any help would be really appreciated. It seems that most of My sons friends have absent/no fathers, So I have become the surrogate father to many of them and am constantly asked for help or advice, this is one of those times. His friend was given an 84 cutlass supreme that was his grandfathers (very clean car). Was helping him yesterday determine the cause of poor running and squeeking coming from the engine. (working in an unheated garage when its 13* outside --FUN) anyway, it has 2 spun rod bearings. Trying to determine the most cost effective route to a repair as he does not have a lot of cash. He wants to just slap in oversized bearings with the engine in the car. I advised against that and am recommending at least a lower end rebuild (remove the engine have the crank turned and the 2 rods recon'd). I was wondering if anyone had a good supplier for stock short blocks to compare the price to a rebuild. I dont have the time to spend with this kid to walk him threw a complete rebuild (wich is what I would do). Thought I might help get him some work to pay for a short block if I can find one at a reasonable price. any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!!!

1. You're a good man. Proud of you.

2. Any "real" parts store can get factory reman short- or long-blocks. NAPA, CarQuest, etc. What engine are we dealing with? If it's a small block Chevy, I'd be expecting $400--$500 for a shortblock--but I haven't checked prices. Wild Guess only.

3. Consider a "junkyard" engine. IF we're dealing with a SBC, "decent" used engines should be plentiful.

sorry left out the engine size, its a 3.8 v6. I have several sbc sitting around, My first Idea was to let him have one, as it would drop in with no probs, but then he would need a new trans (bolt patterns wrong), exhaust, and a carb .

I bet a 3.8 shortblock or used engine is nearly as cheap/plentiful as smallblocks now.

Look at the trans--it may be a dual-pattern job. Would still be some work to convert to a V-8. You could look for a V-8 Buick, that'd nearly drop right in.

His neighbor has a 350 buick engine that we might check out, they dont know whats wrong with it but said he could have it if he wants it. I feel sorry for this kid, He is very smart and maticulous (sp?), and deserves a father in his life. Then engine compartment of this cars is spotless, I asked him if it was always like this. He said he cleaned it up a bit. When I asked how, he showed me a tooth brush and and parts cleaner bottle. He scrubbed everything!!!, there isnt a spot of grease, oil or rust anywhere.. it looks brandnew. even the outside of the oilpan and transpan. He washed the bottom of the car with with Dawn and a scrubby sponge. When it gets warm he wants to clean the chevelle for me!

autozone
3.8 buick reman long block 1026.00

i'd think a machine shop in the area could do one for less..
if high milage id go long ..not short block..
if the car is that clean.. then..
I'd see what a machine shop reman would cost..
he can do that .. he can call them up..

1984 tranny is most likely the 200c with out the chevy bolt pattern..
the newer ones with the overdrive tranny 200r4 are most times dual bolt pattern...
1984 the overtrive tranny was an op. so it might have it..
tho.. at over a grand for that tranny not to many ordered it.

I feel sorry for this kid, He is very smart and maticulous (sp?), and deserves a father in his life. Then engine compartment of this cars is spotless, I asked him if it was always like this. He said he cleaned it up a bit. When I asked how, he showed me a tooth brush and and parts cleaner bottle. He scrubbed everything!!!, there isnt a spot of grease, oil or rust anywhere.. it looks brandnew. even the outside of the oilpan and transpan. He washed the bottom of the car with with Dawn and a scrubby sponge. When it gets warm he wants to clean the chevelle for me!

OK. I'm in on this. Any kid that cleans his engine compartment with a toothbrush deserves some outside support.

I'll put up $25. Do you have a Paypal account? Check via snail mail? (will need your address.)

well, the kid just called, he walked 6 miles and back to autozone. Bought rod bearings, book, oil, filter and gaskets and put it back together. He said it runs great with no knocking. I guess he doesnt want to rebuild it- he said if it spins again then he will worry about it. I guess i can understand considering his financial situation.

Schurkey-- Thanks for the offer, I guess we'll wait and see what happens