So, I've been carless for the past 4 months.

The engine has bad blowby, with leaky piston rings. I guess it thinned out the oil as well, because I spun a bearing, and now has a very loud intermittent knocking noise.

Anyway, I'm wondering whether in my case, a rebuild or just a shortblock replacement would be cheaper. Can anybody tell me what they would recommend?

Around this area, I found an LT1 assembled shortblock with 39k miles on it for $750. I would get that shipped to a shop, and they would most likely charge me anywhere from $1200-1800 to swap the shortblock in.

Now as for rebuilding, all I would need is for them to redo the rings, check the pistons, and replace all the bearings. I don't believe the block needs to be tanked or machined - I changed the headgaskets a few months ago, and the cylinders still seemed to have the light crosshatching marks on the walls. How much would a decent shop charge to cut the crank, replace bearings, and replace piston rings?

God, I miss my z28. It's my only car, too.

edit: And oh, pulling the engine myself is not an option.. I don't have the hoist/stand, nor a truck to take the engine around on. Plus, I live in an apartment, and I park my car in their underground garage.. Usually dim and not much room to do major things.. like pulling an engine.

Anyway, suggestions will be very appreciated. Thanks!

 

If you go used, buy an entire engine. Otherwise I would have yours rebuilt. Don't buy someone elses problems if you have a choice.

Buying a used short block will cost you much more in the long run because you will have to pay someone else to transfer all the parts over from one engine to the other.

Good luck

 

The main question is one of $$$.

The ideal thing would be to have your engine rebuilt to a 396 and live large.

If its a money problem, I'd search for a complete engine and have your cam installed before you have the engine installed.

So going with a complete engine, I would really do some searching for the best engine and buy.

Drop shipping can cost over $100.00 bucks, but is certainly the best way to go when you find the right engine.

First, find "good" shop that has experience in pulling and installing Lt1s in F-Bodies.

Make sure you can communicate with them and they know exactly what you want and will give you a solid quote.

Search for your engine (maybe they can help).

Going with a new short block will cost you about $5000.00 including purchase, shipping, parts swapping, installation, etc.

Good used engine $500.00 (if you look around) shipping $150.00 (maybe less) swapping and installation ($1200). So maybe around 2000 to 2500. I.e., about half as much as short block.JMHO

 

crate long block from Autozone $1500 +your long block. Don't trust any used s**t, rebuild your own shortblock, or buy crate motor.There must be a reason why people sell good shortblock with "30000" miles.TRust me on this, learned it in hardway by buying used shortblock from ebay for $250.

 

I agree that buying a "used" long block is taking a chance. That's why I said a "good" one.

Just how you determine THAT is relatively simple, albeit not foolproof.

E.g., if someone standing on the street corner at 3AM offers you a "good" used engine at a great price, maybe not a good deal.

On the other hand, if a long-time respected member of this site is the offeror, then maybe it is a good deal.

Sometimes you just have to buy "used".JMHO

 

I agree with Bubba but I would not get a used one with 40k on it thats for sure. Wheelman got a stroker with only 5k on it for sale for 2400. Just be patient and look for a deal. Rebuilding it will cost around 1500 on the high side.