Well that sucks. I'd absolutely love to have a Cummins in the black truck (99), already have 2 NV4500's, and all the parts to swap over. Just need to find the motor. But, like you said, the current economy has everything inflated so bad, I'd have to give a kidney or a leg to get one. But all of mine run, so for now gonna run em till the blow. I have an extra Vortec 454, so might get that rebuilt when they are all up n running. I'd say pull your motor, see what's wrong with it. It might be a simple fix. Never know till yah dig into it....