1996 Trans Am LT1

Did the shop that did the work say ANYTHING about other problems with the motor before you had head work done? Did they call you & discuss any problems they found after they pulled it apart? Or did you just take it to them & told them it needed head work? Did it make this noise before the car went to this shop? I can guess what this noise (as you put it) might be, but until you answer my questions I can't go any farther.

Ford Man in Michigan

No, never told me anything. I took the car in because the a/c wasn't cooling. The mechanic replaced a metal hose that had a leak in it which cost me 500.00 and I didn't get 5 miles down the road when the car conked out. I called him and had it towed back in the shop. That's when he told me the head gaskets blew. I went ahead and had the work done, and he never told me about anything else. It wasn't driven a couple of weeks maybe 50 miles, since this is a secondary car, and I heard the knocking. Took it back and he said it sounded like a piston broke and said he would do it for another 3-4k to take the motor out. I just parked the car for now.

3 - 4 thousand $$$ for a motor? Where in all hell do you live? In your question. You mentioned having valves replaced? Why were valves replaced? How many were done? And which cyclinders?
I've got 2 lines of thought going here; 1) either the mechanic screwed up during the reassembly, or 2) whoever you got this car from drove the hell out of it & sold you a nice car with a junk motor. It just sounds kinda funny that ya blow head gaskets, & then shortly thereafter the motor breaks a conneting rod. Dumb questions; ANY oil in the motor, did this shop charge you for an oil change, does the repair bill mention coolant added? Please answer my questions as best as you can so I can determine your best course of action concerning this investment you made.
Ford Man in Michigan

Yea, that's what I thought when he told me the price. I live in the Dallas area. When the mechanic was working on the motor he said 7 valves were worn and I paid I think 2-250 to replace. I had a tune up done and replaced the radiator shortly before all this happened. I think the mechanic screwed up too and just doesn't want to get back in there. May have to just sell it as is and take a huge loss. Just can't sink that much more money in it. Love the car, but already getting passed the cars value.

My question about the oil change IS important, PLEASE answer ! It sounds like this guy is trying to talk you into a NEW motor purchase. Junkyard motors normally are a better deal, & a cheaper (about half of new) price. Search your area phone book to see if there is an LKQ auto parts store near you. They have top of the line used stuff, & a motor should cost around $1500.00 or less. A motor swap should cost around $600.00 plus oil/filter, coolant. Also. Ask around to your friends/family about another auto repair shop.'Cause i'm thinking your shop isn't being up front (he is milking ya for all he can get) about what that motor needs. I'm not a certified auto mechanic, but i've turned wrenches for more decades than I care to count. That being said.
It sounds like the motor has dropped a valve, because the engine wouldn't run (not in my experience anyways) if it broke a connecting rod ! DON ' T go to this *your* shop & get into this guys face about this WITHOUT proof ! The engine would have to be pulled apart to see what is broken before you can make a complaint.
Having friends who live in Texas I know that down there the cars look great, but the mechanicals (engine, tranny, etc.) Are most often trashed. Is your choice what to do with this thing. But your either gonna take a BIG loss, or spend the $$$ to fix it up & enjoy your investment for a while !

A Motor City Boy.
Ford Man in Michigan

Yes, I made sure he had put oil back into the car after the first repair. Checked it recently and it still has the oil in it. Nothing seems to be leaking. Doesn't seem to be a problem finding parts, just finding someone who will work on it. Thank you so much for your imput.

Most shops don't want to work on another shops screw-up ! If your not gonna try to prove that the other guy did your repair wrong, finding a shop to R&R a motor should be easier to find.
Good Luck with whatever choice you make for this car!

Ford Man