$5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
$5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
I've got a 94 Camaro and I cannot for the life of me find a speed shop around Dover Delaware that will do an overhaul on my engine! I just think I'm lacking the contacts..anyway. I've got $5k and I'm interested in the Grand AM 99+ top end swap. However, I cant find the parts I need around here (Dover). I have also been looking into the LS1 swap..like everyone else.
Anyone know a "East Coast Customs" around Delaware? lol.
Anyone know a "East Coast Customs" around Delaware? lol.
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
well heres the thing, I've seen an SS or two around here for sale...knowing they have engine problems. So I'm going to have to tear down the engine anyway and have all of the internal oil leaks fixed. I dont mind being out of a car for a week as long as I know that when I get it back there wont be any bad surprises after i receive it.
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
I don't quite understand your logic. Get a car without "engine problems" and you won't have to tear down any engines, period. It's your cash though, spend it on what makes you happy.
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
I have to agree. You will be much better off selling the 3.4 and going out and buying the LT1 or LS1 f-body you really desire.
There are just so many things that need to be changed with a swap from v6 you will burn thru 5K in no time flat. Wiring harness, K memeber, engine and cooling system.... its just not worth it. the labor involved for pulling your engine, removing all wiring and K member, and front suspension reinstalling front suspension, k member, wiring harness, new used engine, cooling system, ect... at $70-80 an hour you will blow all you money on just the labor if you pay a shop to do it. Chances are you will be out of your car for much more than a week. And you still have a used engine that you really know nothing about. It came from a wrecked car or something like that...
as already stated, dont buy the car that you know already has "engine problems". You can pick p a nice used LT1 for around 6-8k that already has what you want.
Sell you v6 and put that money with the 5k and go shopping for a new car.
There are just so many things that need to be changed with a swap from v6 you will burn thru 5K in no time flat. Wiring harness, K memeber, engine and cooling system.... its just not worth it. the labor involved for pulling your engine, removing all wiring and K member, and front suspension reinstalling front suspension, k member, wiring harness, new used engine, cooling system, ect... at $70-80 an hour you will blow all you money on just the labor if you pay a shop to do it. Chances are you will be out of your car for much more than a week. And you still have a used engine that you really know nothing about. It came from a wrecked car or something like that...
as already stated, dont buy the car that you know already has "engine problems". You can pick p a nice used LT1 for around 6-8k that already has what you want.
Sell you v6 and put that money with the 5k and go shopping for a new car.
Last edited by Projectz28; Jul 27, 2006 at 05:30 AM.
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
sell the v6.. thats 1-4k im guessing right there... sooo... 6-9k down on a ls1... jesus.. even a 2 yr note on that is near nothing... ill e-slap you if you put a penny into the v6, or even a engine swap(im in the process of doing it now, dont...)
jeez
cory
jeez

cory
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
I definitely agree w/ all the above posts. Don't waste your time, money or effort on the V6, especially the 3.4L. Keep your money, sell the car and get a decent LT1 or LS1. Even if it needs work you will still have a faster car for less money. Unless you're swapping in a turbo V6 3.8L from a Buick, don't was your time.
Later,
Steve.
Later,
Steve.
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
Well thanks for all of your opinions. I actually have more than 5k, its just I'd rather not start saving cash over again from $0. haha. I guess I just need to find someone that is selling their LS1. I'd really like to find a used SS. That would be very very nice! Do any of you have an estimate of how much a possible overhaul would cost if there were internal oil leaks in an LS1? Just wondering.... maybe like a min/max price?
btw, I see a lot of PA guys out there. I guess DE is too small to have anyone respond. lol.
btw, I see a lot of PA guys out there. I guess DE is too small to have anyone respond. lol.
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
you could try easternfbody.com
as far as rebuilding an ls1 blah blah blah dude I've seen many good running ls1's go for $6000
as far as wanting an ss, buy the hood & spoiler, done.
as far as rebuilding an ls1 blah blah blah dude I've seen many good running ls1's go for $6000
as far as wanting an ss, buy the hood & spoiler, done.
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
Keep your eye on the vehicle classifieds on the various F-Body boards, most of these guys are honest, know their cars, and won't try to gouge you. Also check out Internet sites like autotrader.com and cars-on-line.com and don't be afraid to drive a couple hundred miles for a good deal on a nice car.
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
Not quite sure what you mean by an "internal" oil leak.... never heard of that before. If its internal its not leaking.
If you have more than the 5k... just go get a used Fbody that already has what you want.
I just saw a sweet looking black TA on rt 73 South bound in marlton. There are a ton of used f-body cars around here for sale you just have to look. I am sure there are ones down your way too...
If you swap an LT or LS engine to your 3.4 you will be starting to save all over again cause you will dump all your money in it.
Now if you did the work yourself its another story you could easily make the swap for $2500 or so....
If you have more than the 5k... just go get a used Fbody that already has what you want.
I just saw a sweet looking black TA on rt 73 South bound in marlton. There are a ton of used f-body cars around here for sale you just have to look. I am sure there are ones down your way too...
If you swap an LT or LS engine to your 3.4 you will be starting to save all over again cause you will dump all your money in it.
Now if you did the work yourself its another story you could easily make the swap for $2500 or so....
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
Hey thanks for all the posts
Good news..kinda.. I've found a 1997 SS with 75,000 miles on it exactly. I blue booked it and it came back with a retail value of 11,700 ( i rounded up). These guys are asking for $13,995!!!! Its a black T-Top, manual, fully loaded. Can any of you guys think why they would be charging 2+k more? Im heading there today to try and haggle with my trade in 3.4.. although I doubt they'd take the damn thing with 170,000 on it..but its a stout little car.
the "internal" oil leak thing is just what the dealer said it had. I dont think he really knew what he was talking about, but he just said it would cost too much for them (Honda) to fix it. So they are/were putting it up to auction around here...and that was a black SS also.
Good news..kinda.. I've found a 1997 SS with 75,000 miles on it exactly. I blue booked it and it came back with a retail value of 11,700 ( i rounded up). These guys are asking for $13,995!!!! Its a black T-Top, manual, fully loaded. Can any of you guys think why they would be charging 2+k more? Im heading there today to try and haggle with my trade in 3.4.. although I doubt they'd take the damn thing with 170,000 on it..but its a stout little car.
the "internal" oil leak thing is just what the dealer said it had. I dont think he really knew what he was talking about, but he just said it would cost too much for them (Honda) to fix it. So they are/were putting it up to auction around here...and that was a black SS also.
Last edited by cam3.4aro; Jul 28, 2006 at 09:51 AM.
Re: $5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around
That seems a bit high for that car and the mileage. The only thing I could think why they want more is the style changes that occur in '98. I would keep looking for comparison sake. That car will probably be there for awhile.


