Thread: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 25

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1 Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users Uno99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Appleton, Wi
    Posts
    499
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Well my motor is knocking like crazy so Im gonna pull it. Still not sure exactly what it is but it sounds like it spun a rod bearing. good thing is I was really close to home when I heard it start knocking and limped it home.

    Anyone know the best place to get a master rebuild kit for it? Also picked up a VS cam and goodies to throw in as well.

    02 GTP VS CAM / 3.2 MPS / CAI / SD HEADERS Catless DP & E-Cutout / AEM WB / HPTuners
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    GrandPrix Junkie
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,833
    Thanks (Received)
    18
    Likes (Received)
    76
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Yep. It's either a junkyard or car-part.com. Don't bother rebuilding it. Just get a low mile motor and swap it in. Since I don't know what year you drive I'd say you're looking at anywhere from $400-$600 for a decent used one. Could be less depending on the mileage.

    Reason is, these motors MUST have machine work done to the entire bottom end to even think about lasting more than 100 miles after the rebuild. The cost of the machine shop work plus the "rebuild" kit outweighs the cost of a used motor, plus the used motor just swaps in. Pull out the old, drop in the new, move on. Since you have the VS cam while the motor is out would be a good time to replace all the gaskets/seals that are common to leak on these engines as well as swap in the cam.

    How did you spin a bearing might I ask?
    Reply With Quote  
     

  3. #3 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    new jersey
    Posts
    39,927
    Thanks (Received)
    63
    Likes (Received)
    166
    Dislikes (Received)
    5
    yup, get a junk yard engine.

    if you cant find a sc engine buy a n/a engine and top swap it with your old parts.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users 16MustangVet's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Sh1t hole Afghanistan Currently
    Posts
    5,418
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    best place to find a rebuild kit?

    Answer: JUNK YARD!

    by the time you spend the money on machining and gaskets with some smart junk yard searching you would be much better off and cost you less time and money!
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users Uno99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Appleton, Wi
    Posts
    499
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I don't know if it kicked a rod or spun a bearing but it sure sound like when I spun a rod in my 81 long in low pickup.

    As for the machine work I have connections at local machine shop that has done work for me in the past so that not a Huge cost to me.
    Last edited by Uno99; 07-04-2014 at 12:05 AM.

    02 GTP VS CAM / 3.2 MPS / CAI / SD HEADERS Catless DP & E-Cutout / AEM WB / HPTuners
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users 16MustangVet's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Sh1t hole Afghanistan Currently
    Posts
    5,418
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    If thats the case find the lowest mile na engine have your heads done at the shop and put them on the na engine with the higher compression.......
    Reply With Quote  
     

  7. #7 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    GrandPrix Junkie
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,833
    Thanks (Received)
    18
    Likes (Received)
    76
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Well, if it broke a rod more than likely it wouldn't be running. Most of the 3800 engines suffer at least 1 spun bearing when they start knocking. Have you ever replaced the LIM gaskets on it? Been loosing coolant?

    Either way, I'd just find another S/C motor and call it done. As has been stated, you could "top swap" using the N/A short block but you will still have to get new head bolts, head gaskets, etc... Then you have to have it tuned to run properly. If you can't find one from a GP, don't forget about the Buick Regal's and the Bonneville SSEi. Same motor.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  8. #8 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    GTP Level Member tomtom123's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    796
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    "This engine was used in the following cars:

    1996–2005 Buick Park Avenue Ultra

    1997.5–2004 Buick Regal GS / GSE / GSX (SLP)

    1996–1999 Buick Riviera (optional 1996-97, std. 1998-99)

    2004–2005 Chevrolet Impala SS

    2004–2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Supercharged/Intimidator SS

    1996–1999 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight LSS (limited)

    1996–2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi

    1997–2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP / GTX (SLP)

    1996–2004 Holden Commodore VS (series II), VT, VX, VY

    2001–2004 Holden Monaro (V2 VZ) CV6"
    Reply With Quote  
     

  9. #9 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    GTP Level Member 231FUN's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Ontario,Canada
    Posts
    861
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by tomtom123 View Post
    "This engine was used in the following cars:

    1996–2005 Buick Park Avenue Ultra

    1997.5–2004 Buick Regal GS / GSE / GSX (SLP)

    1996–1999 Buick Riviera (optional 1996-97, std. 1998-99)

    2004–2005 Chevrolet Impala SS

    2004–2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Supercharged/Intimidator SS

    1996–1999 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight LSS (limited)

    1996–2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi

    1997–2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP / GTX (SLP)

    1996–2004 Holden Commodore VS (series II), VT, VX, VY

    2001–2004 Holden Monaro (V2 VZ) CV6"
    Don't think you'll find many Monaros or Commodores at the yard...lol

    Seeing your heads were recently done you have the option of just replacing the short block which could open your search to not only l67 cars but to L36/L26/L32 aswell.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  10. #10 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users Uno99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Appleton, Wi
    Posts
    499
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I bought the car a few months ago and the LIM and coolant elbow where shot so I I took the top all the way down to the heads and did all maintenance from the head gasket up. Hot tanked the heads went thru them. Also rebuilt the snout and had a bit or porting done on the LIM and SC.

