At this point I’m not exactly sure. Option one is to reassemble the engine using existing parts with minimal investment but understanding that the engine will not last long due to some pitting on the cam, mild cylinder wall corrosion, moderate existing bearing wear, and three pitted lifter rollers. This option would require a gasket kit, and various consumables. Probably 200 dollars total and 20 man hours of cleaning and prep. Option two is to rebuild it the right way, have the block machined, new rotating assembly and valve train, and rebuilt cylinder heads. This option is most expensive but minimal work. Probably around 2k but only time investment is assembly really so maybe 4 hours. Option 3 would be buying a used engine and installing it blind with no real understanding of the engine condition until I turn the key over the first time. This is the most likely option due to cost effectiveness and time investment. And I guess the last option would be to rebuild and install the 6.0 L LS that I have. This is very expensive, leaves the truck unoriginal and is really a non-starter for me honestly.
I would like to find a good used engine and clean it up nice. I’m continuously scanning for a used engine somewhere near but haven’t found anything reasonable as of yet.
to answer your question: no, I don’t do this for a living but that would be nice. I’m active duty still, but maybe my hobby will become a job in a few years when I retire!
Here are a few pics of the engine after the first inspection and some mild cleanup.
View attachment 855090View attachment 855091View attachment 855092After
At this point I’m not exactly sure. Option one is to reassemble the engine using existing parts with minimal investment but understanding that the engine will not last long due to some pitting on the cam, mild cylinder wall corrosion, moderate existing bearing wear, and three pitted lifter rollers. This option would require a gasket kit, and various consumables. Probably 200 dollars total and 20 man hours of cleaning and prep. Option two is to rebuild it the right way, have the block machined, new rotating assembly and valve train, and rebuilt cylinder heads. This option is most expensive but minimal work. Probably around 2k but only time investment is assembly really so maybe 4 hours. Option 3 would be buying a used engine and installing it blind with no real understanding of the engine condition until I turn the key over the first time. This is the most likely option due to cost effectiveness and time investment. And I guess the last option would be to rebuild and install the 6.0 L LS that I have. This is very expensive, leaves the truck unoriginal and is really a non-starter for me honestly.
I would like to find a good used engine and clean it up nice. I’m continuously scanning for a used engine somewhere near but haven’t found anything reasonable as of yet.
to answer your question: no, I don’t do this for a living but that would be nice. I’m active duty still, but maybe my hobby will become a job in a few years when I retire!
Here are a few pics of the engine after the first inspection and some mild cleanup.
View attachment 855090View attachment 855091View attachment 855092
After all the time and great work you have done so far it would be the crowning glory if you could give the patient a new heart. Rebuilding the engine and spending the $2000, I think would make your project much more rewarding, and complete the project to the finish it deserves. Whatever you decide the outcome will be amazing.