lookin at a 1994 firebird formula. The body has 96k on it, but the engine was rebuilt at 90k he's got the paper work and all that shows it. My question is what exactly does rebuilding the engine do. Sorry im basically a n00b when it comes to this stuff. Should the engine last me a good time now that it's been rebuilt?

 

If he has the paperwork on it ask to see it and call the shop that did the rebuild. Ask them if it was a rebuild for the bottom end or the whole motor. On the bottom end did they just do rings and bearings or if they did a complete rebuild (ie pistons and rods and all).

If the rebuild was done at a good shop then the motor should be good for a long time (normal driving prob another 90K). I have a 125K on mine, but it now has to be rebuilt, but that is another story entirely

 

The motor should be fine but you must remember the rest of the car has 96k on it.
Some people think since it has a rebuilt engine that its a new car, the new engine is just part of the story. Don,t get me wrong the rebuilt engine is a great thing it should last a good long time if you keep up on the maintence, but make sure the rest of the car has been takin care of as well.
Take it from me, a new tranny or rearend can get expensive too.

 

I would be very careful buying a car with a rebuilt engine.
Go thru the paper work and see exactly what was done. Did the shop offer a warranty? most likely the warranty will not be able to be trasferred. I would also check on the reputation of that shop. Maybe even have a compression and leakdown test done and I would also have someone follow you in that car while you get on it several times. Let the RPMs come down from like 5800 and if you see any smoke don't buy it.
There are so many shops that don't do things right you need to be very careful.
I would also call that shop and see how they talk to you on the phone. Ask about the number of LT1's they rebuild and the work done on that car and if there is a warranty if it will apply to you.

 

I would be very worried about buying a car from someone who needed their engine rebuilt before 100k! (unless they were simply rebuilding it to be a better motor that is, for performance reasons)

Someone who needs their LT1 rebuilt before 100k obviously didn't take care of it very well, so you have to ask yourself how long the tranny or rear end is going to last.

If I were you I'd keep looking. There are TONS of mint condition LT1s out there. You might pay a little more $$, but in the long run you'll find it's less costly overall. I bought my 95 Formula two years ago with 56k on it and it's been extremely reliable so far and runs very strong, it now has 90k on it but runs like new. The engine is definitely in perfect shape, so is the rest of the drivetrain.

 

ask him why it was rebuilt, although he doesnt have to necessairly tell you the truth, but at least you can ask. maybe he took good care of his car but had the unfortunate luck of having something fail.