Knock in my 3400, need advice

[over40driver]

I bought this silver 2002 Alero coupe brand new in 02. Put 75.000 miles on it and sold it to daughter in law. Recently it was sold to 18 yr. old grandson which in 4 months proceeded to add 4 new durn holes to the interior. a nice sized dent to the pass. side bottom front quarter panel, then the oil pressure gauge started pumping oil out. At midnight on the way home from work, he drove till it knocked. The next day I went over and repl. the sending unit and added a gallon of oil. It has a bad knock when you first start it but runs good down the hwy. Im thinking a new crate 3400 but am also watching my budget. Am going to restore the car back to orig. beauty, as close as possible. Any advise on the best place to get a GM crate motor?

[SappySE107]

Where in Indiana are you? Any dealer will get you a crate motor, but I am not sure what conditions they have for the warranty, such as who does the install. Are you swapping the motor yourself? Do you have time to rebuild one or are you looking to save time with a new motor to put in. The most cost effective method is also a gamble, but a used yard motor can be compression tested on a stand before it is swapped in at least.

[over40driver]

New Albany area, still dosent tell you that it might not have rod or main issues even with a comp. test.

[SappySE107]

Sounds like you don't want to gamble on a $350 engine, or a middle ground option for building the $350 engine. Id call these guys and price a crate engine.

http://www.coylechevybuickgmc.com/

This might be a little less than the dealer but if you have a problem, then what?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-IMPALA-MONTE-CARLO-VENTURE-ALERO-GRAND-AM-3-4-LITER-V6-ENGINE-2000-02-/271617452413?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &hash=item3f3da9697d&vxp=mtr

[over40driver]

Cant you get a crate engine with the intake, valve covers and timing cover already on? If not I think Ill look around for a low mileage wreck.

[SappySE107]

Call the dealer, I am sure they get them complete. The ebay listing was for a cheaper reman unit.

[over40driver]

Has anyone tried Powertrain Direct for a crate engine?

[MilzyZ34]

I would do a 3500 swap. I got a nice 25k engine on the shelf with a forged crank that would work well for you.

[guiguilandry]

I was about to suggest you a 3500 swap... pretty easy to do and affordable too

[over40driver]

I cant imagine the sensor plugs would be the same?

[03glgold]

Many are and the ones that aren't mms has a conversion kit to fix.

[over40driver]

I def. want to know more about this upgrade, Im assuming the 3.5 is a lot better than the 3.4.? Is there a thread already or website concerning the parts needed? Ill keep you in mind Milzy, Dayton is not to bad of a drive.

[01OhioAlero]

This will answer every question you pretty much have
http://www.milzymotorsports.com/3500-swap/
Pretty much its equal to a mildly built 3400 but is more reliable and makes more power to start with

[over40driver]

Thanks for the link 01OHIO, a lot to think about.

[over40driver]

Still thinking, trying to sell a Lexus SC400, slow going.