Chevy Silverado 4.8L - Crate engine or rebuild?
 

My '02 Silverado is coming up on 200K miles. So far the 4.8 engine is still running perfect.

I know that most folks reach a point where they just go get a new truck.

But for the sake of discussion......if I wanted to keep my truck and (being pro-active) refresh the engine - what makes the most sense....rebuilding or just go get a crate engine?

I realize the answer probably depends on who can do the rebuild. I do not have that skill set but there are many shops around that do - and i don't know what they would charge.

Just wanted to solicit opinions and experiences while the topic is on my mind.

I just looked at one site and it quoted a crate engine for $3,234 shipping included and a $2,500 core charge.

Consists of engine block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, piston rings, cylinder head assembly (including valve train components), lifters, camshafts, timing gears and chain, timing chain dampener, front cover, valve covers, spark plugs, balancer assembly, oil pan and oil pump.

19301544 - Chevrolet Performance 4.8L 8 Cylinder 292 C.I.D. GM Engine

How's it running? My experience with those trucks is that everything else is shot long before the motor.... That motor should be good for 300k easy....

Crate engine would be the easiest. Like Sid stated, these engines can go alot longer than 200,000.

Man --go with the 6.0 crate motor --about 3 K -

But like the boys are saying if it still good run it to death -- you have lots of other stuff that will need attention first. Do you really need the rebuild?

Crate. Rebuilds put you at the mercy and dedication to detail of the builder. If he/she has an off day, you get substandard rebuild. Crates are built to exacting quality standards of the OEM engines. In the end, I bet they will be within $1K of each other. Not enough money to me to make up for the potential hassle of a rebuild-gone-wrong. My buddy just paid to have the 4.2L in his Jeep CJ8 rebuilt and now is dealing with big oil consumption issue and the builder is telling him it's normal to burn 1QT per 500 miles in a new engine.

Should be no reason to replace it if its been maintained well. Should do 300K with no trouble.

Thanks for all the responses so far. Good to hear such a consensus of 300K possible mileage.

You know, if it goes that far - it might very well be time for a whole new truck!

Right now she's running perfect. I'm very diligent with oil, oil filter, and fuel filter changes.

Pretty amazing these engines can go that far. I had no idea our technology has come that far.

It does sound like a crate engine would be the better option, if the time comes.

Thanks again for the input guys!

I recently sold my 2005 Chevy with 190k. The motor was not burning any oil but seriously everything in the cabin was falling apart. Door latches, heater controls, dash gauges, headliner, cloth fabric seats, and the trans felt pretty loose but still shifted well. A well maintained GM motor last long time.

I should add that my truck is perfect for my needs.

Full length (8') bed
2WD
1/2 ton
extended cab
V-8
White exterior color

Hard to find all of those together. I just looked on eBay and found a nice 2010 in Texas that fit my criteria with 121K miles and asking price $13.9K. That would probably be do-able just to get a newer truck and less miles but my truck is just fine for now and I'm sorta attached to it as nutty as that sounds. We've been through a lot and she's been a great partner! :)

I'll buy your high millage 4.8 if you're interested in selling. I want something to turbo, and blow up without feeling too guilty...

As a side note, my experience with them is if they have good oil pressure they'll last forever. Any lifter tick? I would cam your high millage, and run it till it grenades. Which will be a few years imho

Yep, keep changing the oil, and keep on truckin'. Ls motors are really well built and seem to go the long haul if cared for. I have 195k on my 6.0, and I am not even worried about replacing it any time soon. Uses zero oil, it is silent and runs 100%.

crate engine from Chevy for longevity, reliability, and turn around.

An engine rebuild will take some time. It probably won't be built to the same standards as the original (and the crate motor). And if you find someone that can and will do a top notch job, it'll probably cost as much or more.

I would think that a crate motor swap should be pretty quick and easy.

Don't overheat it, keep an eye on intake manifold gaskets- if it starts using water, get it checked.

My 89 Silverado had a 265K Mi 350 that ran well, but had a cracked head.

265K....that's a long time on that engine. Yours will last longer.

rjp

I always liked buying a short block and redoing the heads locally. Get me to look at most of the innards, like crank, pistons, connecting rods etc. and matching the intake and exhaust to the original heads is usually safer / easier than taking in an all new machine. the short blocks are usually a lot less $$$ too.

That said, I'd drive that truck. 300k is doable. I sold my Sequoia V8 with 230k and the engine was the last thing that was getting tired ...

G

You could do a compression test & leakdown now as a baseline. Then check it once a year if you are concerned.

I'd probably just run it until it drops. More likely transmission will go first. I rarely get more than 70k miles on an american transmission.

Based on your post, if it were me, I would not touch the engine at this point unless something is failing. Conversely, I would pay close attention to everything else, doing a CSI quality inspection, then repairs and maintenance.

I'd put money on it needing bushings replaced in the front suspension more than it needs anything done to the motor...

Just sold the 2001 Chevy to a friend. He asked if he could pretty-please buy my truck.

Over 260,000 miles. Outside of oil changes and spark plugs, the engine hasn't been touched.

At just under 250,000, realizing it still had the original starter and alternator, thought the brushes & bearings have got to be about gone. I removed both, had them rebuilt, and stuck them back in, just to make sure they wouldn't leave me stuck somewhere.

Been having fun with an older Chevy, with a 350. Thinking of tossing it out and sticking in one of the new Vortec engines. Guys who have done the swap all say way better performance, way better fuel efficiency.

x2 on the engine. Sure, I wish my 5.3 was a 6l sometimes but it keeps ticking and gets the job done. My only issues have been rusted brake lines and the worsening rocker rust.

Baz, if you'd go up to a 2500 you'll have better luck finding a truck. Long bed white extended cab is a pretty popular work truck with a 2500. They are all over OK and TX with 4wd from the oil companies, but there are some 2wds floating around too.