Project Prixie

[GPSims39]

Hey all!!

I havent been here in a few months, mainly due to my engine blowing. Back in October my Head Gasket blew, i had that all fixed up new upper intake manifold cause that also cracked. After i got it back i was having an issue with the idle surging and loping, CEL code of lean. No matter what my mechanic did, it still happend. Then in mid november im on my way home and it feels like 500lbs gets dropped in to the trunk. i get home, and what do you know, Tick Tick Tick, spun a bearing. SO since then she has been sitting in the back yard as i get funds for one of the two ideas i have.

1) Buy a Re-Manufactured engine and do a basic transplant

-or-
2) Thinking of getting the 5.3L that they use in the monte SS and making a V8 Grand Prix Gt.

Has anyone here attempted to do this kind of swap? Most likley im going to go with the first idea, i found an engine on Autopartswarehouse.com 1,300 free shipping for a long block. Any ideas would be great, Thanks!

[Bio248]

a) you can find a long block for way cheaper than that
b) you dont need a long block, you need a short block
c) the 5.3 has zero aftermarket and the 3800 is just a better motor overall
d) if you mechanic is doing all this then youre going to be broke for a very long time

[CTKGP09]

instead of the LS4 i would get a L32. plenty of power and aftermarket support there

[GPSims39]

I want a long block, i want everything to be new except whats obviously not on the long block, i know my mechanic he he gives me deals, and allows me to do a payment plan if i watned to, but i would pay it all upfront, but my buddy and i are going to do it, where can you find a cheaper re-manufactures long block? i dont want a used motor, 1300 is the cheapest i have found searching online.

[GPSims39]

also im not looking for aftermarket, i wanna just be able to drive it too and from work, and for it to last me a while, plus i think the extra 100hp is enough of a boost that i wont need after market on it haha. just throwing ideas around.

[Bio248]

explain why you dont want a used motor. used motors run just as well as new ones.

if youre just driving the car as a DD, you wont need any more power so just replace whats broken and be done. besides, a custom swapped car will probably be more headaches than you being able to enjoy it.

[GPSims39]

because a used engine has no guarentee that it will be perfect, i want the car to last me, if i get a re-manufactured engine, i get a 3 year 60k mile warrentee, anythign goes wrong its covered, they dont have that with used engines, plus you dont know what your really getting with a used engine, the junk yard can say its got x miles and is in great shape, but when you start it and something blows, then what, your screwed wasted your time and money, not worth the headache, i know i can get a used engine for about 500 bucks, but will it last me, i dunno, did i fire 6 bullets or 5, whats left in the chamber i have no idea.

[GPSims39]

yeah i know with the swap it prolly would be, but i wanted to just throw it out there since it popped into my head.

[Bio248]

even junkyard motors come with warrantys.

[GPSims39]

a junk yard motor does not come with a 3 yr 60k mile warrantee lol

[Bio248]

if its not broke in a month it shouldnt be broke in 3 years either. just sayin.

[blueguy]

Agreed. Or...get a short block from Morad. Plus, your transmission will fail before another motor will I'd bet $100 on it. The '97 GT vacuum powered trans is HORRIBLE.

[GPSims39]

i already had the tranny replaced in june, so thats taken care of,

[Sandmaster]

If it's for a DD I don't think it makes much sense, but if it's just for a project/toy, more power to ya man, and keep it updated on here, I'd love to see that process.

[GPSims39]

There will be no process, i decited to sell her, im sure there is someone here on long island who would do the rebuild/transfer right and take good care of her, i just need to get some pics up but i posted it in the for sale section.