Massive Engine Problem in SS 2002 Camaro

[Baron Craze]

Well it appears, this is going to sideline me for quite a while, need to purchase a new engine, my mechanic informed me that he advises purchasing a Jasper crate engine LS1, for about $4700 then all the work hours to replace it. UGH! But he's throwing a new water pump.

However, I got this car a few days after 9/11, brand new, with 6-miles on it, and the repair / labor hours still beat the cost for a used Camaro and definitely that of new one.

Hence miss the meeting on 2/23....

Any advice?

[Joey D]

Get a used iron block motor from ls1tech or even a used ls1. Will be a lot cheaper than jasper engine.

[B4C]

Originally Posted by Joey D

Get a used iron block motor from ls1tech or even a used ls1. Will be a lot cheaper than jasper engine.

Personally I wouldn't advise buying any used motor unless it's in the car and you can drive it and hear it run or it has a warranty. I was quoted about 1800 to have my ls1 rebuilt buy a machine shop. Fyi I just bought a complete (with accessories) ls1 383 stroker for about that, was in the car and I was able to drive it before purchasing. That's alot for a stock motor. You could always buy a performance short block. Thompson Motorsports on ls1 tech has some sales every once in a while and seem to have good reviews.

http://www.thompsonmotorsports.net/p...roducts_id=731

http://www.thompsonmotorsports.net/i..._31_653_35_364

http://www.thompsonmotorsports.net/i..._31_653_34_370

[LTb1ow]

https://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Eng...640CK/10002/-1

[ThoR294]

Originally Posted by LTb1ow

https://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Eng...640CK/10002/-1

thats a pretty solid deal

[TaKid455]

What is the reason waranting engine replacement?

[Jersey Mike]

Personally, that sounds like a terrible option. Spending $5,000+ on a new LS1 seems wasteful, considering the slew of options that are available. If you're ready to spend that kind of money, then places like Texas-Speed, JEGS, Summit, etc all have a slew of products ranging from assembled short-blocks to turn-key packages.


However, if you're not comfortable spending that kind of money, I'd contact Craig regarding this 100K mile LS1 short-block for $350, drop it off at your mechanic's place and have him swap all of your trimmings and accessories on and install it for you. Much more budget friendly. He's in the Cape May area. See his for sale post, here: http://www.njfboa.org/forums/showthread.php?t=68643


Best of luck.

[wretched73]

Originally Posted by TaKid455

What is the reason waranting engine replacement?

This is my question too... What is wrong with the current motor?

[sweetbmxrider]

Twice he has posted about antifreeze contaminating the oil. Also mentioned needing control arms, not sure what ones though.

[Baron Craze]

Something made the engine seized can't turn/ crank it left or right... unsure exactly what, the early versions of the LS1 engine did have a failure rate (very small).

I'm not a gearhead.

Basically are Jasper engines good?

This new engine solves the issues originally found in LS1, and gives the car some increase horsepower, 20 to 30 more. It comes with a 3-year/ 36,000 warranty.

[TaKid455]

Havent used them in ages, but others in the area do . Jasper is a decent company. They have had their share of issues but they have stood by ther product. At least with by dealings. With the volume they do, it wouldn't be uncommmon for something to slip through the cracks.

[sweetbmxrider]

Originally Posted by Baron Craze

Something made the engine seized can't turn/ crank it left or right... unsure exactly what, the early versions of the LS1 engine did have a failure rate (very small).

I'm not a gearhead.

Basically are Jasper engines good?

This new engine solves the issues originally found in LS1, and gives the car some increase horsepower, 20 to 30 more. It comes with a 3-year/ 36,000 warranty.

http://www.njfboa.org/forums/showthread.php?t=65909

Probably the coolant leaking into the oil for 4 years that you did nothing about....

[ThoR294]

Originally Posted by sweetbmxrider

Probably the coolant leaking into the oil for 4 years that you did nothing about....

sounds like it but who knows if the car just sat. i think he needs a new mechanic

[sweetbmxrider]

Originally Posted by ThoR294

sounds like it but who knows if the car just sat. i think he needs a new mechanic

I don't, he says he doesn't know anything automotive. The shop is treating it like any other car, I wouldn't expect anything different and they wouldn't have knowledge of different avenues for replacement motors especially ones that carry warranties. Hobbyists and enthusiasts can save a buck if they have the knowledge and the means. OP sounds like he has to pay to play.

Originally Posted by Baron Craze

No overheating, no odd sounds, nothing on the dash lighting up as for a warning, the driving handling is bad, can't go over 40 the steering (which I have and like is loosey goosey) is incredibly shaking at speeds of 60.

He states he has driven the car with the obvious issues.

Originally Posted by ThoR294

the shaking may be the tires having a flat spot since the car sits for so long. Mike is right you need a 2nd opinion

[ThoR294]

Originally Posted by sweetbmxrider

I don't, he says he doesn't know anything automotive. The shop is treating it like any other car, I wouldn't expect anything different and they wouldn't have knowledge of different avenues for replacement motors especially ones that carry warranties. Hobbyists and enthusiasts can save a buck if they have the knowledge and the means. OP sounds like he has to pay to play.

He states he has driven the car with the obvious issues.

Aye, but still. not sure who he is taking it to. if its a sponsor then id say listen to em

rarely driven in winter, 6 miles a week. lol fuggin 4 years ago mang. didn't know it'd drag out this long

[6spdg37s]

Originally Posted by Baron Craze

Something made the engine seized can't turn/ crank it left or right... unsure exactly what, the early versions of the LS1 engine did have a failure rate (very small).

I'm not a gearhead.

Basically are Jasper engines good?

This new engine solves the issues originally found in LS1, and gives the car some increase horsepower, 20 to 30 more. It comes with a 3-year/ 36,000 warranty.

the shop next to mine used jasper and has been having a lot of problems lately with them.

[MDSheds_SS]

I’ll sell my H/C/I LS6 for $5000. Come get it, I’ll start unbolting it now.

[Baron Craze]

GREAT NEWS! My car is out of the shop, new engine, and intake, going through the breaking in period, but just about everything is fixed on the car. It is 18-year-old car and now its fine shape. To me unless I hit the lottery this is my last car I plan to own.

Later, I will replace the air compressor by summer-time and the radiator hoses by December. I want to thank every one for the positive messages, and opinions.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

What did the issue end up being? Was it a Jasper engine? You can't leave us in the dark!

[Baron Craze]

The problem occurred in the 8th cylinder, a crack formed in the intake and then water trickled into the main engine, in addition one of the piston rigs encounter a problem started to break apart. Thankful for the new mechanic I found, really work to solve the problem. I had it out Sunday for a 118 mile ride and it purred wonderfully. I have to make sure not to turn 4000 rpms at least for the first 1,000 miles. All left to do is fix the A/C unit, otherwise its ready for pleasure driving once more.

[V]

Ls motors have a dry manifold. Strange that water got in that way.

[sweetbmxrider]

Originally Posted by V

Ls motors have a dry manifold. Strange that water got in that way.