[Start Problems]

Monte Start Problems 

Need some advice …. My Monte on occasion does not start. No real pattern other than it happens out of no where. It has happened from a cold start and it’s happened when warm after stopping to get gas. Does not happen often. 

When this happens all dash lights come on. No sound or indication of car trying to turn over and start when trying to start it. Buddy tapped on the starter and afterwards she started and ran fine. It recently happened two days in a row. I got under the car and tapped on the starter and that did not work. Crazy but I decided to open and closed the drivers side door a few times. Did that and she started. Drove for about twenty-minutes shut the car off and when I started it up over an hour later it started right up. 

This is unpredictable when it happens. My starter is fairly new, my battery is good. Alternator is good. Suggestions?? 

70’ Monte 350 automatic transmission. 

Thanks!

[Engine Swap]

3 hours ago, DragCat said:

Hey Joe, as Kelly said Kenin Uilkie has a 71 and did a LS3 swap. He did the package deal on his and he is in Phoenix I believe. If you look at the FGMCC facebook page (link below) scroll down to June 26 theres a short video of him at the Carlisle car show. He drove all the way. https://www.facebook.com/fgmcc

Yea shop prices are high, just try and remember with good shops your not only paying for time but their experience. Nothing worse than being under the car covered in sweat, oil, grease and having to stop and run to the local auto parts store because the starter your installing needs metric nuts and you don't have any laying around lol 

Thanks. I sent him a message through FB. I agree with you 💯 percent. Good advice. 

[Engine Swap]

On 10/8/2020 at 5:30 AM, DragCat said:

Hey Joe, well we all know shop labor prices aren't cheap lol. If your having them do the whole project I doubt they'd appreciate or allow you to shop lower prices on individual parts and pieces. If you only have 1 referred/reputable shop then pretty much what they quote is what it is. 

The reason I mentioned HP is because you didn't mention what rear you had in the car, posi, gear set? Depending on the converter they selected you want to make sure your getting the best cruising experience.

Check out your local car scene, shows, cruise in's, drag strips (I know your not racing it but car guys are car guys) and ask questions. 

I don't want to get into your personal business, but you could save a ton of money doing it yourself. Plus you'll get all the swearing/bleeding/knuckle busting experience that goes with it. There are a ton of knowledgable people on this site that have pretty much done everything to help you out along the way. The only hurdle would be getting a friend or two to help you pull the old and drop the new motor in the Monte. 

Lol ... I noticed the labor costs are let’s say a significant part of the cost. Unfortunately I can’t do it myself due to a couple of physical limitations so I’m stuck with the shop doing it all. But I want to be involved in this all along the way. 

Gears, no posi as is. I’m open to asking and learning for sure. You and everyone I’ve heard from have been incredibly helpful. Anything you can think of that I should ask or include etc please let me know. Thanks I really appreciate the help. 

[Engine Swap]

I really appreciate your input and questions. Here’s the scoop. It’s a new LS3 engine w/ 495 HP 6.2L 4 speed auto transmission. Adding a/c as well. The shop quote is steep. After adding in fuel lines, suspension, upgraded oil pan etc. w/ labor it’s headed north Of $40k The engine alone looks like it’s at about $17k (Not sure if the cost would be much different shopping around) The shop was referred to me and they only do work on old cars, repairs to complete resto. 

I know they’ll want a deposit and then $$ monthly after that. I wish I had another shop to compare but I can’t seem to find another reputable shop that I can trust that is in state. On top of that I’m not from AZ. only lived here two years. 

I do not want to race the car but I want at least 400 or so HP. Just driving and enjoying the car is all with access to more power and clean dependable start and drive ability. Looking forward to adding AC and will be a huge plus. I was surprised to see line items on the estimate for suspension changes?? 
 

Thoughts?? Thanks in advance! 
 

I relocated to AZ. Due to the age of the car and how it’s registered I’m able to bypass traditional emissions testing/requirements. Looking to upgrade fuel lines, high flow fuel pump etc. A shop prepared an estimate which I just received moments ago coming in at about $17+ for the engine itself less mounts, upgrade oil pan kit etc. I’m having the shop do it all for me. I’m not able to do it myself. Just want to make sure I’m getting a fair shake. 

[Engine Swap]

I relocated to AZ. Due to the age of the car and how it’s registered I’m able to bypass traditional emissions testing/requirements. Looking to upgrade fuel lines, high flow fuel pump etc. A shop prepared an estimate which I just received moments ago coming in at about $17+ for the engine itself less mounts, upgrade oil pan kit etc. I’m having the shop do it all for me. I’m not able to do it myself. Just want to make sure I’m getting a fair shake. 

[Engine Swap]

I am interested in having a new engine installed LS3 4 speed automatic with ac. I have an estimate from a shop. I’m wondering where the best place would be to buy from and what cost range I should expect? Any advice is much appreciated.