worth replacing the engine?

[kennycu]

My stepson has a '96 Bonne that he just loves...well loved. Two cylinders are gone and it's limping along. The car has 285k on it!! Still in great shape though. He wants to replace the engine. The local mechanic says not worth it. Only thing is, if he is at a lack of cash and credit, does he buy another bomber or pay big interest on a '99ish used?

Used engines are around $1k. I've never done a replacement before.What am I getting into if WE decide to do it?

Is it all worth it or kiss it goodbye?

[randman1]

Hmmm. That's a lot of miles. Will you be changing the trans too? If the trans has the same miles and is staying, I vote get another car. Maybe you can find another Bonneville pretty cheap that might need some parts that can be pulled from the dying one.

With the right tools and skills, a motor swap isn't really too bad. Perhaps a full weekend for a shadetree mechanic if everything cooperates. Used motors around here are around $400. $1K sounds more like a remanfacturered one.

[daman]

Originally Posted by kennycu

My stepson has a '96 Bonne that he just loves...well loved. Two cylinders are gone and it's limping along. The car has 285k on it!! Still in great shape though. He wants to replace the engine. The local mechanic says not worth it. Only thing is, if he is at a lack of cash and credit, does he buy another bomber or pay big interest on a '99ish used?

Used engines are around $1k. I've never done a replacement before.What am I getting into if WE decide to do it?

Is it all worth it or kiss it goodbye?

Bonnies are a dime a dozen,thats a lot of miles

[kennycu]

Well, that's what I was telling him. A mid '90s GM can be had for not too much cash. And if the next one gets 200+ miles he'll be better off starting with a different vehicle.

So, what to do with the existing one. Part the plastics on Ebay? Sell as parts only car? Sell to junk yard? He's gonna be one sad boy!!

[daman]

Part it out if you got room to store it, is it a se,sse ???? I feel for him i too get attached to my cars as you can see i have too many.

[randman1]

Sell the parts on Ebay and www.bonnevilleclub.com. There are many members from MI and surrounding states on that forum. You'd be surprised at how much money parts from one car will bring in. Advertise, pull and ship.

[kennycu]

Well, I think that's what we'll do when she finally dies. Hospice has been called in. It's just a matter of time.

SE...RIP

Thanks all.