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If you do a fresh engine whether rebuilt or crate, do the transmission too at the same time.
It's possibly just a head gasket. If so, I'd do nothing but replace the head gaskets.
Warnings against doing head replacements (or even a valve job) on high-mileage engines are valid.
Either one increases compression quite a bit (which can be hard on worn rod/main bearings), but it also increases vacuum on the intake stroke, which can start sucking a lot of oil around worn rings and turn it into a genuine oil burner.
Been there/done that, as a young mechanic in the '70s.
Warnings against doing head replacements (or even a valve job) on high-mileage engines are valid.
Either one increases compression quite a bit (which can be hard on worn rod/main bearings), but it also increases vacuum on the intake stroke, which can start sucking a lot of oil around worn rings and turn it into a genuine oil burner.
Been there/done that, as a young mechanic in the '70s.
Replace it, I did this in my truck and still am driving it. It had 100k engine was weak burning oil. I setup for a weekend swap got the picker on a friday before close so would have it all weekend. Started that friday worked late into the night till sunday when the motor was dropped in. Took picker back finished it up during the week. I got my crate ling block from autozone for about 1300 and its still going strong 50k miles later. A year after that had the tranny done, would have been nice to do both but didn't have the funds to do that.
Sorry I didn't mention, guys - it's a 2004 Tahoe. 5.3L, 265k miles. Doesn't use any oil (or little enough not to matter). Always had regular maintenance since I got it at about 80k, and I always used full synthetic like Mobil 1 and Wix filters.
I don't know that I'm handy enough to do it myself... although... it might be an interesting and fun project to rebuild one I can drop in at a later date. I didn't think about taking my time with it.
I'd need some tools and equipment, better lighting in my garage... etc. I'll have to look into it.
As for plans, I have no plans to get rid of this truck. Honestly, I have put so much time and money into upgrades from a stereo standpoint, I don't want to start over with something else. I don't plan on doing any major mods to it from a performance standpoint. It is a family cruiser and grocery getter - I've got my 370 to spend money on for mods if I want to do that. With this one, I'm mostly just concerned about it being comfortable, safe and reliable. Oh, and would like to improve highway economy - 13-14MPG kinda sucks - mostly due to a triple alternator setup, I reckon. lol.
I don't know that I'm handy enough to do it myself... although... it might be an interesting and fun project to rebuild one I can drop in at a later date. I didn't think about taking my time with it.
I'd need some tools and equipment, better lighting in my garage... etc. I'll have to look into it.
As for plans, I have no plans to get rid of this truck. Honestly, I have put so much time and money into upgrades from a stereo standpoint, I don't want to start over with something else. I don't plan on doing any major mods to it from a performance standpoint. It is a family cruiser and grocery getter - I've got my 370 to spend money on for mods if I want to do that. With this one, I'm mostly just concerned about it being comfortable, safe and reliable. Oh, and would like to improve highway economy - 13-14MPG kinda sucks - mostly due to a triple alternator setup, I reckon. lol.
If it were me, I'd do a direct replacement crate motor with factory warranty.
Cost is at least double to do this... from what I can ascertain. I'm trying to do what's best, but within budget, as well. I don't want to lose my vacation this summer, we've already spent $3500 on plane tickets.
Then buy a motor and take your time. Have a shop bore it and do the machining after that is app done all them the specs of the kit you need to buy. If you can watch a video and build an ar you can do this as well.
I'm in the same camp of finding a low mile takeout motor from a wrecked vehicle and swapping the whole thing. You put 180k on this motor yourself...so I'd assume a similar mileage motor to what you originally had should do pretty similar...for way less coin.
5.3's are everywhere and cheap.
5.3's are everywhere and cheap.
Man I fully understand budgets, we are a single income home. I also recall what my shop teacher in H.S. said. You can pay to do it right the first time or pay to do it right the second time its your choice. I just can't see putting money into an engine with bad heads and 265k on it. I am really surprised its lasted that long. If its had even trace amounts of coolant in the oil for a while it has taken a toll on already old rod and crank bearings.
If a gm crate motor isn't in your budget then, I would agree see if you can find a salvage motor and go that route. You should still be able to locate one and have it installed for less than your guy is talking about doing the top end. Just make sure it doesn't have the castech heads on it and you should be good. Those motors are pretty solid and other than the head issue a noisy lifter or two on startup are about the only things you see internal wise.
As for mileage all my 00-06 Tahoes did 14.5mpg it didn't matter if it was around town or pulling a boat. The only time they ever went above that was on highway trips and I would have to keep it under 70mph to really see a big jump ie 16-17mpg. Those are great trucks. I really enjoyed them.
If a gm crate motor isn't in your budget then, I would agree see if you can find a salvage motor and go that route. You should still be able to locate one and have it installed for less than your guy is talking about doing the top end. Just make sure it doesn't have the castech heads on it and you should be good. Those motors are pretty solid and other than the head issue a noisy lifter or two on startup are about the only things you see internal wise.
As for mileage all my 00-06 Tahoes did 14.5mpg it didn't matter if it was around town or pulling a boat. The only time they ever went above that was on highway trips and I would have to keep it under 70mph to really see a big jump ie 16-17mpg. Those are great trucks. I really enjoyed them.
