New engine?

I was just wondering what a new engine would cost for a 89 S-10 4.3 Blazer it has over 160000 miles. It runs great, but I have seen the inside which is full of sludge. I don't want to put too much money into a lost cause. The body is good and the tranny is supposedly rebuilt. Thank you for your time. Steve

What color is the Sludge?

If it's milky color you've got some water contamination, and it'll cost a little to fix . But still less than a re-build.

If it's just dirty oil then your best bet is do an engine flush, and a oil change. I would consider doing another flush and oil change a week or 2 later, then start using Synthetic oil.
It might take of your rear seal leak as well.

I had to do the Intake gaskets some time ago. Thats when I saw black crusty sludge in the engine. How big a problem is that? thanks!!!

You really should have done a engine flush then, but if you do like I sugested you should be fine for a while. The synthetic oil will really help keep your motor clean then and last longer

www.auto-rx.com

Will bring that engine back to new.

I can tell you that this year model engine has lots of potential , Mine has 246K on it now . Not sure if it was replaced or rebuilt before me but I was delighted to see roller cam followers when I pulled my intake off . If needed Advance and Auto zone carry reman units for around $ 1800. Twice what I paid for the whole ride . Seafoam might do wonders for the inside , though I have not tried it myself yet . Rob

Also , that sludge you are talking about on top of the cam between the heads is normal . Not much oil goes thru there . Just a drip or splash so it cooks down to the sludge . I cleaned mine real good with a putty knife and scraper vacuumed it out with a shop vac , sprayed it down degreaser pulled the plug and poured a couple of cheap quarts of store brand oil all down thru it to wash the parts and pan out . Then put it all back together . Rob