Just bought an '05 with 100K that needs a new engine

[woodoggie]

Very noisy main bearings on cold start. I drove it 125 miles home though. I got it for a decent price and i'm going to fix it for my daughter
I think I will buy a used engine and I'll go through the trans too.

Whats the best way to pull? engine only, engine and trans, out the top or bottom?

It's a nice car, so I want it to be a reliable driver for her.

Thanks for any help!

 

[TeeWX]

If you have a cherry picker it's really not that bad to pull it out through the top. That's what I've always done anyways. I always leave the trans in the car. A used engine is pretty much your only real choice. It's not cost effective to rebuild a 3800 at this point.

 

[Bedwards]

Engine out the top. Leave the transmission in there. Very simple.

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Does it actually knock?? Like metal in the oil?

It could just be very loud lifters are cold start up. If the noise goes away when warm and the "knock" does not increase with rpms, it may not be bottom end related at all.

 

[woodoggie]

Trust me, it knocks, I've heard that music before!!

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Okay lol.

Well just find a motor thats the same as yours and go to town.

 

[blueguy]

Meh, get an L36...the '97-'03 N/A bottom end. I'd like to think the rods are way better than the popsickle stick L26 rods in that car you got.

You can swap over all the stuff from the '05 to the older short block.

Trans wise?

When the motor is out...drop the pan, wipe it clean, same with the magnet in there, toss in a new filter (gasket should be reusable) and refill with Dex 6 minus about a quart of stop slip from Lucas.

Should be golden.

 

[NegativeOne13]

To add onto what bluegtp91 stated, a '97-'03 bottom end will also be cheaper budget wise. Still a good bottom, and has better con rods. And some Lucas in the tranny is a good additive.

 

[BillBoost37]

If you only plan to yank the engine, out the top by itself. If you are going to go through the trans like you said, take both at once. I find it pretty easy with a leveler and unbolting the MC from the booster (leaving it connected to the flex hoses and moving it a little for clearance.

Once the assembly is off the mounts, bring the passenger side up all the way and you should be able to guide it out relatively easy. FWIW I do them by myself.