Why don't you look at getting a decent used engine out of a boneyard?

 

My only issue with buying a used engine like that is I am going to spend the money on the engine, plus shipping, plus labor to install the engine and I won't have any warranty. It is kind of a big gamble, I have never bought a used engine so I don't know what to expect in a crap shoot like that.

Keep the opinions and input coming please!!

 

5k is a lot to put into a new motor. But at the same time, your point is relevant to someone who isnt a whole lot familiar with motors and isnt sure what to look for in a used motor. I bought a used motor from a salvaged truck through an insurance company. Only had 10k on it. But I bought the whole truck. Made all my money back on the other parts that I sold off the truck. Ive done swaps before on other vehicles and had the tools to do it, 14hours later with a friend.. New motor was in. That including all the swapping of parts from the old to the new and also fully cleaning things, installation of new gaskets, all new fluids and such.. In the end, I wasn't out anything nut my time. Worth it to me. There are reputable places around that sell used motors around the 1200-1800 range with fairly low miles. I believe some come with some kind of warranty. Jbrew recommends a site that shops for the best prices and closest to you , I just forget what it is off the top of my head. Maybe he can chime in. Labor seems a bit high for the swap, If I can do it in a garage with one other person in 14 hours, I would guess that shops rates on a swap like that should be more around 1200-1600, But I'm not positive. Shop around is your best bet to save money, try to get a reman or low mileage swapped in there for around 3500 and youd be in good shape. Or pull that motor yourself and have it rebuilt? Sounds like you have other vehicles, could be something that with some good resources could be done in a months time.

 

Very nice looking truck, doesn't even look like its got 173k on it. Hope everything works out, I think your on the right track of getting a reman. Keep us posted.