Realistically, What would $3k-3.5k get me on a rebuild?

[vetteboy86]

I feel ya man....

I was very lucky, well if you can call it luck. I spent a little more than 3500 bucks on my motor and got a 383 out of it. Offcourse I was charged no labor for the job, for the shop had to do it for free. I could have had it built back to stock or close to stock specs for basically nothing. I chose to add some go fast parts, and make the car even more fun to drive.

If you are serious about this, maybe you should start small. Buy some parts as you go. Get in touch with someone, and put together a package you can both agree on. Get this down on paper, and start shopping. Once you have most parts aquired, you can start thinking about labor. I am in the same boat with my Trans Am. The motor finally went, and now I am faced with rebuilding it quick and cheap, or doing a partial restoration with the car (doesn't need much) and really building the motor.

Take a step back, and get some real info about parts. A rotating assembly is about 850 bucks. Figure another 200 or so for a new cam. Then you have to figure in any head work you might want, vavletrain components, and dont forget the connecting rods, which I am not sure come with the rotating assembly or not. Then you have all the work to do to the block.

Good luck, and if you need any suggestions/help, let me know.

Craig

 

[AIRBUS]

Why not consider a good used LT-1 or LT-4?? The LT-1 is 300 HP and the LT-4 is under rated at 330. If you found a good low mileage LT-1 you might still have enough left over to pay for the swap. You will easily exceed that price trying to rebuild and get equal performance out of your L-98.

Anybody know how much of a job it would be to replace an L98 w/LT1 or 4?

I'm an airplane mech but not nearly in the know enough to tackle something like that without coaching from somebody who's done it. I've read that the computer would have to be changed and some wiring changes would have to happen. Whaddya think?

 

[vetteboy86]

I would think that would really open up a can of worms. The mounting of compoonents to the engine would change, all the wiring for the ECM, sensors, and the dash would have to change. I am not sure how much work it would take, but a job I would think twice about tackling. Probably cost all the money he has just in labor. THe local shop here charges 800 bucks to pull a motor.

 

[Edmond]

Oh man, for $800, I'll learn how to do it! :L I'm going to pull mine in a couple of weeks. I've never done it before but my neighbors have done plenty of them and they're even more eager to do it than I am!

 

[Greg Gore]

Modded L-98 vs LT-1/ LT-4

Why not start gathering information about what would be involved in the swap? When you start modifying your L-98 the injectors will probably have to be replaced (upsized) and the computer reprogrammed to complement the new engine specs so you will have the right fuel and spark curves to see the gains without sluggish timing, too lean or pinging and knock, etc. I would try to get an LT-4 and get the computer and wiring harness and whatever else I could get the seller to include. An LT-4 would be a far better platform for future mods as well. This is certainly no simple bolt-in but it's not a complicated swap either. They put em in street rods all the time. Your car with a low mileage LT-4 from a wrecked 96 would really make a sweet package. The LT-4 was properly engineered and is a well proven package and would not be a collection of speed shop parts that would be expensive as well. I recognize this swap would not be for everybody but if I had $3500 and wanted a bump it is what I would do. When it comes to labor remember you get what you pay for. No one with a lot of knowledge and experience will work cheaply and you do not want someone who does not really know doing sloppy machine work. I am in the machine shop business and I know the quality of a lot of stuff that passes for "rebuilt" out there. You will need to be sure you have a competent shop. Machine work is either on size, straight and true with the correct surface finish or it is not.

Regards, Greg

 

[87blackroxi]

Y'all have brought up a good point with the Lt swap. It's making me think a little bit. But I think my best bet is like alot of you have said, save up some more money until I get about $5k and then do it right. I guess for now, I'll look at other mods on with the curent engine. maybe do some gears and consider head work.
Thanks for all your input everyone.