I just purchased a 98 camaro rs with the 3800 v6 and 5 speed tranny for $600. The motor has already been removed due to a spun rod bearing. My question is can I just buy a crank kit (new crank and bearings) and have it put in and be good to go, or are there any other internals I should replace? Thanks

 

if it spun a bearing then u need to check the rods for egg shape ,

 

Thanks, is there a noticable sign of egg shape on the rods? I have never taken apart the bottom end and I am not sure if I would notice a difference in the shape of the rods if they are not very noticable. Thanks

 

Ttt

 

the egg shape is not very noticable to the eye u have to measure it with a dial caliper or a bore indicator,
yes u could replace the crank or have it checked and turned down .010 at the machine shop and replace the rods and bearings,
but if u go cheap with this it will come back and bit u in the a$$ very hard , it might be good for a month and then come back just as bad if not worse

 

FWIW, you can find a lo milage L26 out of a buick lucerne for about $500-600, just swap that in, save yourself the machining and replacement parts costs

 

I agree with mogulskierk2. Get an L26, tear it down to the heads, and put your camaro parts on. Cheaper, and easier. Friend of mine got one with 2,000 miles on it for $250 and swapped it into his Bonneville.

 

I'm in the same situation and need an engine for a 96 firebird, what years will fit from the Lucerne? That looks like a front wheel drive car, how does that work in a rear wheel drive car?

 

How about the computer and all that, use the stock one or do you need one from the doner car?