So finally last Monday after 2 weeks of waiting, the new crate engine came. Rich, the tech pulled old engine out. Service manager called me Tuesday and asked me to come down, had a few things to show me. Cats were full of oil. Intake full of oil. Basically oil everywhere. He ordered new down pipes with new cats and O2 sensors. No contamination found in the sump or cooling system. So drain and clean out and flush. The underneath of this car is clean. Still looks new. Truly pampered car. Goodyear run flats still have half life left on them. I bought the skip shift eliminator and taking it down this Monday for them to install while its in the air.
So let's get to the number situation with the new engine.
Engine came with its own numbers on the block. Not any numbers from my old engine so that myth is busted. Still excited to start over new and fresh with my baby and her new heart.
While at the shop, Rich (the service manager) showed me the rocker panels that the kid damaged while lifting the car. Will need repaired once I get it back. Rairdons is really stepping up on this and paying for any and all items related to the engine debacle. Really can not thank them enough for making this horrible situation as painless as possible. It sucks it happened but could be worse if they didn't want to do the right thing, but they are and I thank them.
New engine is in as of yesterday, still on the lift and I imagine Rich, (the tech) will finish it Monday. To many Rich's, I know. Both the service manager and the tech are Rich's. Lol


I know I made the right decision after seeing the condition of the underneath of this car and how clean it is. Must have been a sunny day driver only cause it is immaculate.. I know there's cleaner lower mile grand sports out there but more money, and not close to me with a manual transmission.

There's the update as of 5/22/16.

 

I can not stress this enough: make sure the oil cooler, oil cooler pipes, and dry sump tank hoses are replaced. Remove the dry sump tank, dis assemble it, and clean it out. Make sure the trans gets refilled.

 

My new engine came with its own serial numbers on the left rear of the bell housing. Computer stamped. The new numbers get entered into the GM data base to my vin. Brand spankin new shiny factory LS3. I should have snapped a picture. Thing of beauty.
I'm just anxious now to get it back and start the break in process. Rich will be the only tech, (besides me) to touch this car. He will be doing the break in oil change and all other services after that. I'm pretty confident I've found my life time dealer.
Anyone in the market for a competent corvette service center, I con not give enough credit to Dwayne Lanes Chevrolet in Arlington. Give them a shout.

 

Quick question, what does the CF stand for under my name in the signature of my posts? Used to be junior member, now I'm cf, what's that? Lol im dumb

 

corvette forum member

 

Congrats Rich. I would have made same choice. Let the cruisung begin

 

Wow, what a story! Both dealers sound like they are stepping up their game.
You'll be building a big scrapbook with this saga.

 

When I was in there, Rich had the reservoir out and disassembled on the bench. He was going through each and every piece of the system and then some. Dwayne Lanes doesn't want this thing to blow apart on them either. I'm sure the first question that the GM warranty rep would ask is "did you replace the oil reservoir, lines and cooler"? And if he said no, then Dwayne lanes would be buying the engine and I really don't think they want a turn at it. I can't imagine Rich would put it all back together just to have it go again. Just hard to believe. Stranger things have happened I guess. We shall see.

 

Yes they are. Rich the service manager wanted to show me all the pieces that needed replace before he called Rairdons to get it approved, so I drove down the street to Rairdons and talked to Aundrey, the general at Rairdons. The only thing he said he wished Dwayne Lanes would do is figure out everything that needs replaced all at once instead of multiple calls for approval. I explained to Aundrey that you really don't know what's bad until you get it apart. That was the case with the down pipes and cats. After I explained, and him knowing I'm a tech myself, he was ok with it and said order what ever is needed. I passed that on to Rich.
Also that goes back to the oil reservoir and parts, they have the clearance if they feel it's necessary. I can only trust that they know it's good, otherwise it will be back, and I know they don't want that.

 

Interesting, the post I found had pictures showing the original engine with engraved numbers and the new engine with the same numbers stamped. I wouldn't loose any sleep over it. What's important is that your car gets repaired properly with new components and you are happy. Glad they are taking care of you. Keep us posted

 

My thinking exactly. I just want it back and to start enjoying it. Thanks Mike.

 

So I just had to go down and get the vin to add the car to our insurance. We had 15 days to add it and didn't have it in our possession long enough. Lol
So while I was there, Rich had already ordered the new oil reservoir, cooler and lines. So all is getting replaced like everyone had suggested. This is a huge weight lifted from me. I have confidence in Rich's abilities to clean out the system but this is extra insurance that the new engine will be just fine. I snapped a couple pictures so you all could see the new parts.

 

Here's the old one Rich had disassembled.

 

I'd buy the original disassembled dry sump tank from you if it's available.

 

I think GMPP might mandate that all the oil system parts have to be replaced for the warranty to be honored in the event of a failure. That would make sense to me and if I was GM, I would say that's how it is or no warranty. Makes perfect sense.

 

Any guy with a name like Rich, is ok by me
Great work if staying on top of it !! Only if for your own peace of mind.

 

I'll ask but I'm not sure what they will want to do with the old parts.

 

Rich Filori is the service manager. His number is 360-572-4647. That's his direct line. I asked him and he said he would sell the old reservoir.
I have no desire nor do I want to deal with selling any of the old parts. I just want my car back. So give him a call if you want to buy it.

 

ready to rock this weekend Rich ???

 

WOW, what an ordeal, damn. But sounds like you are going to come out OK as is your GS, that's what matters
NSF