    02 GTP VS CAM / 3.2 MPS / CAI / SD HEADERS Catless DP & E-Cutout / AEM WB / HPTuners
    Reply With Quote  
     

  11. #11 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Schooner Tuner ADrugDealer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Where winter never ends
    Posts
    2,001
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Junk yard it. Easiest method.
    2008 G8 GT - IOM - LSA Blower, Intercooled, Ported Heads, Cam, Flex Fuel Conversion, Tuned - 550whp - 11.5 @ 124 -
    2000 Regal - Winter Beater
    Reply With Quote  
     

  12. #12 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users Uno99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Appleton, Wi
    Posts
    499
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Another 3800 guy was talking about rod bolt stretch which may have caused a spun rod bearing. Im getting ahead of myself though. I'll post up pics when I pull it apart next week.

    02 GTP VS CAM / 3.2 MPS / CAI / SD HEADERS Catless DP & E-Cutout / AEM WB / HPTuners
    Reply With Quote  
     

  13. #13 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Banned
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    1,730
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    There's no chance you did damage to the rod bolts are your power level.
    You likely got some coolant on the bearing surfaces when you changed the LIM stuff.

    Get a good motor from the yard and toss it in.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  14. #14 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users Uno99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Appleton, Wi
    Posts
    499
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Im just worried about getting a tired engine from a salvage yard that why im considering a rebuild kit. if I can find a low mile engine I'll definitely consider that option

    02 GTP VS CAM / 3.2 MPS / CAI / SD HEADERS Catless DP & E-Cutout / AEM WB / HPTuners
    Reply With Quote  
     

  15. #15 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    GT Level Member Madness's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    A little late
    Posts
    468
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by Uno99 View Post
    Im just worried about getting a tired engine from a salvage yard that why im considering a rebuild kit. if I can find a low mile engine I'll definitely consider that option
    this brings a good question, "What do you guys consider low miles for a 3800........, 100,000 or 150,000, or 75,000?"
    Favorite Quote: You can't fix stupid!!


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gxKStPXyn8
    Reply With Quote  
     

  16. #16 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users 16MustangVet's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Sh1t hole Afghanistan Currently
    Posts
    5,418
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    id look for 100k or less and yes a l32 short block will work fine. The l36 is also common for people to use because of the higher compression vs. A l67 shortblock.
    Last edited by 16MustangVet; 07-04-2014 at 03:35 PM.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  17. #17 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users Uno99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Appleton, Wi
    Posts
    499
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    What a bout a l32 swap? Will that work in my 2002 GTP

    02 GTP VS CAM / 3.2 MPS / CAI / SD HEADERS Catless DP & E-Cutout / AEM WB / HPTuners
    Reply With Quote  
     

  18. #18 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users 16MustangVet's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Sh1t hole Afghanistan Currently
    Posts
    5,418
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    There are way more vehicle options than that olds intrigue all versions of the gm minivan from early 2000s, pontiac aztec, plus all those listed above for the non supercharged versions that you could just use the short block from. Im sure im missing a few too this engine was in damn near everything midsize fwd from gm at one point or another......
    Reply With Quote  
     

  19. #19 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    Donating Users Uno99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Appleton, Wi
    Posts
    499
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Mine only had 105k ugh!!

    02 GTP VS CAM / 3.2 MPS / CAI / SD HEADERS Catless DP & E-Cutout / AEM WB / HPTuners
    Reply With Quote  
     

  20. #20 Re: Best Place to Purchase engine rebuild Kit? 
    GTP Level Member indygrandprix's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Indianapolis
    Posts
    699
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    If your going to pull it yourself look for something that was in an accident and preferably not a GP. Regals and Bonnies are less likely to be hot rodded than GP's. Also look for any clues about the owner inside and outside the car. If you see a monster sticker on the back window and a 4 gauge wire running into the trunk i'd steer clear. On the other hand if you see a bunch of church flyers in the glove box it was probably driven by an old lady or someone who wasn't hot rodding it which is what you want.
    Quote Originally Posted by BillBoost37 View Post
    I went NA when a whore left -$300 in my bank account.
    Reply With Quote  
     

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Low engine vacuum at idle after engine rebuild
    By jbrltoliver in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 06-04-2013, 11:51 PM
  2. 3.8L V6 Engine Rebuild
    By GoBlueDawson in forum 3.8L V6 Naturally Aspirated (L36)(L26)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 11-21-2012, 07:49 PM
  3. Best place to buy Engine Gaskets / Cam Install kits?
    By rynoman03 in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 06-11-2012, 10:19 PM
  4. Engine rebuild kit
    By dipset1413 in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 02-10-2012, 07:53 AM
  5. Best place to purchase HP tuners?
    By crbquist in forum PCM Tuning
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 11-30-2011, 10:54 PM
Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •