2011 2.4l Regal has 240k miles. Oil consumption is getting out of hand....what to do. Engine swap or new cylinders

[G-637823]

As you probably know the 2011 2.4l has an issue with the oil ring on the cylinder causing blow by. Mine starting drinking oil at 50K and I lived with it. Within the past few months, its now gulping a quart every 200 miles. Dealership wants $3000 to replace the cylinders and timing chain. The car is still beautiful and drives like a dream.
Those 240K miles are super gentle highway miles (long commute) I've briefly looked at some aftermarket engines for aprox $4500. Questions:

1. Can I bolt on a v6 onto my existing transmission (don't know the type...but my car has a 2.4l
2. If I got a v6, would I have to buy a new computer. I wonder if those after market ones come with a new one.
3. Anyone have an recommendations on engine builders.
4. Or should I just sell it (Doubt I'd get much for it because of the mileage and oil issues)

 

[mitchflorida]

I think the objective advice is you can spend the $3000 if you think that's all it really needs. Otherwise just buy a used Regal with the engine you want already installed. When did the Regal come with a V6?

 

[MelsRegal]

At the mileage you currently have, do not invest any more money into the car.

 

[G-820218]

I think the objective advice is you can spend the $3000 if you think that's all it really needs. Otherwise just buy a used Regal with the engine you want already installed. When did the Regal come with a V6?

It never did, I was just fantasy dreaming a GM FW V6 could bolt onto my transmission. Then I woke up.

 

[stevearas]

I think the objective advice is you can spend the $3000 if you think that's all it really needs. Otherwise just buy a used Regal with the engine you want already installed. When did the Regal come with a V6?

I posted this without doing the research on engine type. I guess I was fantasy dreaming. Then I work up.

 

[stevearas]

At the mileage you currently have, do not invest any more money into the car.

With that number, I should agree with you. My miles are all gentle highway. I've only had three sets of tires and two brake jobs because all it does is roll forward. Body is perfect. Interior is perfect. Because the body style is still generally the same...so it looks new. I'm just not prepared to buy a new car...(got too many other expenses right now). Although...you have pushed the decision needle toward "milk it for now".

 

[MelsRegal]

Have you tried switching to a higher viscosity oil?
I would try a 10W40 high mileage oil.

 

[stevearas]

Have you tried switching to a higher viscosity oil?
I would try a 10W40 high mileage oil.

I just did that for the first time with my last oil change. Thanks for validating the plan. What do you think about going to 10W50?

 

[mitchflorida]

I just did that for the first time with my last oil change. Thanks for validating the plan. What do you think about going to 10W50?

This is badass stuff. And it might save you 3 Grand.

https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03112-Mileage-20W-50-Synthetic/dp/B00JGQLU5S/ref=psdc_15719391_t2_B00IPS3H1I?th=1

 

[stevearas]

This is badass stuff. And it might save you 3 Grand.

https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03112-Mileage-20W-50-Synthetic/dp/B00JGQLU5S/ref=psdc_15719391_t2_B00IPS3H1I?th=1

I'm going to try it on my next oil change. I'll post back with observable changes in oil loss. Thanks.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

It's not oil loss as it is going some place and that maybe another issue coming up. If going out the exhaust the catalytic converter will need to be checked as that would be the next item in line with oil consumption along with other engine components. It would be unlikely that the dealer won't find more items once opened up and getting that unneeded call explaining that they found more and the costs will go up
Not saying it's absolutely going to happen but asking them prior for a worse case scenario is something to consider.

Oil loss only is when you left a quart of oil on the shelf and your neighbor takes it without telling you LOL.

 

[MelsRegal]

I'm going to try it on my next oil change. I'll post back with observable changes in oil loss. Thanks.

If you live in a climate that experiences winter do not use a 20Wxx oil.

 

[luke_dubs]

I think the objective advice is you can spend the $3000 if you think that's all it really needs. Otherwise just buy a used Regal with the engine you want already installed. When did the Regal come with a V6?

The Regal came with a V6 engine in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation versions. His is a 5th gen, which only has 4 cylinder engine options.

 

[luke_dubs]

As you probably know the 2011 2.4l has an issue with the oil ring on the cylinder causing blow by. Mine starting drinking oil at 50K and I lived with it. Within the past few months, its now gulping a quart every 200 miles. Dealership wants $3000 to replace the cylinders and timing chain. The car is still beautiful and drives like a dream.
Those 240K miles are super gentle highway miles (long commute) I've briefly looked at some aftermarket engines for aprox $4500. Questions:

1. Can I bolt on a v6 onto my existing transmission (don't know the type...but my car has a 2.4l
2. If I got a v6, would I have to buy a new computer. I wonder if those after market ones come with a new one.
3. Anyone have an recommendations on engine builders.
4. Or should I just sell it (Doubt I'd get much for it because of the mileage and oil issues)

To answer your questions...

1. The tranny will probably not be able to handle the power, and more importantly, the torque of a V6 engine. It may be able to tolerate it for a bit, however, until you find a better fit.
2. More than likely, especially if the engine is not a GM engine.
3. I don't, as I've never had to have an engine rebuilt. Sorry.
4. You're not going to be able to get much for it, because of the mileage and oil issues. It depends on how much you like the car.

Personally, I'd get rid of the car. But, if you still like it a lot, just have a used 2.4L put in. It's better to not push the limits of your drivetrain.