I'm confused- its less work to swap head gaskets than it is to swap engines?

If you're talking paying for a new long block and labor to install it- I bet that would cost more than the whole car, and you'd be better off selling it off or trading it on something else.


I highly doubt a roller cam is going bad. The sensor maybe- the cam itself, doubt it.

Like I said above- if your bottom end is fine, there is no sense in paying to replace it- it just doesn't make any sense. Those engines aren't known to have bottom end problems, so don't even mess with it.

Yes, you can put a 3.8 or 3.4 dohc in there- but if you're strapped for cash and just want to get it running right again- maybe you should just look into fixing the few problems yours had. Plus, I thought you didn't like used engines? You'd be doing the same thing doing another used 3100 or a used 3.4 dohc or 3.8.

 

i would get a low miles oo+3100 or a 3400 it bolts right up every electric connection is the same just a little tuning involved and you gain 30-40 hp with good reliablity
or go a little bit more involved and go 3800 you will have to change ecu and wireing harness and other things
but stay with the pushrod motor what ever you do !

 

Ok, So I've settled on having a shop just clean and replace putting in a gasket kit. He said they've been having issues with Felpro so there is another company that has better gaskets for like just a little bit more...It was only $1,085... and then whatever the machine shop needs to do to the heads to correct them.

Now when I got the car, the top bolt hole on the lower intake for the thermostat housing was broke, i have the piece (it was in the glove box... Should I grab the used intake from the junkyard? It's only $30...

I forgot to ask about my camshaft sensor but when i drag the car over i'll have them look at that as well...


So yea.. It was one of better quotes I've gotten, the normal shop I use (locally owned goodyear shop) had a quote that was double that for labor. Now once I get this done I can set in and start building my 3.8 in my spare time when I move