OK. The cost is as follows: $2854 for engine, $1300 for labor, $546 for gaskets, water pump, anything broken, etc. Most of the $546 would be my decision. For example, I recently replaced the water pump so I'm not buying another one. I will, however, need to buy a water pump gasket.

He didn't have the part number for the engine so I called the local Chevrolet dealer and he quoted me $2620 plus $200 core charge. The local Chevrolet dealer wouldn't give me the part number which I thought was strange. The Jasper engine was $2086 plus several miscellaneous charges which got it close to the Chevrolet engine cost.

 

The only reason I own the truck is because it belonged to my best friend who died from a brain tumor a couple of years ago. His wife wanted me to have it. It's not really a money issue for me although I don't want to get ripped off. Also, eventually, I'll give the truck to his son so I want it in good condition long-term.

 

my god. I can get a gm reman 4.3 and install it for well under half that. and this is a truck and not a blahzer which adds a few hundred to the install cost.

the 350, vortec, but TBI intended is about $1800 from GM - NEW parts. cheap yes, but you gotta change ECM, injector setup, mounts, front engine parts etc.

 

I didnt think it was possible to pay $546 for gaskets for ANY chevy engine, let alone a V6. Crap, I buy entire felpro engine sets for around $100.

U need a new vendor!

 

This aint no ford!~

4.3, 5.0, 5.7 all bolt the same slushbox.

 

Like I said the $546 was for gaskets and things such as a water pump. I would also include in that list such things as plugs, plug wires, hoses, and on and on. These will only be done if I choose to have them done or if they fall apart when removed. I've got to believe that spark plugs and plug wires are appropriate to replace.

 

well u need to look up pace pontiac or sallie chevy and order the GM crate engines - factory new, factory warranty, will run you around 1800-2100+ shipping (you dont say which RPO or VIN you have)

places like recon and jasper like to see a lot of add on stuff replaced to start the warranty - water pump, plugs, wires - thats $100. you reuse your tin - just get an engine rebuild set minus head gaskets

and 1300 labor to do a 4.3 in/out is way too much

reman engines via recon from advance or autozone are about 1300+core, and if you know what you are doing you can play games with mix/matching years due to the balance shaft changes.

lastly - you can rebuild it yourself. crank kits run about 200 and these include matched bearings. patch a bad knock or rehone the holes and run std pistons or go for an overbore.

whatever route you choose, you are gonna have to work hard at spending 5K. (and if you REALLY wanna spend 5K, come to my shop....Im not proud ;-)

 

"and 1300 labor to do a 4.3 in/out is way too much"

If someone insisted on giving me that much to swap a 4.3 (gotta love that two cylinders worth of extra room compared to a V-8!) I could force myself to take the money.

 

Wow 1300 labor. What is that like a 10 hour job?

 

"Wow 1300 labor. What is that like a 10 hour job? "

I've done a 4.3 in around that (not counting breaks for frosty beverages) without being in any hurry. Someone with a full commercial shop could do it much faster. They are really easy.

It would be a good first motor swap for a novice mechanic to tackle. An engine hoist, a floor jack, an engine stand along with basic good-quality tools (Craftman, etc) would pay for themselves in that one job, after which ya keep the equipment.

 

Ill bet you guys that a 4.2 V-6 for an F-150 would cost just as much, or more. Many shops insist upon using dealer parts because of the warranty. On an older vehicle its just not worth it.

If you dont have the space or tools or for some other reason you cant do your own work you are kind of stuck. If you have the time, space, interest, I find a job like this somewhat rewarding. I have actually refreshed a Dodge 318 without pulling it out of the van. There was plenty of room to drop the pan and crank. Most modern trucks have too much stuff in the way.

Does anyone sell rebuilt "short blocks" anymore?

Jim

 

yes
85 CHEVY 4.3, 262 c. i. Short Block Engine reman.:eBay Motors (item 130084995908 end time Jun-17-09 07:31:01 PDT)

 

"Ill bet you guys that a 4.2 V-6 for an F-150 would cost just as much, or more. Many shops insist upon using dealer parts because of the warranty. On an older vehicle its just not worth it."

I'd rather do the 4.3 since parts and engines are much cheaper.

" I find a job like this somewhat rewarding."

No one will love your engine like you will, and saving buckets of money is nice too!
I rather like money, and effectively getting paid to work on what I own instead of paying someone else makes me happy.

"Does anyone sell rebuilt "short blocks" anymore?"

Short blocks, long blocks, and all parts thereof! If ya did the old ones ya can do the recent ones.