Buy & Build or just buy??

[SLAYTANIC_1134]

I just wanted a few opinions on this:

There is a '93 GMC 1500 5.7 a/t in my local paper for $2,200, but it has a blown head gasket (water in oil!!) Do you guys (and girls) think that it would be worth it to buy the truck and put a new engine in it or just keep looking for another truck. I plan to heavily modify my vehicle anyway so it might not be a bad idea to just spend the money now instead of tearing down a perfectly good engine. The ad says "runs, but water in oil" how much damage am I looking at and any estimates on repair costs. Thanks in advance for any comments/suggestions!!

[broughy84]

That's a little to expensive for one with a bad engine.

[MadMac56]

IF the body, interior, suspension & drive train are near immaculate, and IF you're pretty mechanical, MIGHT be a good buy...otherwise keep looking

[SLAYTANIC_1134]

It is really clean. Original owner is an older guy so I know the truck has not been abused. As far as mechanical goes, I think I can replace an engine, I have been working on my own cars since I was 16 (5 yrs.) I am no ASE mechanic but I have done a few major projects. Replaced a Front wheel drive Trans. as well as a trans. and transfer case in an 88' Ford Bronco II. Along with many, many minor replacements. i.e oil changes, replacement parts (altenators, power window motors, 2 starters, engine mounts) to get my hands greasy. I think it is time to finaly get started on my first "big" project. I figure if I can get the truck for $2000 then build an engine for $1500-1800 I will have a nice truck (with zero miles on the engine) for under $4000. I am still looking around so I am not totally committed, but I don't want to let a great opportunity pass me by!?!?

[cdoogles]

Would you rebuild that engine or start from scratch? I'd suggest rebuilding that one, to keep it as simple as possible. I stripped mine down to the block and went from there. I tried to keep all the controls and sensors stock so I wouldn't have to troubleshoot it later. Of course, this is now all void since I decided to pull the engine back out and put it in a 1993 k1500 my self...

[SLAYTANIC_1134]

I am going to take it down all the way to the block(might as well if I only want to do this once.) I am not sure on the direction of my build (hence the poll) I figure a mild, 350-375 hp, small block would do the trick. Nothing too crazy but a nice performance pick-up is what I am looking for (lightnings better watch out for this full-size bowtie!) I live in Ca. so smog IS an issue. Thanks in advance for all the comments!

[cdoogles]

You could definitely bore it .30 over, balanced pistons, aluminum head, etc....and go that route. I don't know where they call you on it in California, but that's the route I went, and it was fine for emissions in WA and in FL and makes for a pretty peppy, full size truck. It stomps any little rice burner with a coffee can for a muffler off the line, thats for sure

[roonie]

I just bought a 90 silv.with 159000mi on it.it has a 305cid.I paid a grand for it.it runs nice but i had to paint it and replace quite a few parts.the body was straight but us up here in canada have the rust issues so some repair was needed in that department as well.All in all i have a total of 2500 into her and did most of the work myself.if i had to pay someone i would no doubt be up to 4 or 5 grand.
If i were you ,but im not, i would buy the truck and look for a good engine with low miles on it or a crate engine. that way you would save all that time on labour.time for most folks is the most valuable thing in life.you could use that saved time to sit on a lawnchair and admire your truck instead of working on it.Ha Ha.Unless of coarse you like working on your own truck and take pride in what your have accomplished.everybody is different.thats what makes the world so interesting