Sounds terminal to me. Unless you are doing your own remove and replace it is foolish to go the temporary route IMO. The REMAN at gmpartsdirect.com is $1,655 including $225 core and shipping. Net ($1,440) My dealer gave me the same price after I told him I would not pay the $2,400 retail. I am getting gouged for the R & R but I am replacing the coolant lines and right tranny mount while doing the job. With a 3.8 as clean as the kitchen table I should have 3 to 5 years with no drvetrain troubles. Next is cooling system flush and brake flush after two line replacements. Then a decent underbody cleaning and undercoating. Should be good togo. On the otherhand there is a good lookin select 60 with 38K on it for $7,500 for sale on this board. If it wasn't black I would buy it. (Never a black car again in FL) Good luck!!!