OldSchoolGuy

well im about to pick up a 86 camaro with a 305. but the 305 has a hole in the middle of the oil pan... i was told that he thinks a rod was thrown. but i have never seen a rod go out of the oil pan. so anyone have any ideas.

the hole is about 2 inches off center to the passenger side.

thanks, (first thread on TG.O )

jakemussman

iTrader: (3)

Its possible. I've seen a 72 chevy pickup with a 350 that had what was left of a piston come out threw the oil pan. It doesn't really matter what it was though it will need a rebuild regardless.

OldSchoolGuy

well looking at the hole... its only about 1 inch in diameter... or 1 1/2 at most. its got a 305 so i think its kinda small for a piston. i just just thinking that someone bottomed out in it. i was going to rip it out and stick in a 350.

ok, its a 86 what are my motor options. i have a chevy 400 small block out of a 79 firebird 400. will that fit? what other engines fit? looking to spend 300-500 on a motor. (possible?)

and the 400 cam out of a manual car. and the camaro is a auto... dont know if that matters at all. im new to chevys, my first one.

gmstrong

400 sbc would be a worth wild swap.theres plenty of threads about swapping on here.should drop right in

Stevolwevol

iTrader: (1)

Does the hole look like something came flying out, or inward?

OldSchoolGuy

^ thats the thing, it dosnt look like anything went out or in... it looks like it chipped away... there is no bent metal, just a hole... a jagged hole.

jakemussman

iTrader: (3)

Any scrape marks around the hole or dents inward? If it was bottomed out they would likely be present. Now if a piece of piston or something came out it may leave a small hole. what is weird is that there isn't any jagged edges protruding outward either which would be likely if something came out of it.

OldSchoolGuy

yea, thats the thing, its got me puzzled... i think it was bottomed out. or someone was trying to look in the oil pan and didnt want to remove it...

going up there to snap some pics. will post as soon as i get home.

jakemussman

iTrader: (3)

Good idea that may help.

Stevolwevol

iTrader: (1)

Unless the engine was run w/o oil maybe the engine is OK, and just needs an oil pan. I replaced an oil pan on my IROC that was rusted through in one spot. The engine is fine. I just needed to replace the pan.

OldSchoolGuy

well, could not get any photos or a look at it (could not get far enough under the car) but i was looking at the pan and it looks like the middle of the pan is dented in, like it bottomed out.

so i have a feeling that its bin bottomed out and ran with out oil and burned out. going up with a breaker bar tomorrow and going to try to turn over the engine.

here is a old photo or the car.
what would you guys pay for it. (off topic but has to deal with engine being bad so...)

Stevolwevol

iTrader: (1)

Would it be possible to temporarily plug the hole, fill the engine with ok drain oil just to see if it runs? Maybe make a patch with sheet metal and epoxy so it holds just long enough to hear the engine run.

OldSchoolGuy

or i could replace the oil pan, then fire it up with some oil in it. just a though.

that would give me a chance to look in the block and check for damage. putting car on a life tomorrow. and it will be at my house this weekend.

not to sound like a broken record. but how much is this thing worth?

blown motor.
with 80,000 miles

im was guessing it would be worth about $800-$1000????

Cleric69

It's worth whatever you're willing to pay :-)

Just looking at the exterior condition and considering the engine/oil pan issue I wouldn't go more than a few hundred ($300-500), depending on the condition of the rest of the drivetrain.

Stevolwevol

iTrader: (1)

I agree. You need to consider the cost of replacing the engine and getting it running. What would it be worth then? Is the interior in good condition? Does it need to be painted or rubbed out? Tires, ball joints, tranny, struts, shocks, springs. I probably have left alot out, so use your judgement. Does the car appear to be abused? Any one of these things are fixable, but if it has multiple issues, consider the cost of the repairs. I don't want to sound like a downer, but getting into something that gonna cost more than it's worth is the true downer. There are many third gens in good condition looking for a good home that do not command serious money, so look around.

Seven_MPG

Offer $1000,not a dime over.Swap for a 383,get some body work done.Now you have a rice eater.And you will sleep better.

OldSchoolGuy

i picked it up for $250



right now i have my rice eater. but you chevy guys wont approve. ill post some picks if you want.

Stevolwevol

iTrader: (1)

You could make money on the parts if you can't make it run. Good buy.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

How so?

I smell trouble there, with a capital T.

79 Firebirds didn't come with a Chevy drive train; the various divisions were still bickering over whose 300, 350, 400, and 450 CID motors were "best", and wasting several hundred dollars of non-value-added cost on EVERY CAR on just "being different" and "proving the point". Unless that Chevy motor had been swapped in at some point, it's not one.

No pics necessary, except maybe one of the 400. Getting that identified properly will be critical to success of that proposal. If it's not a Chevy one, then that "free" motor will cost you MORE in time money and trouble than PAYING RETAIL for one that fits.

The plan of taking that 305 out if it's smoked and throwing it away, and then spending the exact same $$$$ rebuilding something else that will give MORE results for THE SAME $$$$, is basically sound though.

Stevolwevol

iTrader: (1)

I'd stay away from 400 anyway. They run hot. The displacement is too much for a small block IMO. The heads are cooled with steam ports. I'd go with a 350, or 383 stroker if you want more displacement

EvilCartman

iTrader: (1)

400's do not run hot, or at least the two I've seen in friend's vehicles. They've never had a problem with overheating. One of them usually can't get enough heat into the thing.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Ive had several 400s; never had any problem with "overheating".

The steam holes are not there to cool the heads. Their purpose is to "vent" little pockets under the deck, where steam can accumulate at low RPMs and consequently low water flow rates. Since steam is a terrible conductor of heat compared to water, it can cause localized hot spots in THE BLOCK if not allowed to escape.

OldSchoolGuy

Yea, I'm looking for a 350 or a 305. Witch ever I can find. Not looking to rebuild. This car is going to be my every day beater.

I have 2 1995 lincoln mark Viii's