Ok, i had just bought a 1992 camaro 3.1L v6 a couple days ago, got it running with a 10 dollar fuel regulator but it idled weird (high,low,high,low,so on...). but i know a couple friends who LOVE working with third gens, i asked if they could come over and check to see if they could figure out what was wrong. soon to find out i need a head gasket. the engine has 160,000 miles on it and i don't think i have the money to pay for a new motor. is it cheaper to buy another engine or just hone this one? i can get pictures if needed. i asked them and i just seeing what you guys think. i have about 500$ and soon to have a job. but is there anything i can do to get this back to running condition or do i need a whole new motor? oh and the "cross hatch" in the cylinders are gone (smooth). ANY information will help, can get any information you need just ask.

Thanks.

P.S. we have already started striping the block and got the head off (4hrs?) with the cylinders 2,4, and 6. can get pictures to show how much plaque and gunk there is on, and in the engine.

a video link to my car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyRyZB5ptGY

 

I guess I don't understand, you said what went wrong was a head gasket, or a whole head?

 

gasket

 

I don't know exactly how much it would be for you. The machine shop gave me a huge discount. but for a total rebuild of my 91 3.1 out of a firebird, it was about 1K$ (everything was new or refurbished the only original parts on the engine are the block, heads, (valve train is completely new) and oil pan. I had to buy a used crank it had a spun piston bearing. block was bored out by .01 if i remember correctly.

 

I don't know about your area but in this area (northern California) used 3.1L f body engines are easy to find with 60-90 day warranties in the $400-600 range for a long block with everything on it.

Gunner

 

just because the cross hatch is gone doesn't mean the cylinders are bad. are there any scratches in them (vertically)? do you have access to telescoping guages and micrometers to actually take a few measurements? check the heads and block deck surface to make sure they're still flat (using a GOOD straight edge). If they're still flat and cylinders aren't scoured up, just put new head gaskets on it.

 

You could get the 3.4 out of a 94-ish camaro or firebird and swap your intake manifold, distributor, etc over to is and it will drop right in and bolt right up. These engines are relatively cheap. I could get one for about $350.00 to $400.00. The only additional cost would be gaskets, maybe that sensor in the back of the passenger side cylinder head.(They like to break) The only other cost would be the cost of either the pizza or beer or both with which to "pay" your buddies for helping you hehe.(If you are under 21, no beer!) The 3.4 is bigger and more powerful than the 2.8/3.1. Most likely, if you look long enough, you could find a 3.4 with alot less miles on it than 160,000. They are out there but you just have to look for them.

 

I would try and buy a new motor with 60k or less miles for 400-600. I bought me a new 2.8 with 48k miles for 400 and put it in and runs great.

 

Hawks has used engines for $350 and a $50 dollar crate fee I dont know what shipping would cost though http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/ca...cessories.aspx