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3.1 Worth buying?

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Old 04-13-2008, 11:28 AM
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Car: 1987 GTA Trans Am
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 9-Bolt 3.27
3.1 Worth buying?

A guy has one for sale for $200. Says it runs good and all, it just has alot of miles. Now I haven't gotten any pics of it yet but I will soon. Do you guys think it's really worth the money? It will replace my 2.8l that I threw a rod in not too long ago. Should I try to make him come down on the price a little or look for another engine? Thanks for any help.
Old 04-13-2008, 11:57 AM
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Re: 3.1 Worth buying?

I'd say buy it. $200 is a good price for a running motor. Maybe come down a little since its high miles but with the money you save on it you could do a light rebuild on the motor.
Old 04-13-2008, 12:54 PM
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Car: 1987 Chevrolet Camaro
Engine: 2.8L V6 MPFI
Transmission: 700R4
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Re: 3.1 Worth buying?

Originally Posted by 2.8RS
I'd say buy it. $200 is a good price for a running motor. Maybe come down a little since its high miles but with the money you save on it you could do a light rebuild on the motor.
agreed, $200, then buy your self a complete engine gasket set about 120 bucks from Fel-Pro i believe, tear that puppy apart, clean the complete engine, look for any noticable damage buy the parts that are essential and any damaged parts, got yourself a good nice running engine for about 500-600 bucks.
Old 04-13-2008, 03:06 PM
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Car: '87 Camaro / '87 Chevy K10
Engine: 3.4L MPFI (soon) / 5.7L TBI
Transmission: 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / 3.73
Re: 3.1 Worth buying?

For "high mileage", I'd sooner do a complete rebuild. Bearings, rings, light machining(ie, hone the bores, polish/grind the crank), gaskets. All that will run you ~$1k after all is said and done. Perhaps cheaper to just buy a brand new crate 3.4L.

Have him come down on the price, cause it's going to cost you a pretty penny to make it right again. I'd give $100 and drop the engine in right off, without any work. If it smokes, it's going to cost you. If not, you might get some more miles out of it before it's time for a rebuild.
Old 04-13-2008, 08:15 PM
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Car: 1987 GTA Trans Am
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 9-Bolt 3.27
Re: 3.1 Worth buying?

Well I just asked the guy a few questions about it and heres what I got.

"Never burnt a drop of oil or leaked any, I would use your pan though because mine did get a crack in it that i patched up (had it like that for over a year and it never leaked) from a freaking dump truck blowing it's rear diff in front of me.

A few of the sensors are new, and a good portion of the ignition system is very lightly used. New distributor internals. New thermostat, and possibly a few other things i can't remember right now. Really really great running engine while it was in there."
Old 04-13-2008, 08:46 PM
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Car: '87 Camaro / '87 Chevy K10
Engine: 3.4L MPFI (soon) / 5.7L TBI
Transmission: 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / 3.73
Re: 3.1 Worth buying?

Exactly how many miles is he claiming are on it?
Old 04-13-2008, 11:39 PM
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Car: 1987 GTA Trans Am
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 9-Bolt 3.27
Re: 3.1 Worth buying?

About 160k. I don't think that's even all that bad anymore considering I just read a story how a lady has a original 80's Gt 5.0 with well over 600k miles on it and still running strong with no engine work what so ever besides oil changes and your regular maintenance.
Old 04-14-2008, 07:47 AM
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Car: '87 Camaro / '87 Chevy K10
Engine: 3.4L MPFI (soon) / 5.7L TBI
Transmission: 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / 3.73
Re: 3.1 Worth buying?

Okay, I was thinking it had 200k+. You could probably get another 30k or more out of it before it's time for a rebuild. It'd make a good motor to run the car on while a 3.4L is being built, perhaps.
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