3.8 drive train decissions-what to do?

ben2go · 11-04-2009, 08:20 PM

I need to sell my 3.8L drive train to cover some of my build expenses.I'm selling it all,engine,trans,differential,axles,drum brake spindles,most of the interior,digital gauge cluster,EEC and all associated wiring.My issue lies with the engine.It has blown a head gasket.The coolant worked it's way to the rod bearings and spun a rod bearing.I got the car in this condition and it was drivable.It has set for 5 years,so it needs a good overhaul and crank kit.I was told the transmission was recently rebuilt before the engine crisis.Should I spend the money to repair the engine(at a cost of $700 to $900) in hopes of getting more for it or should I sell as is?Any other idears?

Just an FYI. I only found one local supplier for reman 3.8L engines,private owned All Pro franchise.They want $3995 + $695 core.The core is refunded after the engine has under gone an inspection.I've never heard of a chain type parts seller doing this.I'm not sure if it's because of all the 3.8L configuration or if it's because of the high head gasket failure rate.These engines came in both front and rear drive versions, for those that didn't know,and the blocks are different.

master486 · 11-05-2009, 02:59 AM

$4k for a reman 3.8 engine is a joke. Fixing the head gasket isn't that bad of a job and isn't as expensive as you might think if you do it yourself and the heads are reusable.

95SilverBird · 11-05-2009, 03:55 AM

I wouldnt spend the money to rebuild it. Just my opinion though.

Josh_Keady · 11-05-2009, 02:25 PM

I have a 130k mile 3.8L and AOD coupled, fresh head gasket job on the 3.8, and I can't even give them away. I craigslist them every once in a while for 300 bucks, hardly a bite.

ben2go · 11-05-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by master486

$4k for a reman 3.8 engine is a joke. Fixing the head gasket isn't that bad of a job and isn't as expensive as you might think if you do it yourself and the heads are reusable.

I agree,$4000 is stupid high.I have done many head gaskets on 3.8s.This one got coolant in the bearings and spun a rod bearing.So I am looking at either a crank kit or reworked crank,possibly new/reworked rods,bearing kit,gasket kit,cleaning and machining the heads,might as well rering the pistons while their out,pretty much gonna run into a rebuild to get it running right.I'd rather spend that money on my 5.8 swap unless I can find someone who really wants a rebuilt 3.8.That won't happen.I don't skimp when it comes to engine work.I tried that on one of my vehicles years ago and ended up blowing an engine.

bowez · 11-05-2009, 07:09 PM

FYI, when I was looking for a new SC block I could get a low mileage one for about $2200.

11-04-2009, 08:20 PM	#1
ben2go 3rd Gear Poster Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Upstate, South Carolina,USA Car: 1991 Blue Max Cougar Engine: NA 3.8L V6 Posts: 122	3.8 drive train decissions-what to do? I need to sell my 3.8L drive train to cover some of my build expenses.I'm selling it all,engine,trans,differential,axles,drum brake spindles,most of the interior,digital gauge cluster,EEC and all associated wiring.My issue lies with the engine.It has blown a head gasket.The coolant worked it's way to the rod bearings and spun a rod bearing.I got the car in this condition and it was drivable.It has set for 5 years,so it needs a good overhaul and crank kit.I was told the transmission was recently rebuilt before the engine crisis.Should I spend the money to repair the engine(at a cost of $700 to $900) in hopes of getting more for it or should I sell as is?Any other idears? Just an FYI. I only found one local supplier for reman 3.8L engines,private owned All Pro franchise.They want $3995 + $695 core.The core is refunded after the engine has under gone an inspection.I've never heard of a chain type parts seller doing this.I'm not sure if it's because of all the 3.8L configuration or if it's because of the high head gasket failure rate.These engines came in both front and rear drive versions, for those that didn't know,and the blocks are different. __________________ All stock 1990 Merc Blue Max Cougar 3.8L with Automatic Future-built 5.8L,5 speed,8.8 rear,SC axles,Mark VIII 4 wheel disc brakes with hydroboost 1.5 inch drop,KYB shocks,Addco 1 3/8 sway bars,urethane bushings through out,18" Sonoma wheels Plans are already changing.

11-05-2009, 02:59 AM	#2
master486 22% more displacement, 100% more power *Membership Expired* Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: So Cal Car: 1996 Thunderbird LX Engine: 283.91 CID Age: 22 Posts: 4,478 View Photo Gallery master486's Arcade Awards Spellbound	$4k for a reman 3.8 engine is a joke. Fixing the head gasket isn't that bad of a job and isn't as expensive as you might think if you do it yourself and the heads are reusable. __________________ --Chris *1996 Thunderbird LX (Daily Driver): 4.6L Swap, NPI Block 0.020" Over, Ported PI Heads, PI Intake, '02 GT MAF, Braincoated Ported Exhaust Manifolds, BC-Automotive Stage II Trans, DirtyDog 9.5" 3800 Stall Billet Torque Converter, 3.5" Aluminum Driveshaft, 3.27 Trac-Lok, Hayden Trans Cooler, Rear Disc Swap, 190 lph Fuel Pump, Flowmaster Cat-back, & a Griffin Aluminum Radiator. Tuned by me with the SCT PRP. 1995 Thunderbird SC 5-Speed: FOR SALE* Huge Parts Sale!! Click HERE In SoCal and need your car fixed? CLICK!!!

11-05-2009, 02:25 PM	#4
Josh_Keady Pedal Faster Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: No. Oregon Car: '90 Base Engine: 5.0L Age: 25 Posts: 2,429	I have a 130k mile 3.8L and AOD coupled, fresh head gasket job on the 3.8, and I can't even give them away. I craigslist them every once in a while for 300 bucks, hardly a bite. __________________ Josh Keady 1990 Tbird ('93 5.0L swap), 1982 CB900F, 1972 F-100 SportCustom 4x4, 1970 Chevy Custom Camper / 20

11-05-2009, 07:09 PM	#6
bowez PostWhore Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NEAR Car: 93 SC Engine: MPII 3.8 Posts: 1,105	FYI, when I was looking for a new SC block I could get a low mileage one for about $2200. __________________ If all else fails get a bigger hammer! 93 SC Tbird MPII w/ Plenum,90mm MAF, 85mm TB, 40# Injectors, 255 lph FP, Double IC w/fan, SCT Chip (Tuned by Jerry),3/4" Raised Top 96 1/2 XR7 Sold and Salvaged 93 5.0 Tbird

11-05-2009, 03:55 AM	#3
95SilverBird 3rd Gear Poster Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Missouri Car: 1995 Thunderbird Engine: 4.6l sohc Age: 20 Posts: 159	I wouldnt spend the money to rebuild it. Just my opinion though.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)