New guy with questions

**chuy53511** · 01-30-2008

Ok I have a couple questions regarding a 1997 GR SE that I might get my hands on.SO the car has about 132000 miles on its and the price Id be paying is a trade (the car for a chevy 350 w/tranny and rear end) so it comes out to be about $1500.Anyways to the point the guy originally said it needed a head gasket which is no big deal to now hes sayin that the engine block itself is cracked.So the question Im askin is can the block be repaired?How likely is it that the block is cracked?Cause he could be wrong.I dont know much about these cars thats why I askin you fine people.Also if the engine is bad what would be a fair price for the car the way it is?Thanks for reading and the help.

**SyntheticShield** · 01-30-2008

First welcome to the community.

Next, personally I would be afraid of the deal. If it has a bad head gasket you probably know there is the risk coolant is in the oil and thats bad for bearings. I cant say I have ever heard of a cracked block in the 3800 community, but that doesnt mean it hasnt happened. Additionally, if it is an SE, doesnt that have the 3100 engine? If so, and it has a bad head gasket or bad intake gasket I can attest to the damage it can do from the experience with my wifes Grand Am with that engine. We saved hers in time and it went on to provide a long time of service but it could have been soooo much worse.

If you were set on getting it, you could probably get a motor from Ed Morad (Morad Parts Company, a GP community used parts specialist) for very little. Heck, I dont know how possible it is, but you could probably drop a L67/4T65E-HD combo in there and have fun, I dont know you can do that for fact. Im working from the assumption its a Grand Prix SE with a 3100 engine.

Personally I think you could find a better Grand Prix trade else where, but thats just my opinion.

**chuy53511** · 01-30-2008

Its a SE but from what Ive read those came with the 3800 option and this one had it.Im not really so much set on it as its more convient in the way that he wants my motor and that and I want the car.I know the previous owner before him and I do know that once he saw a that it there was a problem he stopped driving it immediately.Its been sitting for 6 months or so.What is a fair price for a Grand Prix of the same year?

**SyntheticShield** · 01-30-2008

Okay, I apologize then, I was not aware the SE had a 3800 option. I guess Im not as refined in my GP information as I thought.

Kelly Blue Book puts the trade in value at $1625 and thats in Excellent condition which its not with engine trouble. Bottom end of a Fair rating brings just $825

**2Fast4U** · 01-30-2008

Welcome!!! Ed would definitely be the guy to get a motor from, we buy alot of stuff from him.

**59chevy** · 01-30-2008

i dealt with ed also , GREAT guy to deal with... i also got bought one of his shirts so i wouldnt lose his phone number (its a guy thing, we never throw out t-shirts).

and welcome aboard, these people are the most helpful you'll find.

**J_Ferguson** · 01-31-2008

Welcome to GPF

**UR LOSN** · 01-31-2008

welcome to the forums! hmmm, I thougt everyone knew an SE had a 3800 option...hmmm.

anyways with regaurds to your SE. It is VERY simple to change an engine out in these cars. I'd check the oil and see how gummed up it is. if it isnt, you are saved. changing the head gasket is a simple process that should only take 4hrs or so. It can be a very reliable car! where are you from? if you feel you do not want to deal with the current engine in it, Ed Morad can get you a engine with low miles for CHEAP!