95 dvc engine replace - duramaxx?

[95-4.6l]

My 95 concours is leaking pretty badly. New engine plus install would be over $6-7000..

This will likely raise some eyebrows but I keep getting the guilt trip laid on me for driving a big sedan:

Anyone ever thought about putting a duramaxx engine in this car and running it on biodiesel/kitchen grease?

Thanks.

[Bruce Nunnally]

It would certainly be a challenging undertaking, but I would love to see someone pursue it. 365 hp and 600+ lb-ft of torque. Not sure what the resulting mileage would be, but it would be a fun car to drive.

OVERVIEW

The Duramax Diesel 6.6L V-8 Turbo provides class-leading output, exclusive durability enhancing features and superior noise and vibration control for GM’s heavy-duty pickups, commercial vans, and medium-duty trucks. This 90-degree turbodiesel V-8 combines the best design and manufacturing elements of General Motors Powertrain worldwide. With vast experience in a wide range of climate conditions, driving cycles and ownership demands, GM Powertrain is responsible for engine control systems and electronics.

[TDK]

95-4.6l,

I assume you mean it is leaking engine oil?

You should ensure that the leak is not something simple like an oil presssure sender or the oil filter gasket.

The "engine half-case" in the early years has been known to leak, (like my '94 Concours does). However, this is simply an oil splash, not an oil supply line or any end of life indicator. My '94 has leaked for about the last 160-000-miles or so and its at about 215,000-miles. The exhaust might stink a bit when standing, but there is very little risk of any fire.

Following on the bright side: Park it over asphalt and you can be happy that you are re-newing the surface and the leak also ensures that the oil is fresh and you don't have to worry about rust underneath..

Considering that only a '95 or '96 powertrain will work inthat car without a HUGE re-engineering effort (hire a few dozen GM engineers, mechanics, etc...), any atempt a a diesel would be even more "out there". A decent rebuild (gaskets, timeserts) of your existing engine should not be more than $2,500-$3,000.

Regarding any guilt trip driving a big sedan. You should be getting about 23-24 mpg at 82 mph, but obviously your city mileage will be less. In any case, its still better than most new standard pickups and you can carpool without squeezing in.

Finally, you can buy a LOT of oil for the cost of any engine work or new car.

Good Luck,

[BodybyFisher]

Who is giving you a guilt trip for driving a 'big sedan'? My answer to these types is 1) this is a 281 cu in 4-valve engine that gets 26 mph on the highway. This is not a 429, 472 or 500 cu in engine sucking gas. As long as I don't drive hard my gas mileage is ok. 2) wait until they need a can opener to extricate the occupants from the first serious Prius or Smart Car accident when it hits a pole or gets into a head on collision or one that gets broadsided, I feel safe in my car. Safety comes at a cost, if the GREEN crowd wants to put themselves and their loved ones at risk, that is their choice.

Once we start drilling and increase supply, once the Republicans win against the liberal environmentalist hijacked Democrat Party, that is, the gas prices will drop. We are being indoctrinated by environmentalists, and we are being made to feel guilty while our economy is being destroyed and China is becoming more powerful.

[BodybyFisher]

Where is it leaking from?, have you determined that?

[95-4.6l]

Where is it leaking from?, have you determined that?

Hi,

Yeah, i've taken it to a couple of places - two dealer shops and a couple of private shops - no one seems to want to work on it.

I was told the rear main seal is leaking for one thing. But one of the dealer shops said "multiple" oil leaks.

I put cardboard under the car every night to catch drips - there's a varying amount every day. But usually more than a few drops.

Sometimes oil drips back to the catalytic converter or other hot parts and burns while i'm sitting at a light, or after i've parked the car at the end of a drive. There seems to be oil coating the underbody nearly all the way back to the mufflers..

I passed a smog check with clouds of burning oil pouring out.. seems like heavy pollution..

It varies - the amount of leakage/burning..

Thanks for the info, guys. Yeah.. Reengineer seems a little over-budget..

Thanks.