88 L98 got blowed up

[88WS-6]

It's official. The motor has a hairline crack in the back of the crankshaft. Now I need to decide if I will sell it as is or try to get a new motor. I'm not fixing the stock L98. :cry:

[maroman88]

for years now ive been contemplating gettin a 355 or 383 from summit for my 88

[88WS-6]

I believe they sell 383 kits at summit. I guess I could have my current motor rebuilt with the 383 crank/internals/pistons etc.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

And to think it passed tech :lol:

Glad you went and got it checked out before you ran it, that could've been worse. I'd look into a basic crate motor, there's no real ready replacements in the classifieds that I saw.

[88WS-6]

Yea the mechanic said $4,300 for a Jasper replacement. I said no thanks...

[WildBillyT]

Yea the mechanic said $4,300 for a Jasper replacement. I said no thanks...

Say no to Jasper for performance apps in general!

[88WS-6]

Now the question is:

- keep car/build motor (nothing Jasper)

- sell car

[maroman88]

low mileage GTA.... keep car

[sweetbmxrider]

Sucks man, gen II/gen III swap da bitch!

[Blacdout96]

1. Purchase LS1
2. Install into said car
3. Beat BigAl to the LS1 punch
4. ?????
5. Profit

[88WS-6]

Haha. I'm thinking LS1/LM7 but I need to check the old 401k first...

[band77one]

jasper really that bad? i know my truck is gonna need a motor in the near future.

[WildBillyT]

jasper really that bad? i know my truck is gonna need a motor in the near future.

I cannot say firsthand but I have heard stories from reputable sources about one-hole bore jobs and mismatched heads.

[band77one]

hm. guess a replacement gm truck motor is in order then!

[Tru2Chevy]

Yea the mechanic said $4,300 for a Jasper replacement. I said no thanks...
Now the question is:

- keep car/build motor (nothing Jasper)

- sell car

I would keep it for sure. For half that price you can grab a GM Vortec long block (http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance/809/12530282/10002/-1?parentProductId=813788) and all you would have to do is grab a Vortec TPI base and maybe a cam and spring kit if you wanted a bit more power.

- Justin

[r0nin89]

Yea the mechanic said $4,300 for a Jasper replacement. I said no thanks...

Highway robbery...

[zraffz]

Buy a summit block machined to a 383 for like $600. Check out ohio crankshaft's website. You can build a reliable factory roller short block very cheap.

[Frosty]

You have a few sponsors here that can help you. Screw Jasper, Summit etc...if you're going to do it, do it right.

[88WS-6]

You have a few sponsors here that can help you. Screw Jasper, Summit etc...if you're going to do it, do it right.


Yea that would be my plan because if I build it back up I'd like to do it the right way once and not have to touch it or worry about it again. I'd love to go 383 and get the whole motor tanked and rebuilt. I just need to secure the funds first. Luckily the car is in my driveway and not going anywhere. I'm smelling a build thread coming...

~Matt

[WildBillyT]

Yea that would be my plan because if I build it back up I'd like to do it the right way once and not have to touch it or worry about it again. I'd love to go 383 and get the whole motor tanked and rebuilt. I just need to secure the funds first. Luckily the car is in my driveway and not going anywhere. I'm smelling a build thread coming...

~Matt

It also sounds like the engine did not go out it a 100% blaze of glory so you probably have some stuff you can re-use.

[88WS-6]

Yea like my TPI. Yay :rolleyes:

[Stupercharged]

Im glad you didnt end up running i knew that balancer wasnt looking healthy, good luck with your build if u decide on keeping the car

[zraffz]

Yea that would be my plan because if I build it back up I'd like to do it the right way once and not have to touch it or worry about it again. I'd love to go 383 and get the whole motor tanked and rebuilt. I just need to secure the funds first. Luckily the car is in my driveway and not going anywhere. I'm smelling a build thread coming...

~Matt

Why would you spend more money on machine work on your block instead of getting a 4 bolt main pre-machined block that just needs a final hone? Not to mention I am unaware when GM went from hydraulic to roller setups (I know its around the year of your motor).

Summit block is a heck of a deal, ohio crank has some good stuff that the big-name companies can't beat price wise. You can pick up a set of vortec heads for next to nothing and rebuild them with beehive springs and pump out 400 horses. Won't get much cheaper then that. Under 3 grand can build a long block with mainly new parts.

[88WS-6]

SDPC has a 383 bare block on sale

http://sdparts.com/details/gm-performance-parts/88962516

[88WS-6]

I would keep it for sure. For half that price you can grab a GM Vortec long block (http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance/809/12530282/10002/-1?parentProductId=813788) and all you would have to do is grab a Vortec TPI base and maybe a cam and spring kit if you wanted a bit more power.

- Justin

Ok so that long block plus this base

http://www.ajusa.com/details/index/398/0/0/EDE%203861

Would put me out around $2500. I'm assuming I could use my stock ignition with that long block? Then headers/y-pipe and I'd have to look into cams/springs. So without installation I'm guessing around $3000 for that part of it.

