I recently purchased a 1995 LT1 Formula firebird, the transmission died within 500 miles of owning it. Now my next cocern is the engine, I've taken care of minor things like alternator and other electrical components.

I know a full overhaul wouldn't necessarily be the right step, there is a way to do a partial build correct? As in just replace what is worn.

Anyone know the prices on the most basic engine rebuild? What would need to be replaced, and can I start buying the parts for the build?

Only reason I ask is because I understand its better to rebuild an engine before it takes a crap because more things can go wrong if you let it fail.

I really have no experiance at all with this, so I just need a good schooling in this area. Or even references to other threads.

- Z28WannaB

 

Basic rebuild = new bearings, rings, and gaskets. Have the bore checked for wear/out of round, depending on how it is may have to get it bored over = new pistons, no big deal. You can get forged for ~$400-$500 or some KB Hypers for ~$2xx I think they are.

Figure ~$300 on a gasket & seal set.
$100 for some rings
up to $100 for rod/main/cam bearings, even less probably.
Valve job (Really depends on the shop doing it $$ wise)
As long as your old bearings are good you can most likely get away with just getting the crank cleaned up/polished which is going to be like $30, unless you need to get it cut, it will be more like $60

Oh, oil pump & pickup, figure $60-$70
Timing chain, well, there's a couple different ways to do it...both are about the same price...I reccomend getting the Cloyes double roller and electric water pump (I believe you need vented opti...do a search on timing chains/sets) because a new timing set for the LT1 is over $200.

Might as well get a better cam while you're in there

Call around to your local machine shops for an estimate on a rebuild to replace the rings/bearings/gaskets/valvejob checking everything out. Valvetrain components wouldn't be a bad thing to get checked out/replaced either, they're not too expensive (as in springs/retainers/locks etc.)

 

Would 1,200 dollars get the job done? I just want to play it safe.

- Z28WannaB

 

How much of the work are you doing yourself?

To be honest, it depends on the machine shop. And even then, it depends on their mood, and how fast you want it...

I suggest calling around, or looking up the machine shops in your area and visiting each one. See how they keep their facilities, talk to them see what they reccomend, and how much they want for it...make sure to get prices. Also ask about a warranty. Every shop will be different though. Then you'll just have to use your best judgement. See how they treat other peoples stuff and think to yourself if you'd want your stuff treated like that. See if they're willing to talk with you and go over what you need and help you explain stuff. I tend to stay away from places that won't talk unless you're putting money in their pocket, unless I know they're a big name well established race oriented shop.

Any monkey can rebuild an engine. They have to pay attention to detail though to make it right and make it live.

If you pull the engine, bring it into them, and put it back in yourself...well this is what I was quoted...your prices may be similar, or most likely more $$$ since this was cheap work...

Hot Tank & Magnaflux $35.00
.030 Bore/Hone w/ Tq. Plate $100.00
Inst. Cam Bearings + Freeze Plugs $20.00
Assemble Long Block $300.00<--Will vary greatly
Inst. Pistons onto Rods $25.00
Total Machinework: ~$500 so far.

Add $25 to polish the crank, or $60 if needed to grind it down & polish it
Valvejob, figure around $100-$150...I would get one or at least get the heads checked out.

That brings us to $700 now...

Figure ~$60 for bearings and $100 for some Plasma Moly rings = $160, so $860 total.

Say ~$300 for gaskets
I don't know what KB Hypers go for, but I'll estimate $300?

So that there is ~$1500 total...

That's all dependent upon the condition of your original pistons and cylinder wall though. If those are OK, then knock off the $300 pistons and the $100 bore job (Although you will still most likely need it finish honed to get the rings to seat)...If your crank doesn't need ground then figure only $20 to polish, so knock another $40 off...all depends, won't know til you tear it apart

Figure $1000-$1500...Just have to call around and ask.

Don't forget new head bolts too, and the $70 for the oil pump...

This will break it down pretty good for you what I'm paying:
http://paradox.shacknet.nu/dave88lx/formula/383/383.htm

 

2500 but that was for another stronger cast crank, forged I beams and forged pistons, race bearings and arp bolts... But whatever u think its going to cost u.. figure about another 500 bucks in gaskets and little stuff u dont think of

 

Are you doing all the work, or are you having a shop do it? Labor adds up very quickly.

 

The last LT1 I rebuilt with a buddy and we had it bored .030, crank turned .010 and basic rebuild kit with new cam and stock heads with surfacing and valve job all cost $1300.00.
That was going back basically stock except upgraded cam and he also bought a set of $450.00 headers.
So all $1750.
He has since added a CAI and gears. more $$$. lol.
You can spend as much as you want to on these cars.

 

Well I figure I can save up and buy the parts, and then save up and have them installed. So I need approximately 1500 for parts then? Where would be the cheapest place to order them?

- Z28WannaB

 

www.adperformance.com / scatstroker@hotmail.com is where I reccomend bottom end stuff.