp go up at all? if it did I'd pull a plug and see if they got burnt up

 

Thanks. Having it towed to my mechanic this PM.

I've never heard of the bottom end going with only 8K on the odom and no abuse.

I don't see how having the heads ported, larger valves, etc. would screw things up, but what do I know.

Didn't see any evidence of shavings on the dip stick, but that probably doesn't mean anything.

I wonder if the plug wires got melted by the headers. But then again, that wouldn't account for the low oil pressure.

I will let you know what they find.

With no warranty, even with only 8K, I guess I'm screwed, unless the problem was with the heads or the labor.

Thanks again for the responses.

 

Could have been a bad rebuild. Sorry to hear the problems.

 

Did you check the oil yet? I saw that you recently had head work. Since the oil pressure is low and the engine was running different , and the power was down, it's a possibility that the heads did not seal right, which would basically be like a blown, or burned head gasket which would put water in the engine oil. That would make it run rough, loose power, etc. And also would make the oil pressure low. Check the oil to see if it has coolant in it. If so it would be brown kind of like chocolate milk or cafe mocha.

 

sorry to hear that bubba let us know what he finds, hopfully something simple, or its coverd by the warranty