Author Topic: Looking for good mechanic in the DC/Maryland/VA area who knows LNF engines (Read 8613 times)

numba41 · « **on:** May 15, 2013, 02:53:33 PM »

Looks like I possibly have a blown head gasket and other internal engine issues. Rather than deal with diagnosing the problem and possibly rebuilding motor, I went ahead and purchased a used engine with 22k miles from Performance Autowerks. My motor had abouty 80k miles. I'm looking for a good mechanic to perform the engine swap. Know anyone around the DMV?

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2013, 07:57:45 PM »

DDM? It's only a short 5 hr ride or so?

numba41 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2013, 11:04:57 AM »

Thanks. I've considered DDM but the distance and cost to get the car and motor shipped there is more than I would like to deal with.

2kwk4u · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2013, 11:46:46 AM »

Why not schedule it during the mod meet? How long can you wait?

numba41 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2013, 01:13:54 PM »

I'm in no rush to do it. I'm not sure if DDM would have that kind of time at the mod meet. I suppose I can ask them.

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2013, 02:06:34 PM »

Quote from: numba41 on May 16, 2013, 01:13:54 PM

I'm in no rush to do it. I'm not sure if DDM would have that kind of time at the mod meet. I suppose I can ask them.

With Critterman supervising, all things are possible.

Critterman · « **Reply #6 on:** May 16, 2013, 04:46:06 PM »

all we need is an engine hoist. There will be enough qualified people to do it. The hard part will be getting everything under the car disconnected and re-connected. Anyone know if you can rent a portable lift in Southern Maryland?

numba41 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2013, 05:21:11 PM »

Don't know if it makes a difference but the used motor is just the complete top and bottom end. All the covers, water pump, etc. have to be pulled off the current motor.

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #8 on:** May 16, 2013, 06:02:14 PM »

Nah, still doable. Just need a hoist.

Could DDM fit one in the van?

Critterman · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2013, 07:41:22 PM »

numba,

I would touch base with DDM now and see if they think it is doable.

elff · « **Reply #10 on:** May 16, 2013, 11:00:23 PM »

They are the closest experts to your area.
Im in PA and they are doing my engine build

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #11 on:** May 17, 2013, 06:14:17 AM »

Even with a lift, the engine swaps for Critter's car took 2 days. I don't think the meet is a good place for that.

Rogue · « **Reply #12 on:** May 18, 2013, 08:59:50 AM »

You might want to check with the good folks at Patrick Buick/GMC in Ashland, VA. They have a mechanic there that does all the incoming Solstice work. And, he's good at it. We've had all of our Sol work done there (admittedly nothing this big) and have been very happy. When Blacksunshine was having major rebuild issues he went there and was happy with the work.

Patrick Buick/GMC
405 S Washington Hwy
Ashland, VA
804-798-4200
ask for Ritchie in Service

TomatoSoup · « **Reply #13 on:** May 18, 2013, 09:56:24 AM »

Yay! Rogue is back and (apparently) well. We've missed you, Rogue! How's GXPsy?

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2013, 10:59:50 AM »

Quote from: TomatoSoup on May 18, 2013, 09:56:24 AM

Yay! Rogue is back and (apparently) well. We've missed you, Rogue! How's GXPsy?

X2

numba41 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 18, 2013, 05:42:46 PM »

Thanks for all the suggestions. Performance Autowerks said they could ship the motor directly to DDM so I will ship the car there too.

Critterman · « **Reply #16 on:** May 18, 2013, 06:47:01 PM »

Do you have anything to tow a car trailer with? I rented from UHaul. I rented a trailer not a two wheeled carrier as my car is so low it would drag.

numba41 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 19, 2013, 09:34:15 PM »

I will just use a shipping company to ship it there and I will pick it up. Cost is around $580 which isn't bad considering my time, trailer rental, gas, food and possibly lodging.

numba41 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 24, 2013, 02:59:16 PM »

Finally got my engine swapped by DDM. Now my differential is leaking. I'm out of warranty and recall has been done before. Anyone know approximately how much the dealer charges to fix? Would it be possible to get help fixing this at the mod meet? Thanks.

Sol Asylum · « **Reply #19 on:** July 24, 2013, 03:36:42 PM »

Where is it leaking at? There was an issue with fluid leaking form the vent.

Talk to DDM they might be able to do something at the MM.

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #20 on:** July 24, 2013, 03:44:17 PM »

Quote from: Sol Asylum on July 24, 2013, 03:36:42 PM

Where is it leaking at? There was an issue with fluid leaking form the vent.

Talk to DDM they might be able to do something at the MM.

Why don't you actually READ what he wrote SA? He said he already had the recall fix done. Jeeze.

A rear diff swap would probably be doable at the mod meet, pulling one apart and rebuilding it? I'm not sure. Depends how messed up it is.

numba41 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 24, 2013, 04:22:37 PM »

I'll need to inspect more thoroughly where it is actually leaking. Looks like just a seal leak. I stopped driving it when I noticed the leak so hopefully there is no internal damage.

Sol Asylum · « **Reply #22 on:** July 24, 2013, 07:09:07 PM »

Quote from: Gentleman Jack on July 24, 2013, 03:44:17 PM

Why don't you actually READ what he wrote SA? He said he already had the recall fix done. Jeeze.

A rear diff swap would probably be doable at the mod meet, pulling one apart and rebuilding it? I'm not sure. Depends how messed up it is.

Well it could be the seal which was the recall or the vent which was just a service bulletin. He didn't say where it was leaking I assumed his driveway or garage but that doesn't really help to determine what the problem is.

miller11386 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 25, 2013, 07:45:53 AM »

Drivers side axle seal?

ihawk95 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 25, 2013, 09:20:29 AM »

If I recall correctly...but it's been 3 or 4 years now...the vent on mine leaked after I had the recall done. I might be able to dig through the Solstice forum to be sure, but I'm almost positive because I know I had that vent fixed more than once.

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Author Topic: Looking for good mechanic in the DC/Maryland/VA area who knows LNF engines (Read 8613 times)