Replacement engine choices.

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gric_az

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The time has come to replace the engine in my 88 truck. Ive been searching around here in AZ and the rebuilders have good and bad reviews. Ive also looked into online sellers and they all seem to spec their engines at the 8600 gvw ratings for a 1 size fits all deal. Meaning the lower 190 hp version as apposed to the 7200 gvw 210 hp higher compression engine. I'm currently leaning to the all new gm part #12691671 replacement engine. Have any of you guys bought this particular engine? If so are you happy with it?
 

Schurkey

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Essentially the same as stock, but supposedly with a forged crank, powdered-metal rods, and four-bolt mains. None of those upgrades makes any "real world" difference in this application. Nice to have for later performance increases if you're interested in that sort of thing.

You could do a lot worse. And the GM warranty is pretty unbeatable since it should apply at any GM dealership.

When I replaced my original engine in Y2K, I put in a service replacement engine for a '92 Caprice 5.7L. Essentially the same as the "correct" truck engine, but with roller cam, PM rods, and flat-top pistons. Gained a little compression but overall there was no real performance gain. That engine went almost 20 years before popping a head gasket and blowtorching the block and one head. That's what I'd be recommending...if they hadn't discontinued it years and years ago. It was p/n 12513151
 

gric_az

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Autozone offers a version of that engine for 2k. It only has the roller valvetrain. Cast everything else. I also was thinking of getting a shortblock and doing the vortec conversion. I have saved most of my stimulus checks so I have 3k to spend!
 

RichLo

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I'm of the mindset that if your going to do something, you might as well over do something. When I go through the trouble of replacing an engine, I make sure I upgrade whatever I can afford at the time. There's no fun in a stock replacement, I'd be scouring racingjunk.com right now if I were you.
 

stutaeng

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I think there's guys here that have done the Vortec heads. IIRC, there are some differences. Not sure what how you would do intake/electronics/ECU though if you mean a full Vortec conversion, but I'm sure it can be done as well.
 

Supercharged111

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Autozone offers a version of that engine for 2k. It only has the roller valvetrain. Cast everything else. I also was thinking of getting a shortblock and doing the vortec conversion. I have saved most of my stimulus checks so I have 3k to spend!

DO NOT buy a reman engine from a parts store unless you want 5 different size main bearings and steel shim plates to get heads that were milled 100thou back to factory compression. To say they are utter GARBAGE is an understatement.
 

Hipster

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One thing you have to keep in mind is most rebuilder type pistons are a little shorter on compression height. Depending on what been done as far as decking and a replacement type .040 head gasket you're already dower power a touch with a little less compression and opened up quench. So take those hp numbers, to a certain degree, with a grain of salt. I'd rather find a core and have it built where I make the choices.

Read the warranty fine print on any of these remans/crates. Usually there has to be a licensed repair facility involved in the installation if a warranty is to be claimed. As stated some remans leave a lot to be desired. .060 + over blocks .040 under rods and mains etc. Given the choice I would stick to a GM crate and whatever install guidelines.
 

10mm Nut

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I run factory GM crate engines any time I need one. It costs more than other options but it's worth it to me. I like to do it once and do it right then move on to some other part of the project. Summit Racing is usually just about the most competitive prices.

I got my last one from Summit and then assembled it with extra junkyard parts to make the change out go quickly.

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