[Troy1]

My car failed a leak down test, and I need to replace the engine. I have been looking for engines. Recently, I looked at gmpartsdirect.com. They are a little higher in price. I looked at their "Forum," and the messages have a lot of gripes and complaints about support and customer service. Now, I am leary about buying expensive parts from them.

I am looking for members who have bought a long block from them or anywhere else. What are some good recommendations for purchasing a motor? Who are the trustworthy companies and the best prices? I also need to have it delivered to my home. Any related info and suggestions will be highly welcomed. Thanks. Troy.

 

[cocobolo95]

If I were you I'd stick to a company like Jegs or summit racing.

They both carry GM new engines, and rebuilt engines by various companies.

GM parts direct has a history of poor service, and excessive high shipping costs.

 

[Troy1]

I can't find one from any of those sites.

 

[cocobolo95]

Web sites don't always have everything a company stocks. You should call to see if they can get what you need. If worse comes to worse, you might have to deal with GM parts direct.

Keep in mind that v6 engines are not top sellers at high performance parts houses.

I'd try your local Napa parts store. They have people who know their parts. They could most likely get you a good rebuilt 3.8 engine.

 

[Troy1]

Well, it's been a long road. I finally found a couple of sites that ship motors to residences. One is Car Part Planet, CARiD, and Tri Star Engines and Transmissions. The whole hold-up was getting it delivered to my house because I don't have the logistics to pick up a motor from a warehouse and transport it. GMParts Direct would only ship to the warehouse.

Does anyone have any experience with them?

 

[Troy1]

I was desperate for a fix, so I asked my wife to inquire about an engine rebuild. She works at a dealership. They recommended and were going to inquire with a shop that does. Unfortunately, I haven't heard back from them yet. What is typical for an engine rebuild and the costs associated?

I asked my mechanic for a quote on a rebuild, and he said he looked into it and wasn't sure he could commit to a job like that, which is understandable. But, unfortunately, I haven't got a price for that yet.

This is why I dug harder and looked for more rebuilt engine options. I am just trying to educate myself, so a shop does not take me if I go that route.

 

[cocobolo95]

Before buying from one of these companies, be sure to do a search of company reviews. Including the BBB complaints.

 

[Troy1]

I bought a used motor and plan to replace the heads and lifters since I would need head gaskets replaced. I went with the Melling brand for lifters. I had to choose between Sealed Power, Engine Tech, and AC Delco. I wanted AC Delco, but they are 28.00 apiece. The others were between 6.00 and 10.00 apiece. From reading reviews and forums, Melling lifters sounded positive from most comments. I want thoughts on the brands I didn't choose and the Melling brand. I am learning as I go.

I Am looking at the Engine Tech and Cylinder Head Express cylinder heads and leaning to Enginetech. When buying the pairs, there is about a 150.00 difference in price. I would like to hear from experience any thoughts on these brands.

I welcome and appreciate comments on these topics.

 

[Troy1]

I bought a used motor and plan to replace the heads and lifters since I would need head gaskets replaced. I went with the Melling brand for lifters. I had to choose between Sealed Power, Engine Tech, and AC Delco. I wanted AC Delco, but they are 28.00 apiece. The others were between 6.00 and 10.00 apiece. From reading reviews and forums, Melling lifters sounded positive from most comments. I want thoughts on the brands I didn't choose and the Melling brand. I am learning as I go.

I Am looking at the Engine Tech and Cylinder Head Express cylinder heads and leaning to Enginetech. When buying the pairs, there is about a 150.00 difference in price. I would like to hear from experience any thoughts on these brands.

I welcome and appreciate comments on these topics.

I am looking for an obscure vacuum tube that connects from the Fuel Pressure Regulator to the other side (back of the motor), which I think is the MAP sensor. Unfortunately, I cannot find a picture or part number on this internet. I bet someone on the forum probably has both. I would appreciate info on this mystery.

 

[Troy1]

UPDATE:
I ended up buying a used engine. All the gaskets looked nasty, so I invested in new heads, lifters, and pushrods. Since it was going to all be open up. It has been all put back together and runs well. My auto mechanic is awesome. I appreciate the help with info from "cocobolo95."