Buick 3.8 Non Turbo CC 2bbl Rebuild Help.

[MrSony]

Hello all. My 1985 Regal's poor lil 3.8 bit the dust a while back, and I'm asking for some tips on rebuilding. It spun some bearings, and has a nasty knock. Oddly, it idles better than ever.
Anyway, I was wondering how much you all think it'd cost to send it to a reputable machine shop (In Des Moines, Iowa), and have a basic rebuild, all the bearings, maybe some honing/boring, and cleaning and maybe reconditioning the heads. How much you think this'd cost me? Also, I've been kicking around the idea of adding a mid level perf. cam and lifters, dual exhaust, and a 4 barrel intake and carb from a 4.1. How much of a power gain would this get me? I know it won't be an astronomical amount, but anything more than 110hp would be good 😛. So, in short, what do you think it'd cost be to have the block just cleaned and serviced, bearings replaced, (maybe new oil pump stuff?), and the heads done. And what type of cam you guys' recommend. I've heard good things about the comp cams 252h for the turbo motors. Thanks.

 

[LilSpann601]

I had a grand prix with the buick 3.8 engine I rebuilt it had it bored,cam bearing,main bearings ran me around $400 just for the machine work. I also added a carb turbo to my build after everything was bolt together. Little engine ran like a mouse thru the neighborhood. Too bad car got stole. One thing bout it it was great and gas and very quiet.

 

[lilbowtie]

I'm afraid if your not doing any of the work the cost will be high. Your looking @ $1200 to $1500 min. to rebuild your engine plus the cost of
removing/installing the engine. If that doesn't scare you I would recommend buying a crate or rebuilt engine.

 

[81Regal]

If you want to make the drive north I have a good 3.8 in my shed that I would sell. Only part missing is the alternator.

 

[johnson350]

Whatever you decide to do to it, I recommend replacing the timing gears with a steel set, replacing the stock nylon gears that like to strip out. Also the oil pump upgrade is a must.

 

[MrSony]

Thanks guys, keep the helpful tips coming! And I plan on taking the engine out by myself along with reinstallng it by myself. So, just taking the engine apart down to a short block plus the heads, and dropping it off for a basic rebuild with all the required bearings and whatnot, plus some cleaning. I figure it'd be around 700-900$. That seem right?

 

[MrSony]

If you want to make the drive north I have a good 3.8 in my shed that I would sell. Only part missing is the alternator.

Hypothetically, how much would we be talking for that engine? 😛

 

[lilbowtie]

Thanks guys, keep the helpful tips coming! And I plan on taking the engine out by myself along with reinstallng it by myself. So, just taking the engine apart down to a short block plus the heads, and dropping it off for a basic rebuild with all the required bearings and whatnot, plus some cleaning. I figure it'd be around 700-900$. That seem right?

Whole new story - First I think I would look @ buying an engine. Nobody wants the 3.8's and you can't give them away. Last year a guy in N.C. had a 26,000 mi engine for $250.00 which I considered going to get. I bought and engine w/ 68,000 mi for $100.00 and decided to go through it. It was one of the cleanest engines I'd seen - no ring groove and all that was required was a hone. I bought a complete rebuild kit from Northern Auto w/ new cam, bearings, lifters, timing chain & gear which was around $300.00. Since your engine has a rod knock which is going to require crank and rod work (if not replace) you might look into a rebuilt short block or long block - put it on paper & see the $$$ number. No matter which way you go I would try & stay with an 85 or newer engine. They have a different block with 20 bolt oil pan and a different front cover. I would also consider putting an oil pump booster kit in it ( see pic ). Most 3.8's will bolt in but look into the 3.8 history if you try to mix & match, there are changes.

 

[81Regal]

Hypothetically, how much would we be talking for that engine? 😛

I would be looking for $250 for it but willing to look at offers.

 

[MrSony]

I would be looking for $250 for it but willing to look at offers.

Is that engine in good condition? Also what year is the engine?