Thread: Need engine work. What would you do?

Do I need engine work. Short story, front main seal blew out, now have a slight knock from the engine. Car is a 2004 Grand Prix GTP. I'm looking at a couple of options

Option 1:
Pick up a low mileage L26 NA engine and top swap over. I can get one locally with the range of 10-50K miles for around $450-650.

Option 2:
Pick up a higher mileage L36 NA engine and top swap over. I have seen several with mileage ranging from 80K-150K for the same $450-650 locally.

Option 3:
Pick up a brand new crank, bearings, rings and oil pump and do a pseudo rebuild. I'm sure there will be more I'd need to replace as well.

Option 4:
Sell the car for scrap and find one thats running.

I left out trying to pick up a S/C engine, as generally, locally they go fro $1200 plus, with greater than 100K on them. I have seen a cuople of GP's and other vehicles with the 3800 in them for about the same price as a used S/C engine.

What option would you pick?

Don't rebuild it. Do the cheapest top swap

Originally Posted by dsmuts

Don't rebuild it. Do the cheapest top swap

This!

No sense in scrapping it as long as it's still in ok condition. 3800s are plenty available.

It all depends on the condition of your car. If its a really nice car id swap the short block. Another factor is your ability or extra cost involved to swap the motor... Do you have to pay a mechanic or can you get it done yourself? If its a pos its not worth the work in my opinion.

body is in great shape. Interior, a little rough, but looks good when cleaned up.

I can do all the work myself. Wouldn't be the first motor swap I've done. Just need to pick up a hoist and engine stand. It's basically been a time thing. Haven't had much free time.

Originally Posted by orange57

body is in great shape. Interior, a little rough, but looks good when cleaned up.

I can do all the work myself. Wouldn't be the first motor swap I've done. Just need to pick up a hoist and engine stand. It's basically been a time thing. Haven't had much free time.

Is your car posted on craigslist? http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/4140669743.html . Been noticing this ad for a while now
I would fix it

Originally Posted by 97gtpjoe

Is your car posted on craigslist? http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/4140669743.html . Been noticing this ad for a while now
I would fix it

Yep, sure is. I took it down for a while, as I had someone that was going to take it, and swap in the engine from their totaled buick regal. But that fell through. And then my travel for work has been picking up, so I haven't had much time to do anything. I just relisted it the other day.

I think it could be a really fun car, and I really like the 3800 platform. It's jsut not having time to play with it. Work and the newborn suck up a lot of time Well, pretty much all of it ha ha

If I can clear enough space in the garage, then it won't be too bad to store it. But i'm sure my HOA is going to be harassing me again soon.