rebuilt engine suggestions... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Idle · #1 10-04-2017, 05:08 PM

I am considering replacing the engine in my 1997 Chevy half-ton with a rebuilt one.

And suggestions/comments/advice on where to buy a good rebuilt engine and who to stay away from?

And no wrecking yard engines. At my age I only want to do this once. Plus winter is coming on and I will need to do this in a barn so it needs to be a standard swap.

Although I might install some headers while I am in there.

Air&Road · #2 10-04-2017, 05:19 PM

Is it an early gen small block or an LS?

Either way, is there a reputable, old fashion automotive machine shop in your area? If so, remove the engine and strip it to a long block and take it there for a rebuild. They will disassemble, mic everything and rebuild as needed. It would be less expensive than a crate motor and be the same amount of work on your part.

Such shops are not as common these days because modern motors often outlast the chassis and are not commonly rebuilt.

Hope this helps.

Sugar Bear · #3 10-04-2017, 05:51 PM

Just curious, why the rebuild? Having problems or just want to do a rebuild? Asking because often rebuilds are not necessary unless you just want to do it.

Good luck!!!

Idle · #4 10-07-2017, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

Just curious, why the rebuild? Having problems or just want to do a rebuild? Asking because often rebuilds are not necessary unless you just want to do it.

Good luck!!!

My truck is in great shape but it has over 250,000 miles on it. Except for some interior wear and tear, and there is not much of that, there is no problem with it.

But I like to get ahead of things, and I take some long trips in that thing. I once thought 500 miles was a long trip. Now I live in the mid-west and 800 miles is a long trip.

And I would hate to get that far out and spin a bearing.

So while it would not be cheap an engine replacement would be cheaper than a new truck.

Idle · #5 10-07-2017, 04:36 PM

I would like to thank everyone for their input. This was very kind of you.

I would love to find a local guy who could do this but sadly this seems to be a lost art. A friend of mine in a small Texas town had a Chevy six rebuilt about 20 years ago by a local guy. The labor cost was $150. The mechanic has since died but the engine is going strong.

One thing about the Jasper engine that is appealing is they have a network of installers. This will save me the time of checking out every shop in town.

Sugar Bear · #6 10-07-2017, 07:31 PM

If it runs well and has done so for 250K you have a keeper!!! The replacement may bring its own problems. Consider if you wish, doing a compression or leak down test, and testing the oil through a lab. If all is good put a timing chain set in it and drive on!!!

Best of luck with whatever route you choose.

t walgamuth · #7 10-08-2017, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idle

My truck is in great shape but it has over 250,000 miles on it. Except for some interior wear and tear, and there is not much of that, there is no problem with it.

But I like to get ahead of things, and I take some long trips in that thing. I once thought 500 miles was a long trip. Now I live in the mid-west and 800 miles is a long trip.

And I would hate to get that far out and spin a bearing.

So while it would not be cheap an engine replacement would be cheaper than a new truck.

I just traded my 03 Dodge on an 08 which had 15,000 miles on it for the same reason.....me, the Mrs. and our dog out in the middle of bumfeck Idaho and the truck breaks. Not a good thought.

Last year when we lost the transmission in Yellowstone we were lucky enough to get the trailer to the campsite before the transmission became completely locked up. We're too old for such worries!

Peace of mind is worth a lot.

Diseasel300 · #8 10-08-2017, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idle

My truck is in great shape but it has over 250,000 miles on it. Except for some interior wear and tear, and there is not much of that, there is no problem with it.

But I like to get ahead of things, and I take some long trips in that thing. I once thought 500 miles was a long trip. Now I live in the mid-west and 800 miles is a long trip.

And I would hate to get that far out and spin a bearing.

So while it would not be cheap an engine replacement would be cheaper than a new truck.

I'd be more worried about the transmission than the engine. If it isn't leaking, burning oil, or making strange noises, let it ride. GM truck engines seem to be very durable. If the tranny is original, it's been on borrowed time for a while. My BIL drove a '94 with the V6. Made it 286K on the original transmission before it died (and suddenly). Engine was still going strong.

They sold it for $700 and put that money towards buying his grandfather's '03 Dakota from his estate when he passed on. A move they've since regretted. Dakota is ALWAYS broken down, only has 65K, but is a SHOP. QUEEN. The old Silverado is still driving in town. The guy who bought it from them threw a used tranny in it and uses it as a farm truck. Still on the factory engine.

TwitchKitty · #9 10-11-2017, 01:22 PM

If your engine is proven reliable but worn it makes sense to refresh it. Then you have a proven reliable engine with new parts.

I had a 400 small block in an old GMC truck. It was actually a very good truck engine. I would find an engine builder to make yours what it should have been from the factory.

Look for an aviation machine shop in your area.

Engine science has advanced in recent years. Someone who can talk to you about quench, static and dynamic compression, porting, timing, duration and lift, etc can make your time and money worthwhile.

But mostly, have fun with it.

oldsinner111 · #10 10-05-2017, 06:55 AM

Jegs has some nice motors, you can even upgrade horsepower

t walgamuth · #11 10-05-2017, 07:03 AM

Jasper engines have a good rep I believe. Made in Jasper Indiana a stronghold of companies that build things and a traditional German culture locally.

oldsinner111 · #12 10-05-2017, 09:37 AM

hey t read a bunch of negs,about jasper.Use alot of china made stuff.

t walgamuth · #13 10-05-2017, 09:52 AM

Its pretty hard to find parts not made in china in many cases. No personal experience with Jasper.

oldsinner111 · #14 10-05-2017, 12:31 PM

well my son works for mahle,they make cams,cranks,rods and pistons at his morristown plant.still making for mercedes and some others.

oldsinner111 · #15 10-05-2017, 12:36 PM

Fords camshafts are a problem,they freeze the bar stock,and press lobes on.the lobes work lose wiping out pistons.mahle, is doing the same except,they robot weld lobes so as not to spin.