Re: Rebuilt engine
 

Good to know. I want an aftermarket intake manifold, anyway.

I'll have to sell the old engine or scrap it out. I have no room to store it.

Re: Rebuilt engine
 

This is always a tough scenario to get advice on...because there are so many variables.
Some guys actually have 'a budget'...and other guys don't seem to have one or don't care.....its just spend until it hurts. Sort of like the women going shoe shopping on saturdays...but in 'guy land' lol.

Some guys really appreciate and want to maintain 'originality'...because it often does count on 'sales day'...to a lot of buyers, if that matters?

That 454 will spend 95% of its life using about 20% of its capability...make no mistake...and you will never get the price of that motor back in the vehicles final sales or assessed value.

Regardless...your 402 is getting tired and needs some work but it is the original engine...which does matter, although not as much as with collector cars...as already stated.
Do you have a budget for this?
One way to end up not enjoying your investment in your truck and engine...is to go against the grain of what works for your family and your spouse.
So what is your middle ground?...is there any middle ground on this that works for you?

Coley :chevy:

Re: Rebuilt engine
 

I think you're going to have to pull the motor one way or another so you may as well commit to that and get it out of there. Tear it down and determine whether it can take another build. Even if you have to ditch the 402 block and opt for a 454 short block, you could still build up a stout bbc usinig your existing components ( heads, intake, tranny, accessories ). The heads probably need a refresher ( I just spent 1000 for all new SS valves, seals, retainers, springs, seals, guides, 3-angle grind ), which you could do on a budget for probably less than 500.

Another option is pull the long block and drop it off at your local machine shop and just let them evaluate it for a budget refresh? This could solve all your problems with space, time and budget ( not that you really have a budget problem ).

Hth,

-klb

Re: Rebuilt engine
 

Plain and simple ,You don't put a $6-7,000.00 engine in a $6,000.00 truck . Rebuild it or just buy a good used replacement engine .:chevy:

Re: Rebuilt engine
 

When you ask for advice on engines, it appears most people will spend YOUR money....what I hear alot is "I got 7K in my engine"....I just look at them and say WHY ? Now you don't have any money left to paint your truck....and BTW, you need new tires....LOL!!!!!!

Re: Rebuilt engine
 

for the most part i would disagree with you. when you've been in this hobby long enough you will find some groups who value the origonal engine greatly. some feel it adds value. much more than sentimental value.

Re: Rebuilt engine
 

With so many stock L6's and 350's being yanked out for the air bag LS kool aid conversion the stock drive train trucks down the road will just continue rise in value . Makes you wonder just how many have been scrapped already ...All I can say is keep chopping them up and we will wait to see what happens down the road ...? :chevy: