how much for a core engine to buildup?

[DieselmafiaLLY]

Hey guys, looking to buy a used motor that I can take my time with and slowly buildup on the side, figure it will be easier this was as I can buy parts here and there when I have some extra $$ to go towards it. So far I have found an 05LLY, 250k kms, almost a complete long block with cp3, and 4 injectors for 1500$ now some bad news, said it had a chacked head but had it checked at a shop and they said its good to go but needs some valve guides? so thats what I know about it, what do you guys think? looking for some input on if this is worth it or not. thanks

 

[hondarider552]

I personally would get new heads if you don't know the history of the engine your buying, or re use yours after they have checked them.

 

[DieselmafiaLLY]

I was going to send this block and heads to a machine shop to get checked over, the reson I dont want to use mine is that 1.I need to DD it and 2.I dont wanna take it apart, just when this one is done drop it in and sell mine to someone as a good working core to recup some money

 

[DieselmafiaLLY]

plus I dont want my truck down for like 2 years like your bri hahaha

 

[hondarider552]

For as slow as I gathered parts, my truck was broken/bend rod/kissed piston with valve to running in 1.5 months. I think I did alright

 

[DieselmafiaLLY]

haha im jk lol you did well:thumb: but im looking to see if you guys thing this is worth it

 

[Balindir]

For as slow as I gathered parts, my truck was broken/bend rod/kissed piston with valve to running in 1.5 months. I think I did alright

I'm doing a from scratch turbo install/exhaust/homemade intercooler piping & y-bridge/suncoast kit... I've been at it for 2 months now, just working in the evenings after work. Was hoping to have this done 1.5 months ago... so for fixing a broke motor in that amount of time, thats doing good.

 

[Mile_high]

I paid $1500 for a complete motor minus injectors with 165,000 miles on it. CP3, Turbo and all, so I think that was a good deal.

I see complete long blocks for sale locally for about that much when they have a busted crank...but that means no fuel system.

 

[02Dmaxdually]

I just bought a spare LB7 engine COMPLETE (even has intake and turbo) with extra parts to include a extra set of heads. Had 146k miles. #2 piston has some damage from hitting the valves, no damage to block and I picked it up wayyyyyy cheaper than 1500. I have the same Idea as you for building it up and I didn't want to drop a ton into a used engine.

 

[DieselmafiaLLY]

ya I talked him down to 1000 and im going to see if he will throw in the fuel system parts, so you guys think this is a decent deal?

 

[DieselmafiaLLY]

I just bought a spare LB7 engine COMPLETE (even has intake and turbo) with extra parts to include a extra set of heads. Had 146k miles. #2 piston has some damage from hitting the valves, no damage to block and I picked it up wayyyyyy cheaper than 1500. I have the same Idea as you for building it up and I didn't want to drop a ton into a used engine.

do you mind sharing what you paid for it? if you want pm me

 

[hondarider552]

I have gotten complete LB7 engines with various issues here in AZ for 1000$ or less. Went through 10 engines to find the block im currently using in my single cab to use. took 3 years.

 

[DieselmafiaLLY]

I have gotten complete LB7 engines with various issues here in AZ for 1000$ or less. Went through 10 engines to find the block im currently using in my single cab to use. took 3 years.

you also have to remember this is canada where everything is like double haha

 

[hondarider552]

Ah, forgot about you guys :spit:

 

[DieselmafiaLLY]

lol some guys around here are trying to sell short blocks for over 2g's

 

[S Phinney]

I bought a complete LB7 min use turbo and injectors for 300 bucks. It had 80k on it and zero problems.

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[DieselmafiaLLY]

well damn sounds like I should look a little harder

 

[S Phinney]

well damn sounds like I should look a little harder

If you can find a good rebuild able core for 1k or less that us a very good price. I was just lucky as hell on the one I got.

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[DieselmafiaLLY]

ahh okay thanks for that! hopefully I findo something decent, any tips or ways to check for damage on the block or heads or is that a gamble?

 

[LBZ]

I bought a good LBZ shortblock with 80 000 miles on it for $1800. Took it apart and it looked flawless.
This is what I was starting my build with over 2 years ago and thought I would have it done before my engine failed. Didnt make it before I broke my crank.
Good news is that my engine may only need allign boring and another crank and I should be able to almost recoup the cost of my shortblock purchase.

For your build if you go with that engine expect to replace the water pump, CP3, all new injectors, possible head machining if it isn't straight, new guides are not too big of a deal, I'd do the oil pump too as well as a new oil cooler. I'd consider a rebuilt or new turbo as well considering the mileage.

Getting on it ahead of time is not a bad idea. It saved me from having to drop a pile of money and scramble when mine went as I already had everything purchased.