Looking for sound advice.
Problem Statement:
I just bought a 97 with a blown HG. And need to decide whatto do with the engine, some background first. The PO had the engine rebuilt in 2012. The rebuild occurred due to spun rod bearings and I was told that a sleeve was installed on one of the cylinders. Additionally the following was done, new Pistons,rings,rod bearings, main bearings, polished/reground crank,polished cams, cam bearings, new lifters and rebuilders gasket kit.
In 2013, the PO blew the HG when he lost a belt and heard a pop. Got the HG replaced and head was surfaced and valve job occurred.
In 2016, the HG went again (then I bought it). This was 38k miles after the HG repair in 13'. I confirmed they used a felpro gasket and unsure about new head bolts for any/all engine work.
Proposal:
1. Send it to the shop, pull the head and hope it's just the HG and repair
Or
2. Get a used motor(I've got one I could get for a reasonable price) rebuild it and do a swap.
The issue is I would hate to waste money pulling the head and finding out the block is cracked or some other issue. I do have a spare OEM head and cams I could use if my head is bad.
What would you do? Looking to make a decision within the next week.
The end state for this vehicle would be to get a supercharger for it at some point and keep it for many years.
Problem Statement:
I just bought a 97 with a blown HG. And need to decide whatto do with the engine, some background first. The PO had the engine rebuilt in 2012. The rebuild occurred due to spun rod bearings and I was told that a sleeve was installed on one of the cylinders. Additionally the following was done, new Pistons,rings,rod bearings, main bearings, polished/reground crank,polished cams, cam bearings, new lifters and rebuilders gasket kit.
In 2013, the PO blew the HG when he lost a belt and heard a pop. Got the HG replaced and head was surfaced and valve job occurred.
In 2016, the HG went again (then I bought it). This was 38k miles after the HG repair in 13'. I confirmed they used a felpro gasket and unsure about new head bolts for any/all engine work.
Proposal:
1. Send it to the shop, pull the head and hope it's just the HG and repair
Or
2. Get a used motor(I've got one I could get for a reasonable price) rebuild it and do a swap.
The issue is I would hate to waste money pulling the head and finding out the block is cracked or some other issue. I do have a spare OEM head and cams I could use if my head is bad.
What would you do? Looking to make a decision within the next week.
The end state for this vehicle would be to get a supercharger for it at some point and keep it for many years.