2000 Z28 engine replacement

[DM69SS]

I know this is a bit off topic for the Yenko board, but I figured I would post here as well as ls1tech and a couple other sites to get some opinions. One of my camaros is a 2000 Z28 convert. I have had it since new and it only has 30k on it. For anyone that has one of these, it has the dreaded piston slap and burns about 1 - 1.5 qts per 3000 miles. After getting nowhere for years, I moved and got to know the service manager at the dealership near me pretty well. Long story short - since I had it into dealers while it was still under the factory warranty, he is willing to replace the engine. I almost feel bad for debating this as most people get nothing for this issue. My concern is that the car someday increases in value and no longer has the original engine. I don't think GM still stamps vins, etc on the engine, but the casting date would obviously be way off. I have only put about 5k on the car in the last 3 years, so I don't use it that much. Should I keep the original engine, or go ahead and get the new one? I did ask about buying the original one, but that can't happen.
Thanks,
Dan

[camarojoe]

If it runs good, I wouldn't replace the engine...even if you don't keep it for the 50 years it will likely take until it becomes a "numbers matching" classic, it will still throw up a red flag to a buyer that the engine is not original in such a low milage car...I know I would be suspicious if i was looking at a 2000 camaro with 30k miles and was told it was on its second engine. Buy an extra quart of oil every 3000 miles and forget about it. JMO.

[Jeff H]

If the dealer is going to replace it for free under the warranty, I would get the new engine. If the car was something special I might consider keeping the original engine, but a 2000 Z28 conv isn't a collector's item so get a new engine.

[resto4u]

Replace the engine and keep all paper work. No different then a 69 camaro with a blown engine and replaced with a CE warranty engine.

[PeteLeathersac]

Here's my 2 cents Canadian. . Since you use it little, I'd leave well enough alone. . Nothing against your dealer but some monkey-techs could cause a whole lotta' bad to a nice car? . Paint damage from the re & re, a/c and other problems come to mind? . Adding less than a quart of oil per year using your averages and having an unmolested engine compartment is better. . Who's to say the replacement engine wouldn't turn out the same anyway?? .

~ Pete

[njsteve]

I'd definitely keep the old engine in the car and run Shell 15w40 Rotella oil. It's a little thicker and might reduce the slap and the consumption problem. Having the original engine is definitely a plus in my book. In 20 years the car will be worth something. If you want something to compare to valuation-wise, look to the 20 year old IROC Z28s and see the major price difference between one with it's original engine and a replacement. It's as much as a 50% difference in value. Just my 2 ruble opinion

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
No different then a 69 camaro with a blown engine and replaced with a CE warranty engine.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point, but not in defense of replacing the engine IMO...If comparing to 69 Z/28s, which one would you want, the car with the original "born-with" DZ 302 that burns a quart of oil every 3500 miles, or a car with a CE replacement engine with paperwork to show it was done under warranty by the local dealer? Unless Yenko, Nickey, Berger, etc. was the dealer doing the replacing, (and even then it would be a toss-up)I'm fairly certain the car with the original engine would be worth substantially more than the one without. Granted we're talking about a 2000 Camaro and not a 69, but the scenario is still similar, and will become even more so in the years to come.

[bigchevydaddy]

Could you give a few more details on why the service manager won't let you buy the original engine back? My local chevy dealer sells warranty take-outs all the time, although most of them are truck engines. You can buy a take-out gen VI 454 4-bolt complete for about $500. Many have a minor problem like a spun bearing that a crank change and freshening would cure, but it's a lot faster to just drop in a new motor. The dealer is required to keep a warranty take-out for a certain amount of time, and if the zone mgr doesn't pick it up for diagnois, then they sell it cheap. Since piston slap is a well-known problem, they probably won't find anything new in your motor. Then it becomes a rebuilder core. If you're willing to wait a few months, you may be able to get your original engine back.

Good luck, BCD