CK5
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2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV

I enjoy this car, but a straight up swap could be more than it's worth. I paid 8500 for the car 2 years ago, it's still worth roughly that much.

New crate engines seem like an unwise investment for a 14 year old cop car daily driver.

Of course, I could always stab a junkyard LS in it. Even a cast iron 6.0 should fall right in, would just need a tune. Hmmm
 
If it was making metal, and you think you pinpointed the source, and you’re not going to rebuild the engine that’s in there, I’d probably run it with frequent oil changes.

If you plan to rebuild what’s in there that is a different situation.
 
I'll be calling some engine shops in and around Portland today to get an idea of how much a rebuild would cost.
 
With a history of valvetrain issues, it's possible you're losing a lifter or the cam. The only way to know is to take it apart. It might be fixable at this point, but the longer it goes, the more wear is happening to everything. Assuming you have to pull and install an engine regardless, doing a teardown would only delay that by a day or two. On the other hand, if you need to drive it, having another engine ready to go in would reduce the down time compared to R&R and waiting on parts.
 
I'll be calling some engine shops in and around Portland today to get an idea of how much a rebuild would cost.
6k and a 12 month waiting list for a rebuild

Used L99 and L77 motors go for 4-5k and would need to have the DOD deleted, which is another 1000-1200 in top of that.

LQ9 or other LS smoky motors can be found for cheaper and are to swap, but may require more work with tuning and wiring.

Honestly I think the easiest option is to just sell it as is with the tick and cut by losses.
I've contacted a shop to look at it and hopefully confirm a bad engine before I go this route. So I may be buying something different for a straight daily, instead of a fun/fast project car type of daily driver like this one was.
 
6k and a 12 month waiting list for a rebuild

Used L99 and L77 motors go for 4-5k and would need to have the DOD deleted, which is another 1000-1200 in top of that.

LQ9 or other LS smoky motors can be found for cheaper and are to swap, but may require more work with tuning and wiring.

Honestly I think the easiest option is to just sell it as is with the tick and cut by losses.
I've contacted a shop to look at it and hopefully confirm a bad engine before I go this route. So I may be buying something different for a straight daily, instead of a fun/fast project car type of daily driver like this one was.
There is a awesome shop in Eugene that my buddy swears by and he is a lsx guy. I'll get the name of the shop.
 
What engine code is that, like the LY6 and L96?
Correct, the code depends on year but functionally no different. Both were VVT but unless you're cam swapping it really doesn't make a difference and VVT has been proven reliable unlike DOD.

The only difference between the L96 / LY6 and L99 / L77 is iron block vs aluminum and DOD and cam specs.
 
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Just sell it to me for stupid cheap because it pisses you off.... :thumb:
Have fun, blow the motor up even before you do so.... I don't mind lol.
 
I got a lead on a low mileage L96 just across the river in Vancouver for less money and fewer miles than any on LKQ. I'm trying to go check it out this week.

If it looks as good as the ad, I'm planning to swap it in and put a stock tune back on it. Then daily it, but keeping an eye on the market for something more reliable to come along.

I'll be honest, a 20 year old Lexus LS 430 seems more comfortable, reliable, and luxurious than this Caprice, while still scratching the large V8, rear wheel drive, kinda weird sedan itch that I've always had.
 
I got a lead on a low mileage L96 just across the river in Vancouver for less money and fewer miles than any on LKQ. I'm trying to go check it out this week.

If it looks as good as the ad, I'm planning to swap it in and put a stock tune back on it. Then daily it, but keeping an eye on the market for something more reliable to come along.

I'll be honest, a 20 year old Lexus LS 430 seems more comfortable, reliable, and luxurious than this Caprice, while still scratching the large V8, rear wheel drive, kinda weird sedan itch that I've always had.
I totally agree that most older Japanese cars are probably more comfortable, reliable, maybe even more frugal, but for some reason every time I get one I can not wait to pass it on and go back to American made cars.
Maybe it's the same reason I try to keep my local mom and pop stores alive versus saving some money and feeding the beast.
My wife and my daughter are driving the Japanese cars now, the only non American car I have is the Mercedes diesel for obvious reasons
 
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