First of all, I am new here and my name is Garrett.

I have a 1998 Camaro, 3.8L with 72,000 miles.

I will try to explain this the best I can so please bare with me.

The engine, upon start-up, clunks pretty bad. I really can't explain the pitch of the sound but it is embarrassingly loud. I can easily hear it from inside of the house.

I drive the car but warm it up for about 20 minutes first. (I live in Michigan). Usually by this time, the sound is completely gone. I mean, there is absolutely no sign of trouble whatsoever after its warm.
A few days ago, I took it to a Chevrolet Dealer/Service and they told me that I need a new engine and it will cost me around $5500 to replace it. They said they are not sure what it is exactly but sounds like the piston is slamming around or wrist pin is making noise, or other things.

ALthough I told them the sound stops after awhile, I am sure they didnt' drive it long enough to get it to that point.
To me, and believe me, I know NOTHING about engines, it seems to me that if it were something so severe that the engine needs to be tossed out that the sound wouldn't disappear after awhile.


Does anybody have any thoughts on this or have experienced a similar problem?

Thank you very much in advance,


Garrett

 

Where at in Michigan?? Perhaps you live close enough, I could have a listen.....

Does the engine always make the noise? Just when cold?

How long does it make the noise before it goes away?

Does it do it on a warm start?

Let me know, and we can take it from there.

Auto, or manual??


Oh, and, Welcome to the boards!!!!!!!!!!! One of the best resources for thirdgens around. (although, yours is a 4th gen..... LOL)

 

Thanks for the welcome,



Oh, sorry. Wasn't aware

Thanks again.

 

3.8's are notorious for bearings crapping out

thats exactly what it sounds like too