Engine Swap???

[the.dude]

My 98 GTP is getting up there in miles, 137xxx. I've been shopping around a bit after several things going bad on the car. All that shopping around accomplished was showing me that I really like my GP. I've replaced a lot on this car and feel good about keeping it.

But this week, the thing started spewing oil from every place its got. I knew the valve cover gaskets were bad, but now I think everything but the head gasket it trashed. I am really hesitant to spend much money on an engine with that many miles behind it anyway.

What do you guys have to say about putting a new engine under the hood and calling that my new car? I don't really know where to start as far as shopping around goes. Where? What? How much? I'm happy with the 3800sc.

[richtazz]

137k is relatively low for the 3800. The only places they are known to leak oil from are the rear main seals and the oil filter adaptor gasket. If your valve cover gasket are leaking, and the car isn't abused, I'd check for a plugged PCV valve. The PCV valve's job is to regulate crankcase pressure, and when they plug up, the increased crankcase pressure pushes oil out everywhere.

[BNaylor]

Also at the oil pan gasket towards the front of the crankshaft. I agree with Rich 137K miles on a Series II 3800 is nothing. Save yourself big bucks by just replacing all the leaking gaskets. Doing the valve cover gaskets is a PITA but a can do DIY job. Typically the valve cover gaskets will start seeping around 80K miles and with your mileage is probably long overdue. I've got 91K miles on my GTP and the valve covers gaskets are about due.

Unless you are having issues with the engine you did not mention it doesn't make sense to replace the engine. Just my two cents.

[the.dude]

I kinda knew that was going to be the response to that. I guess I liked the idea of going back to mileage where I wasn't wondering what was next all the time. I'd really just like to know what is involved costwise for a swap.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by the.dude

I kinda knew that was going to be the response to that. I guess I liked the idea of going back to mileage where I wasn't wondering what was next all the time. I'd really just like to know what is involved costwise for a swap.

Are you going to DIY? Or have a shop/mechanic do it include getting another engine?

[the.dude]

Not sure. I've never done and engine swap before, but I know plenty of people who have and could help out.

[ericn1300]

I admit it, I'm a bottom feeder. I love buying cars from guys like you. GM's have a lot of problems from about 120K to about 150K. fuel pumps, ps pumps, water pumps, alternators, gaskets. I buy high mileage vehicles where most of the nickle and dime stuff has been done, and enjoy driving them payment free for another 75 to 100k.

[GTP Dad]

You can purchase a warranted used 3.8SC for a little over $1000 from cherry-auto.com or you can search car-part.com for a wrecking yard for an engine. If you do it yourself you will need some know how an engine hoist and a wide variety of basic tools. If you intend to have someone to do it for you then you will spend about $1K to have it put in. Depending on the labor rate.

I have to agree with the other folks though if the engine runs well and has had no mechanical issues then the best thing to do would be to replace the leaking gaskets and keep on driving. Most of these gaskets can be replaced by the average diy'er and the cost is much less. The only one you may have issues with is the oil pan gasket and the rear main seal. Of course the final decision is yours.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by the.dude

Not sure. I've never done and engine swap before, but I know plenty of people who have and could help out.

Just make sure you have plenty of beer on hand because you will all need it.

BTW - We have a local boneyard with plenty of Series II 3800 SC engines and a mechanic that does engine changeouts. Total cost for swap out around $1600 (labor & engine). Check them out too.