I need some advice re: engine problems, '94 lt-1

[H.H. McCool]

Help! I recently had a tune-up (new wires and plugs) done at my local chevy dealer. Although things seemded ok at first, I soon discovered that if I stepped on the gas at low revs, the engine lost power and really hesitated. In first gear, or if the revs were up, there was no problem, although I felt that there was a general loss of power. The engine also made a funny, indescribable noise, not real loud, during the hesitation. Since I had already had a problem with this formerly reliable dealer, I decided to find another mechanic. The next morning, I drove the car as normal with the exception that the really long intrance ramp to the freeway that I use was deserted and I really gunned it through the gears all the way up, running right to 5000rpm, but no higher, in each gear. I then parked the car for a couple of hours. When I got in and started to drive it again, the engine was making a loud knocking noise. I drove it home, put it on a transport and sent it to a mechanic that a friend in the business recommended.

He has not broken it down, but he says the problem is "deep" in the engine and he's guessing that it is a broken piston!!??!! Does this sound reasonable? Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions, or comments? I am devastated! It's going to cost a fortune to fix it if he is right. He even suggested that I think about replacing the engine and suggested maybe a Jasper re-manufactured job.!!??!! I am sending the wrecker tomorrow morning to pick it up and take it to the dealer just to get a second opinion, but, man, I would appreciate any counsel that you guys have to offer. Thanks -HHM-

[John Robinson]

How many miles on car? What is the oil pressure like on idle?

Off hand I would say you have spun a crank bushing. If that is the case you are faced with a big decision. Do you want to keep the car original. If yes then you will have to find a proper engine builder to do your engine. If not then the Jasper is a good way to go. Whatever you do just remember you will have a lot of might as Wells. The thing that usually happens when a high mileage car has an engine problem is that in order to contain cost all the old parts such as alternator, power steering pump,radiator, etc. are reused. Generally they start to fail shortly after the car is put back into service and they nickel dime the owner to death. At this point the car usually is put up for sale. If you are going to fix the engine then replace all the things that are removed with new parts. You might even get a rebuilt Jasper tranny so that you don't have problems there when you put a fresh engine in. If you do these things then the chances are good that you will drive the car for a long time and forget the cost of the work.

[vetteboy86]

Well what I can tell you is that I have encountered a similiar situation. I took my car in for a routine intake manifold gasket repair and ended up with a total rebuild. I noticed a a very small difference in power if any with two cracked pistions. Another thing to look at would be the flywheel. I have heard of noises that appear this way. I would be somewhat worried since the car didn't do this when you took it in, but came back with this problem.