sween

Hi - I am a C5 owner, love the forum.
I have a blown head gasket on a 1998 Suburban. Given estimate of $1,400 to $2,000 to tear down, machine heads, replace gaskets. Engine has 200,000 miles on it.
Maybe time to get a crate engine.
Any recommendations on a shop that does engine exchange?
Any ideas as to cost?
Thanks!

subfloor@centurytrans

Why don't you just replace the one head gasket for now?

sween

Thanks. If it is going to be $2,000 to replace the two head gaskets (might as well do both, right?), and machine the heads and a crate engine is about $2,000 for the engine with all new internal parts, I was wondering how much more it would cost for the labor to R&R and tune and all. Maybe for another $2,000? If so, that would be a new engine and 3yr warranty and no issues with the heads, timing chain, or other internals.
I have (in the past three years) replaced the transmission, radiator, and flywheel.
I actually had the head (driver's side) and head gasket replaced about three years ago. That was about $1,000.
And, after 200,000 great miles, at what point am I throwing good money after bad, right?
Been a great truck and hate to part with it!

GotCorvette?

The answer to that question can be found by looking up the Kelly Blue Book value of the Suburban. I don't know enough details about the vehicle to do so, but my gut feeling is it's not worth putting the money into it. You also need to consider what else is likely to go wrong in the near future on a vehicle with that many miles on it.

bobeast

The car is only listed as worth less than $2000 even in excellent condition. Time to thank it for its service and send it to the junkyard.

BOUT X

I myself would look at getting a used motor from a company called LKQ I got a used tranny from them with 27K on it for my 2000 Silverado for 600.00 with a 36K mile warranty. If you get a motor from them it will give you time to decide whether to rebuild your old motor or buy new or just run what you have until it dies or you get rid of it.

Pops

odxr

I own a small 1 man repair shop in Modesto.I can swap a new crate motor for $800 plus parts.If you buy the parts from Rock Auto you could get all of the wear items under the hood + a new radiator for $500.So you are at about $3000.If you shop around on the net you can find new gm crate motors at a reasonable price.If the old motor has 4 bolt mains its worth a few bucks.If interested send me a pm.