Jim...

You are unlucky. Once in a while a motor doesn't like being transplanted and there'* really no rhyme or reason behind it. The majority of the time these motors take a transplant w/o problems.

The SC, Dex and programming etc should have nothing to do with it. And you aren't swapping anything like knock sensors etc, so nothing critical is involved.

Try and look at the bright side. You will be able to do it in half the time and all the bolts will come loose w/o a fight. At least that'* how I looked at it when it was me.

Thanks Bill. I guess I can chalk it up to a $500 lesson.

I think I may play it safe this time and go with a fresh long block instead of a used engine. There'* no way I want to do this a third time!

Bill - I still have the original long block with 43K miles on it in my garage. Do you think it would be worth looking into getting that block reconditioned at a local machine shop? When I pulled the oil pan there were some pieces of bearing but didn't seem like any major damage (like chunks of rod or piston!) Even if the crank needs to be replaced it would probably be the cheaper route.

Or should I just get a remanufactured engine? If so, any good sources in the NJ area?

Jim..call the yard. They may have a warranty of 30 days or something...literally you'd be bringing there motor back. A call can't hurt..and be a nice guy when ya call always helps pave a nice road.

I have a 1997 park ave with a 3800 series engine. And a 2003 lasabre , would I be able to put my 3800 in it with it being a later model and all?...