I think the title speak for itself!

When my '91 Firebird 3.1 finally bit the dust, my friend Brandon who is a full time certified mechanic told me that he would rebuild the top half of my engine for $150, and that it would only take him about a month. Well, this was back in March and it is now June. I have spent almost $500 in new parts, got my heads milled etc... Last week when he was putting one of the heads on he accidently dropped a bolt into the engine. He spent 3 hours trying to raise the engine to pull out the oil pan. So far we still haven't got the bolt out.

Now, he won't come to my garage and work on it... for what reason, I don't know!! I have parts laying everywhere and I am running out of patience.

So with all this said, think twice before letting one of your friends rebuild your engine, or take on a big project with your car period!

If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself.

That's true, but I don't really know anything about auto mechanics. I can change my oil, do sparks plugs and wires, flush radiators, brakes and rotors and detail my car... thats about it! LOL I'm mechanically challanged!

that's ok, I wont ti\ouch a cam swap unless my best friend is there. He's done about 40 of them.

There's only one way to learn all that stuff, FirebirdJoe... gotta pick up a good manual and a wrench and have at it. Sucks about the bolt; I hope it all works out for ya!

Actually, if you have enough skill to manage those tasks, with a little guidance (from this board and a good manual) you can pull it off. I'm a member of message boards covering the big three and performance boats, I've never seen anyone go without being helped.

You're probably not as mechanically challenged as you think you are. Engine assembly isn't rocket science, but it does require attention to detail. Pay attention and read the book, and ask questions here, you'll get it running and you can give your buddy the finger

Hmm..that's funny, I had no trouble getting my oil pan off (might have something to do with it being on a stand tho )

An engine is a very simple thing if you think about it, its just a matter of taking off bolts putting stuff on and tightening bolts...The hard part is planning the job before you start it; the parts, the gaskets, the tools, the time, the money.

Lol, not always true. I would prefer to have my engine rebuilt by a certified and dedicated machine shop. I don't trust myself to do anything right when it comes to the drivetrain. I have little knowledge in that area and I don't want to mess around with something I don't know what I am getting into.

I agree there... I suck! Hey Dev, where have ya been man? I haven't seen ya for a while! Or maybe the question is where have I been....