[WildBillyT]

Ok so that long block plus this base

http://www.ajusa.com/details/index/398/0/0/EDE%203861

Would put me out around $2500. I'm assuming I could use my stock ignition with that long block? Then headers/y-pipe and I'd have to look into cams/springs. So without installation I'm guessing around $3000 for that part of it.

The downside to that long block is that the heads are not modified for a higher lift cam so they would need some work. Also you are paying for cam you won't be using.

It's a shame Tony Feil's place is gone. Used to be on Orlando Dr in Raritan. They built some awesome stuff.

[88WS-6]

Yea I noticed about the cam. The one that it comes with is really tiny and probably why it only has 255hp. If I change the cam I probably void the warranty too...

[WildBillyT]

Yea I noticed about the cam. The one that it comes with is really tiny and probably why it only has 255hp. If I change the cam I probably void the warranty too...

Yup. Stock valvesprings are weak too.

[88WS-6]

This one is only a little more and seems to have a little better cam but no vortec heads. Damn it, this sucks.

http://www.jegs.com/p/GM-Performance/GM-Performance-Parts-350-Engine-Package/755609/10002/-1

[WildBillyT]

This one is only a little more and seems to have a little better cam but no vortec heads. Damn it, this sucks.

http://www.jegs.com/p/GM-Performance/GM-Performance-Parts-350-Engine-Package/755609/10002/-1

If you haven't already, shoot an email to Josh at JS->

He's very good with 3rd gens and may be able to do better than a GM crate engine build.

Not for nothing but most of the GM crate stuff either A) Requires a carb or B) comes with heads that need work and a small cam which will nuke your warranty

[88WS-6]

Yea I've been talking with him. This one looks good but doesn't list cam specs.

http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?input=350+crate+engine&SM=1&SC=

[coolmanvette75]

Damn its a good thing you didnt run the car on Saturday. If your willing to spend some time on the build, go find a junkyard 5.3 and go from there. One of the magazines (I think it was hot rod but dont quote me on it) built a stock shortblock 5.3 for less than 5k that put down 1200 hp

[BonzoHansen]

man the ideas keep flowing!

ok, i guess the key questions are what work can you do yourself, how much do you have to spend, and what are your goals for the car?

[WayFast84]

A 5.3 will likely end up about the same cost as an ls1, most likely more. i would build a nice short block and use the same top end, you can always upgrade later. I also saw your interested in vortecs, GET SCREW IN STUDS!

[Kat]

Build copy of my motor, run 11's and be done. :D Tho I'd still give Josh a calll over JS Performance and see what he could for ya.

[WildBillyT]

Damn its a good thing you didnt run the car on Saturday. If your willing to spend some time on the build, go find a junkyard 5.3 and go from there. One of the magazines (I think it was hot rod but dont quote me on it) built a stock shortblock 5.3 for less than 5k that put down 1200 hp

1200hp for 5k?

[LTb1ow]

1200hp for 5k?

I would guess it was E85, and a turbo.

[townsend]

with an ebay twin turbo kit on 118 rockett brand it made more than 1200 hp at the crank. best part about it was they ran it 60 pulls in that configuration and it didnt blow...

btw....it wasnt a 5.3....they thought it was but when they pulled the heads and ran the casting numbers it came back as a 4.8!!

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/hrdp_1109_stock_gm_ls_engine_big_bang_theory/

[HeadlessNorseman]

The tpi stuff gets pretty expensive to make power out of, just keep that in mind. Need something like a stealthram or miniram to flow well. and an l98 with good pistons and rods and a new stock crank is a pretty solid bottom end, why do you say you wont rebuild it?

[88WS-6]

man the ideas keep flowing!

ok, i guess the key questions are what work can you do yourself, how much do you have to spend, and what are your goals for the car?

I usually work 6 days a week and I have no garage and no tools so there isn't much I can do myself. I'm hopeful that I can get a $5000 401k loan (should know in a few days) but that would need to be for everything. Including ignition, towing, headers, tuning, mounts, accessories, taxes and any other parts that could come up.

My goal is minimum 350hp/350tq with my stock or midly ported TPI as the intake for now. I am looking for reliability and longevity over all out performance. I'd like to do this once, correctly and not worry about it again. The car will be occasionally drag raced in the 1/4 mile but will hopefully see auto-x April through October so I'm looking for best average power and flat hp/tq curves mid range not peak power. Plus it will be TPI for now so I don't need a screamer.

I will be taking it to Josh at JS once I have the money, so it will be in his hands. He's going to build me the best motor to reach my goals and use his infinite wisdom in the process so I'm sure it will be great. If my budget allows, it will be 383 but could be a very well built 355 which I don't mind.

~Matt

[88WS-6]

The tpi stuff gets pretty expensive to make power out of, just keep that in mind. Need something like a stealthram or miniram to flow well. and an l98 with good pistons and rods and a new stock crank is a pretty solid bottom end, why do you say you wont rebuild it?

My mechanic says its the crank and I'm pretty sure it is too by the way the balancer is shaking but no one will know for sure until the motor is disassembled. Taking the motor out and taking it apart will be a lot of money I don't have to waste if it's worse than the crank. Then if it is ok I'd be getting it hot tanked, honed and rebuilt with a new crank, cam, at least head work if not new heads and I'd likely have a nicely rebuilt 355 L98. That is definitely a sound option, but one problem was that I didn't know of a local shop that could do all that.

