I have a 97 SS Camaro LT1 with 150k miles on it. Everything is stock. 5w 30 oil.

-Has trouble starting up sometimes (I have to turn the key for a while, stop, then turn again, stop, then turn again and then it goes--low compression?)

-Car wont pass smog (p0400), and throwing slightly high emissions (CA).

-I have an oil leak somewhere by my oil pan or in the rear of the engine.

-My oil pressure is really low now. (Falls to red at idle, and makes temp rise when it goes to red)--I have to step on the gas slightly to make the temp go down.

-The sound of the engine running @ idle just sounds like an old engine that has been around the block.

-And just the overall performance seems weak.



I'm not trying to race the thing. I just want to rebuild engine so it runs like a new stock SS.

I'm not really much of an engine/car either guy so I probably won't be able to do it myself. I know i want a complete rebuild--no half assed work. I wan't quality parts in this rebuild too...not some cheap ones. And maybe a few MINOR relatively cheap upgrades while im having the engine worked on.

How would you guys approach this, if you were me? I'm hoping for a budget under $2,000 but will consider more if it's worth it. I'm in CA. I need a guide like "Paying for a rebuild for dummies" -so to speak lol

 

Buy a LT1 with less miles.

 

You have to see what your objectives for this car are. Is is going to be a dd? weekend warrior? Do you have a reputable mechanic, as it sounds like you are not mechanically inclined. If you can't do the work and do not have a reputable mechanic, sell the car immediately, as it will be a money pit sooo fast that 2k you are budgeting will be gone in a flash and you will still be looking at a car with the same prolblems. If you are mechanically inclined, buy some tools such as a fuel pressure gauge, scanner or computer for diagnosing the codes, compression tester, and do lots of searches on this and other ltx boards to use the experience of those on here to help you fix your car.The hard starting could be fuel pump or opti, couple hundred to fix. Low oil pressure may be your pickup coming loose from the oil pump. Without someone competent diagnosing your car, you will never be satisfied. Not trying to be mean, just trying to help you make choices. My car has 240k on it, but runs good. I am going to replace my opti, but also drop the oil pan, replace seals in the front timing cover and a new timing chain. I have been reading others posts for months on how to do it, and what not to do, so I feel I am preapared for it. But you will need this kind of knowledge to get your car running right, or hand it over to someone who can get it right. Oh and 2k will cover a stock rebuild of your engine along with hoses, fluids, and other miscellaneous items, but won't cover labor to remove and reinstall the engine.


hth

andy schuck

 

if you are wanting better than stock replacement through the entire engine i think your budget is a little low, are you wanting to replace everything? like the entire bottom end?, also with a motor this old that may have compression issues you may run into cylinder wall issues (may need to be bored over). Things start to get pretty expensive. you may wanna look for a long block that you can just slap your top end on

 

How much would it cost to drop a used LS1 engine in there? Might be a better option.

 

Hmmm a lot of mixed reviews. I plan on having this car for the weekend. Just for cruising around. Don't want to race it. I just want to rebuild it to stock. But if it's not too much more money I wouldn't mind putting a few upgrades in it while im at it.

Not sure what to do:

I don't really want to buy a used LT1 engine because who knows how bad it might be..

Dropping a LS1 in there sounds pretty cool. But I'm not sure how much that would be and would I even be able to find someone would actually do it?

What would you guys do if you were me? I can save a bit more if it's goin to cost more then $2,000. I really want to keep the car. I like it and it's rare nowadays....

 

My stock(ish) rebuild cost me $2k a couple years ago. half that was from the machinist checking the block and having to bore .030 over, checking out crank, a complete rebuild of the heads, and balancing the setup. the other half was in parts. i had to replace the crank(used) but not the cam, all new valve train, pistons, rings, gasket set, etc. so in my minimal experience i would tell you to budget at least $3k with an almost expect $500 more just in case. if it does end up costing you less than you could throw the extra you budgeted towards headers exhaust and a cold air setup.

 

Hmmm thanks skibum. I talked to a friend about it who got his 70 camaro rebuilt and he said he found a guy who will do a complete rebuild for 1700. Sounds pretty cheap compared to what i've read here.

The main thing i'm worried about is the quality of the job done. I really want a professional job done and I want everything checked to make sure its good. And if it's not, I want to replace it.

Any tips on how to approach a mechanic to get a complete rebuild? What do I ask? I called one already and he was asking me do I want a long block or short block?....I was confused and I didn't know how to reply.

 

A short block rebuild is essentially the block without the heads. Depending on what you ask for, you'll get all new bearings, new pistons/rings, the rods resized in addition to the block being cleaned and replugged....oil gallery plugs, core plugs, etc. A long block rebuild is all that plus reconditioning of the heads....

 

Shortblock would normally mean A bottom end rebuild. This would most times include all new bearings, freeze plugs, oil pump, gaskets, rings, and timing set. Occasionally you run into places that will also include a set of pistons and a "stock style" cam. Generally this type of rebuild is what most people pour their money into.

I would guess that the long block would include a head rebuild as well. Not really sure, since I have never done one of those. If your were mechanically inclined it would actually be cheaper to buy a remanufactured long block than having your current one rebuilt most times. I know here there are a few parts stores that can get them for under 1900$ if you bring in your current block as a core. Problem there though I think, is you are not that inclined lol. Since it would require you to remove all of the top end (intake, electronics, and all of that)

About 2,000 is about the price for getting one rebuilt though. At least where I am, and that is If you bring them the engine already out. If they have to pull it and such, expect at least 3000 minimum.

 

was reading up on some post and this is exactly what i want:

"A complete rebuild (in my opinion) consists of new crankshaft, springs, bearings, rods, retainers, rockers, pistons, piston rings, all new gaskets, over boring the motor, acid washing the block, having the blocked check for imperfections (warping etc), new oil pump, new water pump"

how much would that be??

 

I kinda feel like just buying all the parts first. and then saving money to havesomeone do all the labor. Without parts what do you guys think a fair labor cost would be? Including taking out the engine, boring, and installing all of those?

 

I appreciate all the responses. THanks a lot

 

prolly around 1000 but it really depends on who you go to and the amount of repair thaey have to do ... could be less could be more

 

So a guy name chuck from the boards emailed me and recommended me a shop...they quoted me for 18 hours for labor that includes machine work/taking out engine/reinstalling. That totals $1,530. Then with all the parts it came to a total of $3900. That includes all the sensors, spark plugs, waterpump, oil pump, forged pistons (he said they cost the same are regular ones?), etc. Price seems a little high for just a standard rebuild. I'm gonna stop by his shop and get a list of all the work they are going to do so I have a better understanding of what's exactly goin to be done.

Then another place was only going to charge $1700. Big difference!