Almost $1500 for a 50k mile L36 is awfully high- heck, you could pick up an entire 98/99 monte or a 97/98/99 grand prix with a little more mileage for maybe another $500-1000, and that's for a whole working car!

Just looking at KBB, private party value, 75k miles, with standard options, in good condition:
1997 Grand Prix SE w/ 3800- $2155
1997 Grand Prix GT- $2540
1998 Monte Carlo Z34 - $2175

edit- just looking on clubgp, there is a guy selling a complete L67 short block for $150, and L67 heads for $120- that's why I say the price for an L36 (which is even less desirable) seems high to me).

edit 2- checked out Morad Parts Company (a big Wbody junkyard- known for having every 3800 part, but also known for being a little high on price):

L36 w/ 125k for $499
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-38...Q5fAccessories

L36 w/ 106k for $599
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-38...Q5fAccessories

L36 w/ 75k for $849
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-38...Q5fAccessories

Also, like I said- Morad is known for being much higher in pricing than regular forum prices. Even if you aren't close enough to Ohio to go pick it up, he says shipping runs $150-250 depending on the distance.


edit 3- found another place w/ a bunch of decently priced L36's in Colorado:

L36 w/ 113k for $299
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-04...item5ad7f3c28f

L36 w/ 75-100k for $349
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...item2c521a2759

L36 w/ 50-75k for $450
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/05-Po...item5ad5785046

L36 w/ 25-50k for $549
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...c521d9583#shId


And most of those bottom ones have a 6 month warranty. Even if you had to pay full shipping, and had to have it shipped to your house (which runs extra shipping- that bottom engine is only $899 shipped.

 

$1500 could get you a jasper rebuilt engine with a full warentee... probibly installed, lol.

http://www.jasperengines.com/index.php

idk if anyone else posted about jasper rebuilds, but its another option for you to look into at the very least

 

Thanks for the information on the engines. I will most likely end up going with that company in Colorado if it turns out that the out of state dealership is not at fault. I'm praying that they are found to be at fault.

 

Morad=Ohio....

 

How much would you say a engine and a trans would run these days and where would be the best place to get them? Do you think a 2003 MOnte would still be worth the work?