I found a rebuilt 3.1 for sell for $150 it has a new crank and upgraded cam with all new seals, but it doesn't come with accessories. The guy is emailing me the stats on the cam later tonight. Also he says it was ran in the car for about 4000 miles before it was replaced with a 350. I'm so reluctant to buy an engine that I can't hear run. What would you guys do? Also I asked if the timing chain was replaced and he said no?? So if I do get it I want to change that. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

ask for receipts

yeah i planned on it

How many miles are on the entire engine? 150 for an engine doesn't seem bad so long as its not cracked or any other major issues.

I don't blame you for not trusting it..it sounds a little *too* cheap.

But..even after freight, it'd be an AMAZING deal if he's being truthful.

Did you get pictures? At least get pics.

Its a Local guy off craigslist so I will be able to check it out before buying it. Are there any tricks when I go look at it to tell if the motor is ok?

I paid $100 for my 3.4 from a guy that was swapping in a 3.8. Ran perfect for 2 yrs before I started having minor problems with it this year. I can blame that on myself so you never know. I say give it a shot.

Oh! and it was out of the car already when I brought it.

I'd turn the crank a few times by hand, make sure it all turns good in there, if it doesn't then he's really trying to rip you off! Besides that, see of any leaks are visable, basicly jive it a good visual inspection.
For $150 I say do it, especially if your looking for an engine for a V6. It's beyond me why you'd rebuild an engine and keep the old timing chain.. But I'd repace it before dropping it it for sure.