Hello, I have the option to pick up the 86 MonteCarlo that's been in my family since bought, and barely driven, everything is OEM and the Trans/Engine is probably going soon due to age and lack of use. I was wondering about how much it would cost to put another 305 - 350 engine and trans in there. I can't do this myself due to lack of knowledge space and tools and I live in Hawaii so shipping costs are high and gas is $5.00 a gallon. Going to have to repaint and do some interior work as well, but the car is so cherry. Anyway I'm still a student only working part time, and was going to sell my current car to do this, will it be worth it cost wise?
1986 Monte Carlo SS question on engine/trans swap cost
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Have you tried to do just regular service to the car before you moved it? (plugs and wires, fluid changes, carburetor clean, etc.) From it sitting for some time, fresh fluids and such would let you really know what you're working with. See if theyre rebuild-able. I dont exactly know if Hawaii has a lot of sources to choose from but on a budget you could check out local junkyards or Craigslist, I picked my 307 up for $200 on Craigslist. Test engine out before you buy it of course. I know here in a junkyard a v8 ranges from $203-$250 and a transmission for $95-$120. Id prefer a Craigslist add because most times people bundle accessories and Transmission. The cost of Someone else is doing the labor would make you reconsider. You doing it would be cost effective and you'll Have personal satisfaction. I Know you said you lacked Knowledge, Space, and tools but you have this entire forum for information. The local library sometimes have Haynes Manuals and Ive used a walmart Mechanics socket and wrench set minus the cherry picker to get the engine out. Im 17 and I swapped my engine in my driveway in 4 days my car is on here to see. Keep in mind there are alot of litte odd and end parts that would have to be replaced when swapping engines which can add up too. If your current car is a daily driver then dont. Its better to save up and fix the Monte than to be out of a car. Ive learned that the hard way 
Engine normally don't go bad from lack of use and age, it is mileage. However the support systems like the carburetor and the cooling system can go go from just sitting around too long. Perhaps the carb needs cleaning/rebuilding?
Clone TIE Pilot said:
I agree just go over it and don't be afraid to ask questions? you got pics? take them and post them so we can see what your working with... also I agree with retro as well, Hawaii does have allot of newer rides you can swap a newer engine :wink: save some moolah and but a used rental or crashed unit buy it cheap and swap parts over! AS for will it worth it be worth it does "sentimental" value mean anything to you? I have been putting my $ into my GP cuz it was around when I was your age! :shock: I suppose if I got a good offer to buy it I would sell,,,, but it has better be some good bid worth buying my next "keeper" project!
Now all in all I love my GP! had it for over 14 yrs, various stages of my crazy life and I go sit in the car and remember my "teenage" years and though now that it's in a different stage of it's life, I love taking it out and giving other "muscle cars" a run for there $$$ BTW...I've been to Hawaii twice in the last 5 years!, fIrst time I went to Oahu, spent a week, rented a three wheeled deathtrap! :shock: went to lanikai Beach Oahu and loved the island.. 2nd trip went to Kona for 3 nights and 4 nights in Oahu rented a Dodge Challenger Hemi with TAP shifter pedals! and a wrangler I wanted to see the observatory but pussed out, it was snowing .......
Photo is Nuuanu Pali Overlook, 1994, when H3 was a concept. Used to get out of Pearl Harbor and go for a pizza at Boston's North End in Kailua.
If the car is not eaten up by surf rot (under the roof, tops of the fenders), I'd consider pulling the drivetrain, clean everything, regasket/reseal. At most, disassemble the engine, light hone, new rings and bearings, maybe a valve job while you're in there. Trans - new seals front/rear, shift kit, U-joints. Repack the wheel bearings. Definitely change the brake fluid and hoses. Pull the gas tank, flush the fuel lines, replace all rubber hoses.
Clean the frame and underbody, maybe clean up some rust if you can, spray Eastwoods frame saver paint inside the front and rear frame rails. Maybe body bushings. Then, paint the body when you feel like it, new door fuzzies and maybe hinge pins (definitely driver's door). Majority of this is labor. Stay with the 305. All this work can be done on a modest budget. Just needs time...
Take a drive up Tantalus and Little Round Top. Nice twisty road to spin the tires in the hairpins.
If the car is not eaten up by surf rot (under the roof, tops of the fenders), I'd consider pulling the drivetrain, clean everything, regasket/reseal. At most, disassemble the engine, light hone, new rings and bearings, maybe a valve job while you're in there. Trans - new seals front/rear, shift kit, U-joints. Repack the wheel bearings. Definitely change the brake fluid and hoses. Pull the gas tank, flush the fuel lines, replace all rubber hoses.
Clean the frame and underbody, maybe clean up some rust if you can, spray Eastwoods frame saver paint inside the front and rear frame rails. Maybe body bushings. Then, paint the body when you feel like it, new door fuzzies and maybe hinge pins (definitely driver's door). Majority of this is labor. Stay with the 305. All this work can be done on a modest budget. Just needs time...
Take a drive up Tantalus and Little Round Top. Nice twisty road to spin the tires in the hairpins.
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ssn696 said:
Did you hear what he said?? ( I can't do this myself due to lack of knowledge space and tools - I'm still a student only working part time, and was going to sell my current car to do this)
For him to have this done would be a small fortune.
lilbowtie said:
Demw said:
The POS in the photo I attached to my reply was the car on which I started learning all that I know and share on this Forum. I started with a $70 toolkit from Sears, adding a floor jack, jackstands, creeper, and a lot of knuckle skin. The ideal place to start is an intact car without deep rot and other safety issues. The list I provided are hints what can be done over time. An earlier reply talked about basic service ideas to make the as-found car run. Our colleague can take on what he wants. If he is fortunate, his project is transportation while he refurbishes it. Oahu is only about 30 miles across. Can always drag it home on a rope. Did that a couple times while I was there...
696 - May be I read your reply wrong but I took it as what he should do to the car and not a list of hints (sorry). I thought of responding to Dermw but this is one he needs to figure out himself. I don't know if he has the DNA for being a gearhead, he doesn't sound enthused about it but there is a glimmer if he is eyeing the SS. Wish I knew more about the car and his situation cause this is an opportunity that may never happen again. My thoughts would be you can always sell it doesn't work.
you're right if he doesn't have the passion or willingness to learn better off selling it and moving on with life.... :? BUT he did reach out to a Gbody forum for help! least we can do is inspire him to get it done! When I was out there on vacation I wish I could have had my GP! I did keep a look out for them which I posted pics of them on the spotted thread.. The SS monte carlo is one of the coolest G body imo so if he commits to it then he could have a sick ride on the island....
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