88 Brougham

My friend is selling a 88 brougham for 1000 and its got 60K original miles on it. The bad thing is the bottom of the rod cam loose and is making noise so i would have to pull the pan and torque all the rod caps back down. Think its worth it?

There's no such thing as a "rod coming loose", if it's making noise it's because a bearing spun. Even still, $1,000 is a decent deal for a car like this even if you have to put a crank kit in it.

My friend is selling a 88 brougham for 1000 and its got 60K original miles on it. The bad thing is the bottom of the rod cam loose and is making noise so i would have to pull the pan and torque all the rod caps back down. Think its worth it?

Offer him $500 since it needs a motor.. :smokin:

My friend is selling a 88 brougham for 1000 and its got 60K original miles on it. The bad thing is the bottom of the rod cam loose and is making noise so i would have to pull the pan and torque all the rod caps back down. Think its worth it?

since this is going to need engine work 500.oo is a reasonable amount for a vehicle that does not run...the most to get for on this type vehicle would be 1500.oo with no issues in good condition...

Why would i have to get another motor cant i just get new bearing and replace the old ones?

Why would i have to get another motor cant i just get new bearing and replace the old ones?

normally when these things occur the engine is removed broken down inspected for damage then reassembled with new parts that addresses the damage..this is a sure sign of engine abuse and I'm sure more than your expecting...most would try to get another used engine in good condition than try to fix an engine that has not been maintained or operated with care...for 60,ooomi to have this damage its a sign neglect...

ok i gotcha..I know a guy thats selling a 350 for 200 so i could get that.

will any 350 from any year swap right into this 88 caprice or does it have to be a 350 from another 88 caprice??

will any 350 from any year swap right into this 88 caprice or does it have to be a 350 from another 88 caprice??

Any 1969 or newer 350 with a Quadrajet compatible intake will work in it, but keep in mind that these engines group into two main groups, with one 'transition group' separating them - engines between 1969 and 1985, 1987 and newer, and 1986. The reason why 1969 or newer (even though 350s began in 1967), is due to bracket bolt holes cast and drilled into the cylinder heads for mounting accessories - these weren't there pre-1969. The 1969-1985 blocks have two piece rear main seals with 'standard' intake mounting bolt holes in the cylinder head. 1986 blocks have a one piece rear main seal with the older cylinder head/intake mount arrangement. 1987 and newer have a one piece rear main seal with the center intake bolts at a greater angle to ease their installation. Older intakes will not fit these heads, and one piece block uses an externally balanced flexplate that will not interchange with two piece blocks.

Best to get the 1987-up 350 (these were unchanged through 1995 for trucks) as the passenger car version (all years, trucks starting in 1993) have hydraulic roller cams vs. older flat cams, and the fast-burn swirl port heads that have the center-bolt valve cover arrangement - these are better in these larger cars because they produce more low and midrange torque along with generally better economy.

Why would i have to get another motor cant i just get new bearing and replace the old ones?

There's more to it than simply changing a bearing. If there are spun rod bearings, you will be replacing the affected connecting rods along with the crank. This is because these components become damaged due to direct rod to crank contact. If a main bearing is spun, the block will have to be align-bored (or the new bearing will promptly spin). Either case, the crank will need replacement or remachining. A crank kit comes with a crank plus bearings to match and these must also be matched to your block (in the event your block required align-boring or align-honing).

what all would i have to do for the swap besides the motor?

what all would i have to do for the swap besides the motor?

Nothing; these parts are bolt-in.

Any SB Chevy from 1957-up will bolt in, it's the induction and accessory deal that makes or breaks the swap.

If you stick to the list above, you will be OK. One thing to point out on the newer blocks - those which are from 1987 or newer - the Caprice was the only car that still used a carburetor in this age, all else used fuel injection (which the Caprice got in 1989). The point here is there may or may not be a mechanical fuel pump provision on the block. If you see a pump or a back-off plate where a pump goes, then it should be compatible with a mechanical pump, but if you see a cavity there with no holes drilled, then you would need to convert your vehicle to an electric fuel pump. 1986 and older blocks will all be compatible with the mechanical pump used on the 1987 and 1988 Caprice.

ok thanks alot ill probly have more questions getting the caprice in 2 weeks and ill be sure to post up some pics.

One more question what about the transmission. Do i have to get a new one or will the one on there now bolt up to he 350??

ok thanks alot ill probly have more questions getting the caprice in 2 weeks and ill be sure to post up some pics.

the engine you want should have the same fuel delivery system..getting a newer engine that requires higher fuel pressures and then, you get into computer /pcm control issues as well.

all this will greatly add to the cost..anyone doing what your doing does not have the cash to get this completed successfully...

stick to an engine that closely matches the original...

I waited a couple of days and he txt me today and said if i can give him 600 i can have the car so towmorrow its MINE....YEA!!!

Good deal!

Gettin it sometime today!!!!

Gettin it sometime today!!!!


Score. :iceslolan

Now the fun begins, good luck with your new project :smile:

Well i just got the car very happy overall its a good car but its knockin loud but i already knew that. Just got to get that fixed. How much does that crank kit cost??

Is this the crank kit i need...http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/CRI0/12620P.oap?year=1988&make=Chevrolet&model=Caprice&vi=1037102&keyword=crank&pt=02254&ppt=C0364

Is this the crank kit i need...http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/CRI0/12620P.oap?year=1988&make=Chevrolet&model=Caprice&vi=1037102&keyword=crank&pt=02254&ppt=C0364

It could work but you will have to consult with a machinist or someone else knowledgeable with this ... you will at the least need a couple of connecting rods and possibly new pistons as well. I've seen rod bearings spin on an engine where the additional clearance allows the piston to smack into the cylinder head, crushing the piston ring lands and breaking the rings.

Yea i gotcha. SO id be better off getting that 350??

Yea i gotcha. SO id be better off getting that 350??


before buying anything I would start taking this engine apart if you have this knowledge..then with the damaged revealed make your next move ...replace or repair..

if you have no experience in rebuiding engines best have someone install your replacemnt ...or have a shop make engine repairs if not too bad..but this could be very risky ..

I know how to rebuild motors so im going to tare into this one all day saturday and see what the insides look like.

I know how to rebuild motors so im going to tare into this one all day saturday and see what the insides look like.

when you get to it post back whats damaged

Oh yea will do.

Do i have to raise the motor up to take the pan off??

Do i have to raise the motor up to take the pan off??

You sure do.

Do i have to raise the motor up to take the pan off??


since you are an experienced engine rebuilder remember the oil pump pick up ...thats why the engine needs to be lifted...

Got to work on it finnaly but i cant get the pan out because i cant get the engine lifted up high enough to pull it out so im going to have to get a cherry picker.