My main goal is reliability, so it made more sense to Josh and I to build a new, sturdy long block and go from there. Rather than spend money on the intake I'm spending it on the bottom end, cam and heads for now. I'll worry about the intake after I have a running engine again.

Plus I saw some 383 TPI videos and those things are rocket ships... :mrgreen:

[DKTheArcadeRat]

http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance/809/19201333/10002/-1?parentProductId=1192223.

It doesn't have to make sense.

[BonzoHansen]

I usually work 6 days a week and I have no garage and no tools so there isn't much I can do myself. I'm hopeful that I can get a $5000 401k loan (should know in a few days) but that would need to be for everything. Including ignition, towing, headers, tuning, mounts, accessories, taxes and any other parts that could come up.

My goal is minimum 350hp/350tq with my stock or midly ported TPI as the intake for now. I am looking for reliability and longevity over all out performance. I'd like to do this once, correctly and not worry about it again. The car will be occasionally drag raced in the 1/4 mile but will hopefully see auto-x April through October so I'm looking for best average power and flat hp/tq curves mid range not peak power. Plus it will be TPI for now so I don't need a screamer.

I will be taking it to Josh at JS once I have the money, so it will be in his hands. He's going to build me the best motor to reach my goals and use his infinite wisdom in the process so I'm sure it will be great. If my budget allows, it will be 383 but could be a very well built 355 which I don't mind.

~Matt

I think you are on the right track then. Josh knows those cars as much as anyone. and your budget blows out a lot of the crazier suggestions here. good luck with it!

[88WS-6]

Yea stupid budgets. I trying to win that lottery now.

[BonzoHansen]

Yea stupid budgets. I trying to win that lottery now.

too bad you won't because I am going to win it. :lol:

[Fast92RS]

I'm into my 383 engine for about $5k. AFR heads, forged pistons, rods and crack, TPIS cam, TPIS intake and Accell SuperRam. The Block is a vortech truck block with 4 bolt mains.

[88WS-6]

I'm into my 383 engine for about $5k. AFR heads, forged pistons, rods and crack, TPIS cam, TPIS intake and Accell SuperRam. The Block is a vortech truck block with 4 bolt mains.

My problem is that part of my budget has to go to labor and towing. I'm hoping that using as many parts off my stock motor, especially the intake, will offset some of those expenses for now. Eventually I'll get the entire motor where I want, but then I'll still have to paint the car, change the headliner, do body work.... it will never end.

[BonzoHansen]

AAA+ ftw

[88WS-6]

Yea good looking out, I forgot about that. I have basic now and plus is only like $40 more/year

[Fast92RS]

you should check out RPM as well. He is local to you and he does awesome work. He is one of our site sponsors.

[j0n]

I'm hopeful that I can get a $5000 401k loan (should know in a few days) but that would need to be for everything.

Borrowing money for go-fast parts? :shock: :shock: :shock:

[LTb1ow]

Borrowing money for go-fast parts? :shock: :shock: :shock:

For a third gen none the less.

[WayFast84]

Rpm doesn't do motors, Paul will do the labor but will have a shop actually build the motor. Other than that, Paul is probably your most logical solution, does awesome work and is one stand up guy.

[88WS-6]

For a third gen none the less.

You're right. I'll just sell it.

[LTb1ow]

You're right. I'll just sell it.

Who would buy a third gen? :lol:

Just seems dangerous to get a loan for performance parts etc, but that is my narrow minded and humble opinion.

[88WS-6]

Considering the $40 in my savings account, that would be the only way.

[j0n]

So your justification for borrowing money to piss away on a car(rapidly depreciating asset) is that you can't afford it otherwise? Unbelievable.

[BigAls87Z28]

So your justification for borrowing money to piss away on a car(rapidly depreciating asset) is that you can't afford it otherwise? Unbelievable.

QFT. in retrospect, use money to go on vacation.

[88WS-6]

So your justification for borrowing money to piss away on a car(rapidly depreciating asset) is that you can't afford it otherwise? Unbelievable.

No.


http://www.njfboa.org/forums/showthread.php?t=57669

[LTb1ow]

Well, that certainly is a negative turn to this thread, sorry man.

[88WS-6]

Well, that certainly is a negative turn to this thread, sorry man.

Don't worry, I'll just listen my new financial adviser and buy a 1999 vette straight cash.

[WayFast84]

Don't worry, I'll just listen my new financial adviser and buy a 1999 vette straight cash.
Dont do that. Only douchebags own vettes.

Edit.

Probably getting an infraction fo dis..:lol::-P

[j0n]

Don't worry, I'll just listen my new financial adviser and buy a 1999 vette straight cash.

I recommend it. Seriously. Fun cars are toys. Don't borrow money for toys. If you can afford to pay cash, then do it. Otherwise it's just not a good idea.

Dont do that. Only douchebags own vettes.

Edit.

Probably getting an infraction fo dis..:lol::-P

Amen!

[BonzoHansen]

enough