I found a 1996 3.8 5sp t-top with a bad motor. I do not have the details on what happened but I will assume it is not a simple repair. Motor starts and runs but it has a lower rod knock valve noise and I think a blown head gasket. I am looking for option. I started to look at master engine kits and long blocks. I have not had much luck finding either. I did find the GM replacement motor at Jim Pace chevy. As I was reading all the cars it said it fit I got to thinking there is a ton of these in yards. Here is the list I found:

89017861 - 3.8L (L36-K) 1995-1996 Olds. Ninety-Eight,1995-1999 Buick Park Ave,1995-2002 Chevy Camaro & Pontiac Firebird,1995-1997 Buick Riviera,1995-1999 Pontiac Bonneville, Olds. Eighty-Eight, 1996-1999 Buick Lesabre,1996-2004 Buick Regal 7 Century,1997-2004 Pontiac Grand Prix,1998-1999 Olds. Cutlass Supreme, 1998-2005 Chevy Monte-Carlo, Impala


Can that be real? Sure seems like I will be able to find used.
Anyone know of any sites that have a good price on rebuild/reseal kits?

Local Bone yard has a "K" 3.8 from a 2002 impala with 70K on it for $750

you want one out of a camaro or firebird ,it a little diff than the front wheel drive cars, the way to pull it is out the bottom frame trans and all took my an hour on a lift to pull one , that or go all out and put a v8 6 speed in it!!!!

I bought the car today. It was sold to me as needing an engine. I can hear a knock in the very front of the motor. Could be the main or something with the vibration damper. It is going to need head gaskets the anti-freeze is all sludge up. The oil looks good. Check engine light is on also. I am hoping two to three weekend will get it fixed up.

Its a 96 3.8/5 speed with T-tops and factory aluminum rims.