Will need an engine replacement

BYRON LANDISS GRAVES

MEMBER
1996 OLDSMOBILE REGENCY
96,600 MILES

I just learned my 1996 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Regency Elite will need an engine replacement. Would someone please advise me on the average cost of such a major undertaking (new motor + labor vs. Rebuilt motor + labor) and if going the route of buying a less expensive rebuilt motor is worth it? The engine needing replacement is Oldsmobile's 3800 V-6 however looking online there appears to be other GM engines (including some V-8s from Buick and Chevy that will fit within the car's chassis).

I would prefer upgrading to a rebuilt V-8 in order to gain the extra power, but only if the cost is not too prohibitive and the car runs properly after a larger engine has been installed. Thank you. I value your time and appreciate your expertise in answering my questions. Kindest regards, Byron in Houston, Texas

4 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Used motor plus install about 1800-2200.

Rebuilt motor 2800-3200

Roy

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Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 AT 10:25 AM

BYRON LANDISS GRAVES

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Roy, Thank you for the information. I am assuming that for the 3800 V-6 engine. What is your opinion on utilizing a V-8 from another GM model? I know it would cause the car to depreciate however I am not planning on selling the car so I am okay with that. Is it correct that some V-8s from Buick and Chevy will fit within the 1996 Olds 98 Regency's chassis? How does the car run car after a larger engine installation? I sincerely apologize for my many questions. The vehicle has sentimental value since it was my grandfather's and I would like to keep it in the family. Thank you again for your input in this matter - I greatly appreciate it. Kindest regards, Byron in Houston, Texas

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Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 AT 4:44 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Is it front or rear wheel drive?

Roy

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Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 AT 11:05 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

MY GUESS IS THAT YOU'RE GONNA RUN INTO WIRING, COMPUTER ISSUES, AND MAYBE EVEN SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, IF YOU TRY TO CHANGE TO AN 8 CYLINDER.

I BELIEVE THINGS MIGHT GO SMOOTHER IF YOU TRADE AN APPLE FOR AN APPLE

HERE'S AN OPTION WITH A WARRANTY

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/1996-Oldsmobile-98/Engine/_/N-j4ygxZ9enw6?filterByKeyWord=LONG+BLOCK&fromString=search

BY THE WAY, ADVANCE AUTO AND O'REILLY AIN'T FAR BEHIND

HERE'S SOMETHING COOL ABOUT AUTOZONE AND ADVANCE AUTO....WITH THIS OR ANY OTHER ITEM(S) YOU CAN PURCHASE THEM ONLINE AND PICK UP AT THE STORE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD......SOUNDS KINDA DUMB, HUH?

.......NOT! JUST BUYING ONLINE SAVES YOU $$$. BEFORE YOU EVEN GO TO THE SITE, ON A NEW TAB PULL UP, "PROMO CODES FOR (AUTOZONE, ETC) IF YOU'LL BE ATTENTIVE AND THOROUGH YOU MIGHT FIND A PROMO CODE LIKE THIS.

THIS IS FICTITIOUS: CODE "BT" $100 OFF ON ANY THING OVER $600 AND A $75 IN STORE COUPON (THE $75 IS THE SAME AS MONEY----AND YOU'RE GONNA NEED MORE STUFF ANYWAY!

THEN GO TO THE SITE, THROW YOUR STUFF IN THE SHOPPING CART, GO TO CHECK-OUT, INSTALL YOUR BEST PROMO CODE, PUT IN YOUR CARD NUMBER, PRINT YOUR RECEIPT.....THEN WHA-LAH........EITHER WAIT FOR THE STORE TO GET IN YOUR NON-STOCK ITEM OR GO PICK UP YOUR STUFF AND SAVE BIG-TIME!!!!

HECK, I JUST SAW YESTERDAY A FELLER SAVE $40 OF OF A $100 BATTERY! (LIKE I SAID, THIS IS ON ANYTHING THE STORE HAS)

ALL YOU WILL NEED NOW IS AN INSTALLER.....I CAN MAKE SUGGESTIONS ON FINDING AN INEXPENSIVE COMPETENT FELLER TO DO THAT TOO!

THE STEALERSHIP AND THE BIG SHOPS AIN'T THE ONLY GAMES IN TOWN

THE MEDIC

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Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 AT 11:50 PM