Engine Costs???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
From: Dallas via Honolulu TX
Engine Costs???
I have searched the threads, and I have seen lots of different opinions about which engine is the best, but here is a little background before my question. I have a 1980 L48 all stock engine. The interior has been redone by the previous owner. I have just moved to Hawaii and I had to leave it in my brother's care and sell my DD. However when I move back in 3 or 4 years, I am going to be using it as my DD. By then, there will be about 80,000-90,000 miles on it. If I wanted to replace the engine (so I don't have to worry about it breaking down on me) and I am going to have to pay someone to do it (I have no mechanical knowledge), how much would that cost? I am looking for a range (i.e. $10K-$12K or $20K-$25K) so I know how much I would need to save. Would it be cheaper to just buy a decent DD and keep replacing parts as they break? I am only 26, and I plan on owning this car as long as I can drive, so I just can't figure out what to do.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
It all depends on what you want. You can get a new crate engine for around $3,500 or spend up to 10 times that. Installation varies but might be around $500.
If the original engine is well cared for, there's no reason you should be able to drive it to 200,000 miles or so. You can save for a new engine during that time.
You must really trust your brother - there might not be anything left of the car when you get back!
If the original engine is well cared for, there's no reason you should be able to drive it to 200,000 miles or so. You can save for a new engine during that time.
You must really trust your brother - there might not be anything left of the car when you get back!
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,922
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
If $$ is tight, you might try the engine Paul Borowski installed in one of his vette's. I think he only paid $1,600 from GM. It's not a Hi-po engine but will work and has a warranty.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
On a budget: GM 'goodwrench' low power crate engine, 250HP or so (at flywheel) for $1295, $1500 shipped and taxed........ can't beat that price, it comes with a warranty.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by Cocky B
...I have a 1980 L48 all stock engine....when I move back in 3 or 4 years...there will be about 80,000-90,000 miles on it....worry about it breaking down on me...I am going to have to pay someone to do it (I have no mechanical knowledge)...
The stock L-48 can be a completely reliable engine when properly maintained. Just because the odo reads 90K doesn't necessarily mean she needs to be rebuilt.
If I were you, I'd spend the next four years learning about small block Chevrolet engines. When you get back to the States, rebuild your L-48, do it yourself, keep your car original, and put the rest of the engine swap expenses in your pocket.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
From: Dallas via Honolulu TX
Thanks
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Z-man - I do trust my brother, and he knows that is anything happens to it, I will kill him. I check in with him every week to make sure it has been driven and nothing is wrong. Plus it is insured for what I paid for it, which I have found out after joining here was too much anyway.
I think I will go with what was said about doing a rebuild myself, and learning as much as possible over the next few years. It has been kept extremely well its entire life. I am the third owner, and I have every piece of documentation for that car going back to the original options checklist and its first oil change. I know everything that has been done to that car, so I guess from what you all have said, I probably don't even need to worry about it anyway.
Thanks everybody.
Z-man - I do trust my brother, and he knows that is anything happens to it, I will kill him. I check in with him every week to make sure it has been driven and nothing is wrong. Plus it is insured for what I paid for it, which I have found out after joining here was too much anyway.
I think I will go with what was said about doing a rebuild myself, and learning as much as possible over the next few years. It has been kept extremely well its entire life. I am the third owner, and I have every piece of documentation for that car going back to the original options checklist and its first oil change. I know everything that has been done to that car, so I guess from what you all have said, I probably don't even need to worry about it anyway.
Thanks everybody.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Keep in mind the fact that 3 or 4 years from now that 1980 is going to be 30 years old so even if you put a new engine in it there will be plenty of other things big and small that are going to be breaking or needing attention on a regular basis. If you don't have the skills to work on the car yourself you have to plan on it being in the shop frequently. You might be better off buying a reliable DD and keeping the Vette for fair weather and weekend use.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Where is the car now? 4 yrs from noe for $10k I will have ready to win shows for you!
J/K I can do that, but what I mean to say is there are a lot of options, what do you want the car to be , what shape is it in now and when and how much do you want to spend
J/K I can do that, but what I mean to say is there are a lot of options, what do you want the car to be , what shape is it in now and when and how much do you want to spend
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