crate engine vs rebuild? for 87 c4
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From: ATTLEBORO MA
crate engine vs rebuild? for 87 c4
Hi, everyone,
With headgaskets starting to weep and the rear main seal joining the weeping process, and with 119800 and counting, the time is now to replace the seals and headgaskets, or to go the crate engine route. My vette is a daily driver, stored in the winter. Thoughts?
With headgaskets starting to weep and the rear main seal joining the weeping process, and with 119800 and counting, the time is now to replace the seals and headgaskets, or to go the crate engine route. My vette is a daily driver, stored in the winter. Thoughts?
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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Unless you have a local machine shop you can really trust, it would be far quicker to go a crate engine route. With a crate motor, the long block is assembled so all you need to do is to transfer the brackets and accessories and stuff the new engine back in
Many crate motor suppliers provide a warranty, something that some machine shops won't do. For example, Jasper remanufactured engines come with a 3 year, 100K miles warranty that is transferable. They also offer a line of performance engines.
You didn't say if you have to go thru smog inspections, but if so, then a stock-type replacement may be the best deal. GM also offers a line or reman motors and the ZZ4 crate motor would be a good upgrade and IIRC, some people have gotten the ZZ4 to pass some state emissions inspections.
Many crate motor suppliers provide a warranty, something that some machine shops won't do. For example, Jasper remanufactured engines come with a 3 year, 100K miles warranty that is transferable. They also offer a line of performance engines.
You didn't say if you have to go thru smog inspections, but if so, then a stock-type replacement may be the best deal. GM also offers a line or reman motors and the ZZ4 crate motor would be a good upgrade and IIRC, some people have gotten the ZZ4 to pass some state emissions inspections.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
If their is a good local shop I would go with a basic rebuild, refreshing and replacing only what is needed. It will save you money. 120K on one of these cars is not a lot. You may just need new seals and refresh the heads. I would do your research and have the work done this winter. If it were me I would put in a bigger cam and get a tune as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Houston Texas
If their is a good local shop I would go with a basic rebuild, refreshing and replacing only what is needed. It will save you money. 120K on one of these cars is not a lot. You may just need new seals and refresh the heads. I would do your research and have the work done this winter. If it were me I would put in a bigger cam and get a tune as well.
go for it!!
Race Director
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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L98 C4 vette motors aren't really anything special. (Working on them -- inside a corvette -- is a different challenge though.)
You should be able to find a local mechanic who'll rebuild (refresh) the motor for about the same price as a crate motor. IOW, you'd still have to pay for labor to r/r the crate motor.
If you can find someone you trust to do the r/r, they should know (be able to find) a machine shop to do the maching work. If not, that shop ain't worth a crap.
Some shops might be more inclined to use a PACE replacement or something similar. With a warranty on Pace motors (or similar), it's not a terrible option -- especially if you're happy with the stock setup/power.
BTW,,,Vette motors aren't any harder to r/r than the next motor. Don't let a shop try to say they are. If so, move on.
You should be able to find a local mechanic who'll rebuild (refresh) the motor for about the same price as a crate motor. IOW, you'd still have to pay for labor to r/r the crate motor.
If you can find someone you trust to do the r/r, they should know (be able to find) a machine shop to do the maching work. If not, that shop ain't worth a crap.
Some shops might be more inclined to use a PACE replacement or something similar. With a warranty on Pace motors (or similar), it's not a terrible option -- especially if you're happy with the stock setup/power.
BTW,,,Vette motors aren't any harder to r/r than the next motor. Don't let a shop try to say they are. If so, move on.
Last edited by GREGGPENN; Jun 5, 2010 at 04:30 PM.
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From: Vero Beach Florida
I think in your case a refresh would work out fine depending how much of the work you can do your self which you didn't say. You don't have to R & R the engine to replace the rear main or the head gaskets. I would do a compression test if that is good and you don't have a oil burning issue now. Just have the heads worked new seals & valve job then over the winter R & R the trany and do the rear seal. You could add new 1.6 rockers & valve springs along with new injectors if you wanted for a little performance boost with out getting a new tune.
Good luck on your decission
Good luck on your decission
Last edited by floridamale; Jun 5, 2010 at 09:07 AM.
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From: ATTLEBORO MA
Thanks for all of your thoughts.
no garage-my shed isn't weather proof. and has no heat.
my mechanical abilities are not up to this type of project.
I live near attleboro, ma and don't have a favorite shop.
If anyone have recommendations, I sure would appreciate them.
Again, thanks.
no garage-my shed isn't weather proof. and has no heat.
my mechanical abilities are not up to this type of project.
I live near attleboro, ma and don't have a favorite shop.
If anyone have recommendations, I sure would appreciate them.
Again, thanks.
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Thanks for all of your thoughts.
no garage-my shed isn't weather proof. and has no heat.
my mechanical abilities are not up to this type of project.
I live near attleboro, ma and don't have a favorite shop.
If anyone have recommendations, I sure would appreciate them.
Again, thanks.
no garage-my shed isn't weather proof. and has no heat.
my mechanical abilities are not up to this type of project.
I live near attleboro, ma and don't have a favorite shop.
If anyone have recommendations, I sure would appreciate them.
Again, thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Thanks for all of your thoughts.
no garage-my shed isn't weather proof. and has no heat.
my mechanical abilities are not up to this type of project.
I live near attleboro, ma and don't have a favorite shop.
If anyone have recommendations, I sure would appreciate them.
Again, thanks.
no garage-my shed isn't weather proof. and has no heat.
my mechanical abilities are not up to this type of project.
I live near attleboro, ma and don't have a favorite shop.
If anyone have recommendations, I sure would appreciate them.
Again, thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
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If it is not for performance purposes, and not for resale, then just have things freshened up.
At this point it comes down to overall investment, and how it will pay off for you.
IMO spend as little as possible if it is not a priority, and consider the future of the car in your hands.
That is just what I would do in the situation.
At this point it comes down to overall investment, and how it will pay off for you.
IMO spend as little as possible if it is not a priority, and consider the future of the car in your hands.
That is just what I would do in the situation.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 493
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From: Eden Utah
Do you belong to a local forum/club. We pulled and installed 2 motors in the last 3 weeks. It is not a big deal if you have someone there who can help and has done it before. A couple of guys who have done it before and if you have a local shop that has a lift you can rent is all you need. A cherry picker and an engine stand you can rent, and in 3 hours the engine is out. Good friends and a weekend you can be back on the road in no time...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
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From: Slidell Louisiana
Do you belong to a local forum/club. We pulled and installed 2 motors in the last 3 weeks. It is not a big deal if you have someone there who can help and has done it before. A couple of guys who have done it before and if you have a local shop that has a lift you can rent is all you need. A cherry picker and an engine stand you can rent, and in 3 hours the engine is out. Good friends and a weekend you can be back on the road in no time...
Pulling and reinstalling an engine in a C4 is pretty straight forward...Mike
Safety Car
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From: Vero Beach Florida
