RaiderGT

So as some of you may know I purchased a 1988 Ninety Eight a few weeks ago that was in apparent excellent mechanical condition. I have spent the last week baselining the car. (fluids, filers, plugs, wipers, etc) The girl has put a whopping total of 300miles on the car when she called me and told me it left her on the side of the road today. I was at work so I had my buddy pick it up. When I went and looked at the car, I found to my horror that the connecting rod shot right through the side of the block. Trying to figure out what to do now. The car had no signs of any engine troubles which is why I bought it. Seems like a simple case of too bad so sad horrible luck.

Railguy

1988 wouldn't that be chevy?If so they're pretty cheap. Just trying to look on the bright side.
railguy

MDchanic

Not hard to figure out: You need an engine.

First things first, as stated above: Figure out what kind of engine you've got.

In those years, GM could have put in an engine from Olds, Chevy, Pontiac, Cadillac, LaSalle, Oakland, Marmon, Citröen, Fiat, or Yugo.

Once you know what's in there, you'll know what kind of engine is easiest to replace it with.
Once you know that, you can begin to decide whether you want to "branch out" and do something different or not.

Sorry to hear about that.

- Eric

RaiderGT

Well I know I need an engine, I meant I was just trying to decide if its even worth the time and money to put a motor in it. I can get a used one for about $300 but I have no idea what kind of shape its going to be in or how long its going to last. I was really just trying to get everything off my chest I guess. My mind is not clear lol.

oldcutlass

I think a lot of us understand the feeling. If the car is really nice, I'd just put in another engine. If not, then cut your losses and move on.

MDchanic

$300 isn't too bad. Look around and may be you can find one that's still in a car so you can hear it run.

If you post an ad here, there may even be a member near you with a good engine who wants to unload it.

- Eric

DownBoy

In the same boat (no pun intended, boat). My 1969 delta 88 was purchased with a knock in the motor. After discussing with some fine members here I have decided to resurrect her. Motor pulled and currently in machine shop. The 69 delta is not a desirable model, although mine is a two door, but to each their own and to me its desirable. If you love your ride, even though you and I probably have the same amount of time driving our rides (just a few miles) then fix it. It may cost some more labor to pull it as yours has more emission and vacuum lines then mine but your 350 is more popular and far more easier to find parts for then my 455.
I'm in mine for the long run. Decide whether you want to invest in yours or find another nice Olds.

1969w3155

Weren't they all 3.8L "Buick" motors?

rustyroger

It has a Buick V6, all H & C bodies have them in one form or another.
Normally they are pretty bombproof, seems you got unlucky. I have two H bodies, both with 150k+ miles behind them, both running fine.
But you can get another engine from a Buick, Pontiac or Oldsmobile. Try "PontiacBonnevilleClub.com", it's a forum that deals very extensively with these cars.


Roger.

MDchanic

If it'll take a Buick V-6, then won't it take a Buick 455?

- Eric

Professur

I'd say you've scored lucky. Find yourself a nice 3800 supercharged and laugh yourself all the way home. If you were happy enough with the car before it threw that rod, why would you be any less happy with it now?

Actually, you'd have to check. My quick research looks like they changed the bellhousing pattern in '88 from BOP to the 60°

F-85 4-4-2

I sold an '87 Toronado with the 3.8L and 140k on the clock, bought it new. Car always treated me right, and was sold in good condition. Two days after selling, the buyer was out "testing its limits" (his words), and she threw a rod.


$hit happens, but happens more often when you push it.