Decision to rebuild top half or replace engine-I'm all ears

[jbyler]

Took my 2003 Denali in (202,000 highway miles, impeccably maintained) due to engine light>code was for misfires at idle only. No compression test was done, but mechanic replaced ignition wires and coils for #2 and #6. Five days later, engine light went back on and this is where I am today. Mechanic says he can rebuild the top half (bottom half is not leaking, not using oil, seals are good and intake manifold is good and when sprayed with gas, no RPM pickup). He says he hesitates to do only the top half because then I'll have an old bottom half and then I'd have to replace the whole thing anyway. Two other mechanics said the bottom half is never the problem, and I can get 300K-400K out of it since I've maintained it impeccably and regularly. (I'm told I can get another 75,000-100,000 with the top half rebuild.) $2825 to rebuild top; replacement engine from a reputable car junk yard (typical 80-95K miles on them) + labor and using my newer parts from current engine = $5,500. A second guy (less known) said he would just rebuild my engine and forego getting one that was from a junkyard for $3,500; or do the top half for $1,900. He doesn't have a shop of his own but he sounded very knowledgeable... My brother (who has a driving club of 5500 members and is very mechanically sound) said if he were me, he would just rebuild the top, and to use my current mechanic who has had a shop for 25 years and would warranty parts and labor for 12 months. (I've used him for five years and have all good things to say about the shop. Doesn't hurt that he's won awards in the local voting system for best shop...) I'm looking for anyone who has been through this who can chime in. (Plus, the SUV's only worth $7-8K or less (but I love it and tow my vintage camping trailer with it and won't part with it unless I have to...)) Thanks for any help.

 

[ezdaar]

That post makes my eyes hurt just looking at it.

 

[Aaron_L]

I think I'd really try to figure out what was going on before tearing into the engine. If you needed a rebuild it would probably be running way worse than what you're describing.

 

[Marv02]

Is it a DD or every now and then if is a DD I would rebuild the motor.

If just every now and then driver just do the topend.

Do you tow a lot and when you do drive it do you travel far in it if so rebuild.

My Yukon has 170k on it and for now it is a DD but in 2 years I planning to park it and rebuild it and it will be a weekend car I am planning to keep mine it much cheaper than buying a new one and I like my SUV I use mine to haul my daughter and her softball team around for now.

I planning to get my self a car that gets good MPG But use the Yukon for softball stuff still.

 

[ezdaar]

Those prices are absurd.

Do a compression and leak down test.
Find out exactly what the problem is or find a new mechanic.

If its a problem with one of the heads. Then just buy used heads from performancetrucks.net or ebay. For well under 500$.
Head gaskets and bolts wont cost ya but maybe 150$ new.

If you cant find a mechanic that can properly diagnose the issue. Sell the denali and get another one.
Just don't spend all that cash on a simple 4 hour head swap that will probably not fix the issue.

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

okay im pretty attached to my tahoe so i understand wanting to keep the beast alive but yah gotta know when to throw in the towel at some point i say this because as i read yer post i saw prices quoted between 2 and 6000 dollars and i just looked at a 2004 tahoe LS 4WD with 140k very well equipped for 5400 bucks i saw yukons similar priced as well
repair or not to repair that is the question

 

[jough]

Yes, those repair prices are absurd. I had a used engine & transmission installed with a 24 mo/24,000 mile warranty for $2600, and it was a 6.0 ** & 4L65E. They would have done just the engine (a used 5.3) for around $1600. There are shops that specialize in LS swaps. See if you can find one, after diagnosing the real problem with your current engine.

I went thru the same thought process as the OP and chose not to put a new top end on an old bottom end, because for nearly the same cost you can get a lower mileage used engine installed.

If you go with a used engine, have the shop put in a new oil pump, rear main seal, plugs & wires before installation.