97 Camaro base with expensive sounding noises

[Doodler]

Hi, everyone. We bought a 97 base model convertible Camaro and someone broke the motor ... Lights were blinking on the dash and that someone ignored the warning signs.

I assume it spun a bearing or broke something on the bottom end, which is a shame because the car chassis is in excellent condition! And the 3800 motor is pretty peppy for the size of the vehicle.

We are debating selling her or repairing her. She would be our 11th car, don't exactly need her, but she's in such nice condition and it feels bad to just sell her cheap, we might just do that.

How hard is it to get into the bottom end? Can we loosen the engine mounts, jack up the engine, slip the oil pan off and see if there's chunks or replace bearings ? Not even sure how far to take it.

Thanks for any advice. I'll bring this up in the other areas in a few days too

[ssms5411]

Did you pull codes? What does the oil look like and is it low? Does it start and idle?

[Doodler]

Did not pull codes, will do so as soon as it's above freezing, it's in Rochester, NY. and it starts and idles but the noise is horrific, like a rod knock or spun bearing. Certainly sounds like it needs a new engine. I only let it run for a few seconds, as fast as I could turn off the key upon hearing the noise.

Red, 97, base, convertible, body in excellent condition, very few cosmetic defects, no rust, 113k miles, automatic, when it happened, we just parked her and didn't attempt deeper understanding or repair. Just parked and ignored. I know it's a shame, good looking car, but it's not worth much money and we couldn't justify the investment at the time.

It's a candidate for an LS swap or something, for sure, since the engine probably needs removal to rebuild, But same issue as most any revival, and can I afford it.

It's a fun car and the power the v6 produces is plenty for blasting down back roads with the top down.