Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 1
From: Bowie MD
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (TimC)
Tim: I had these same issues three years ago. My head gasket (drivers side still hangs in shame on wall of garage. The rear drivers cylinder gasket area has rottted away. You will find green antifreeze runnin out of the spark plug hole. I was also advised by dealer same thing as you. I bought a ZZ4 replacement block, and paid a local mechanic to install it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (BlackBeast2)
Very important! The first thing you should do before you make a decision is
GET A SECOND OPINION. Go to a shop that is not a dealer and see what
they say then make a decision. :beatdeadhorse:
GET A SECOND OPINION. Go to a shop that is not a dealer and see what
they say then make a decision. :beatdeadhorse:
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From: Glen Allen, VA
CI 3-4-6-8-9 Veteran
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (Rich B.)
...but don't know if I can tackle this big a job.
No guts, no glory... ;) :p:
No guts, no glory... ;) :p:
I'm gonna run it over to a local Corvette mechanic guy I've dealt with and get his opinion on it. It doesn't even blow white smoke unless I'm sitting still. Once it gets going, the smoke stops. I could always just drive it on the interstates ;).
Thanks for everyone's help. I may decide to tackle this myself. The parts are nothing...it's all labor. I've always wanted to do something like this, only with my '87 Firebird I bought brand new and still own, not the Corvette. :lol:
[Modified by TimC, 9:49 AM 4/6/2004]
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (TimC)
WTF? The dealer recommends replacing the engine? RUN!
110k miles is NOTHING on a modern engine, especially an LT1 that is supposed to have had synthetic oil all it's life. You can replace the head gaset yourself for under $200 and a weekend's worth of work.
So maybe you can't do the work yourself, you can still have it done much cheaper.
110k miles is NOTHING on a modern engine, especially an LT1 that is supposed to have had synthetic oil all it's life. You can replace the head gaset yourself for under $200 and a weekend's worth of work.
So maybe you can't do the work yourself, you can still have it done much cheaper.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 2
From: Champaign, IL
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (TimC)
Ha! I've got a very similar problem with my 92 at 58k miles - the head gasket started shooting water out right after I put on a new water pump.
I know a really good tech who's willing to do the work on the side - It's looking like he'll pull the heads and replace the head gaskets all for under $1000 including labor. While the heads and intake are out I'm looking to maybe get them ported and polished and maybe throw in an LT4 cam.
I'm not complaining yet! I did have to sell my Porsche so that I'd have some spending money ! :(
I just can't wait to get the vette back together and go autocrossing!
:party:
I know a really good tech who's willing to do the work on the side - It's looking like he'll pull the heads and replace the head gaskets all for under $1000 including labor. While the heads and intake are out I'm looking to maybe get them ported and polished and maybe throw in an LT4 cam.
I'm not complaining yet! I did have to sell my Porsche so that I'd have some spending money ! :(
I just can't wait to get the vette back together and go autocrossing!
:party:
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (TimC)
I own the 2 (big red) service Chevy manuals, but don't know if I can tackle this big a job. :eek:
Gonna call around tomorrow. :cheers:
Gonna call around tomorrow. :cheers:
RACE ON!!!
PS. There is a forum around here, somewhere, that'll give you a hand, if you get stuck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From: Glen Allen, VA
CI 3-4-6-8-9 Veteran
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (CFI-EFI)
Okay, here's what I've decided to do. I'm going to ask the dealer (it's still there) if they'll do the compression test for me and post the results. Then I'll tackle the head gasket replacement and change the coolant and oil. I'll post pics and ask alot of dumb questions during this process. Zips Corvette (up the road) is going to get some business. :lol:
Thanks all...keep your fingers crossed. :cheers:
Thanks all...keep your fingers crossed. :cheers:
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From: Glen Allen, VA
CI 3-4-6-8-9 Veteran
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (midlifecrisis91)
Okay, dealership just called with the compression test and it appears it's as good news as can be expected. They said cylinders 1-7 check out perfect (in the 190-210 range - I assume that's good). Number 8 was full of water and couldn't be tested. So, it appears I'll have good ole number 8 to work on.
He's optimistic the engine can be saved and I might be okay with it. He said I'm saving $73.00 an hour for about 15 hours. :lol:
:steering:
[Modified by TimC, 2:18 PM 4/8/2004]
He's optimistic the engine can be saved and I might be okay with it. He said I'm saving $73.00 an hour for about 15 hours. :lol:
:steering:
[Modified by TimC, 2:18 PM 4/8/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (TimC)
My guess is you went and talked to them again after recieving the good advice and tech info from the members that replied above, and that particular dealership then saw that you knew enough about the condition that they couldn't get over on you with the new engine scam, so now they are being more reasonable about-- but only after they yanked the pole and tried to set the hook in your mouth :cuss:
Just my guess. Forum member 'Evil', no offense meant toward you or any honest dealership service dept., okay? But we all know *some* service shops will pull such crappola.
Just my guess. Forum member 'Evil', no offense meant toward you or any honest dealership service dept., okay? But we all know *some* service shops will pull such crappola.
Okay, dealership just called with the compression test and it appears it's as good news as can be expected. They said cylinders 1-7 check out perfect (in the 190-210 range - I assume that's good). Number 8 was full of water and couldn't be tested. So, it appears I'll have good ole number 8 to work on.
He's optimistic the engine can be saved and I might be okay with it. He said I'm saving $73.00 an hour for about 15 hours. :lol:
:steering:
[Modified by TimC, 2:18 PM 4/8/2004]
He's optimistic the engine can be saved and I might be okay with it. He said I'm saving $73.00 an hour for about 15 hours. :lol:
:steering:
[Modified by TimC, 2:18 PM 4/8/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 16,488
Likes: 25
From: USA. Northern Virginia
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (TimC)
Nice to see everyone pull together :grouphug: in the time of need of another member :thumbs: :cheers: :thumbs:
You all get big silver stars in my book! :cheers:
You all get big silver stars in my book! :cheers:
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From: Glen Allen, VA
CI 3-4-6-8-9 Veteran
Re: Dealer recommending replacing engine...need advice (Lone Ranger)
My guess is you went and talked to them again after recieving the good advice and tech info from the members that replied above, and that particular dealership then saw that you knew enough about the condition that they couldn't get over on you with the new engine scam, so now they are being more reasonable about-- but only after they yanked the pole and tried to set the hook in your mouth :cuss:
Thanks everyone here. Be looking for a new thread in the next week or two when I start breaking down the engine. Yikes. :eek: :lol:
My only regret is I don't know if there are any other issues with the engine and would love to upgrade while I'm in there. Oh well...next time.
