2000 Z28 engine replacement

[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