My 90 Coupe has been going through coolant for a little while, I took it to a shop and they said the head gasket is toast. No compression in cylinder #8. He also said they thought they heard a bottom end knock, he said that might mean I need a new engine. If that's the case I think it would cost more to fix it than I am willing to dump into it. Any thoughts on this?

I'm not really sure what I am asking, I'm just trying to figure out where I go from here. Part it out, try to fix it, sell it as is?

 

what is what worth? I guess that's the real question.

To me, a 90 coupe, in good shape, is worth putting 2500 in to make it perfect again. It sure beats car payments.

I am spending about $3k and getting an LT1/4L60E to put into the Mrs 87 coupe. Seems like a good deal, really...

You live where, Oregon, Washington? I don't remember... but either way, a nice ZZ4 long block would wake that ride up (330hp) and cost about $3500.00 to do it.

Just some thoughts.

 

I live in Washington, $2500 is doable, I was figuring $5000 for a new motor installed. $3500 is a little more than I wanted to spend to fix it, but if I could get a better motor installed for that I would give it some serious thought.

 

These figures are also based on me paying me to do the work... and I am pretty damned affordable.

If you have to pay someone, that gets pricy fast.

Expect that if the coolant and the oil mixed, then the mains and rods are toast. This would require complete machining of the block and crank... not that it gets expensive... yet... but the engine would cost about $2k to rebuild to stock specifications.

The engine I have ordered from Dino (www.corvettesalvage.com... and I need to call him on this) is $2800.00, with engine, transmission, ECM, harnessing, accessories (AC Compressor, PS pump, alternator, cats, and emission equipment), plus about $500 to truck freight it.

At this point, if you cannot DIY this project, you can always get a used L98... or something close to it, which would not require as much effort for the swap.

 

Just had mine blow today also, youre better off keeping it til you can fix it. Sorry to hear, it seems to be catching these days.

 

add another to the count, found coolant in the oil 2 weeks ago

 

I just paid $90 today to have someone tell me that I'm fugged.

 

Then is sounds like you are at the mercy of the brotherhood of mechanics.

Park it and start learning.

 

I get the impression you have a second car you can get around in, if so, if I were, you Id keep it. Maybe try to find some new friends who would be willing to help out for a smaller fee + some free beer. Who knows maybe just for fun and free beer. Of course expect it to take a while that way.

To pay a shop to do the job I would expect to spend between $5 - $6K depending on what route you take replacing it. Good luck though, sucks when this happens but no car is invincible and no checking account is bottomless.

 

And the more I read, the L98 falls way short of invincible...

 

I think that's what I will do. Drop the insurance and start digging into the motor. Guess it doesn't really matter if I bugger it up any more and who knows, maybe I will learn something.

 

Hey now...

 

Okay, it's in the garage and the hood is off. I don't know what the hell I'm doing. Maybe I should get my service manual.

 

oh, now there is a capital idea...

 

check ebay and our own parts for sale for a service manual. if nothing else, they are available from the source, www.helminc.com.

There are a number of books on how to build small block chevy's. Also, get the book, Corvette Fuel Injection and Electronic Ignition, 1982-2001, by Charles Probst. It is available via www.bentleypublishing.com or amazon, I am sure.

I do recommend the Haynes manual... it is cheap, and has good pictures.

A suggestion... start with some simple projects... taking things apart, working on the suspension, things like that. Just to get into the mindset.

Also, when you take apart, get a collection of zip loc baggies and a sharpie. This way, you can label the nuts/bolts/screws as to exactly where they came from.

If you have a digital camera, take a picture before you take it apart.

Finally, save boxes... cardboard boxes are good for a) storing parts and b) cutting down and using as bolt storage. Stab the bolt into the cardboard and label it.

Also, consider referencing the section in the FSM as to what you just took apart.

 

No, I have one, I bought it shortly after I got my Vette. I bought it from www.helminc.com so I think it is a good one. When I said I should get my service manual I meant from the closet.

 

You have two good options:

1) look for a good used L98 with as low miles as you can find. Get helpful buddies involved to help with option 1 or option 2 as required

2) remove the engine from the car and disassemble it for inspection and decide if the damage is cost effective for you to fix. Ask around to locate a good reputable local automotive machine shop and let them look at your parts. Option two will cost more than option one but it will teach you something about engines.

 

 

Good plan. Unfortunately you already made your first mistake. There is no reason to remove the hood, even to pull the engine in these cars. No harm done though. You are getting ready to embark on a great learning experience. It won't always be easy whether you're replacing it, rebuilding or repairing it. But the satisfaction you'll feel when it's together and working well again cannot be described until you've experienced it. We are a technical group around here and there is no problem you could run into that hasn't happened to many here before. And we are all always ready to impart our experience and advice to the aid of a fellow Vette owner.

 

My 87 has 114 k on it. Went 8.32 @ 86 mph at the 1/8 mile track last week, several times. Not invincible, but not bad.