Need help with 2009 motor issue

[jdavies77]

OK, so I have an '09 Tahoe with the 5.3L flex fuel option. The truck was originally ordered by a police department, but I don't think that necessarily means its an interceptor or to be honest, I'm not sure what the difference is. The 8th digit VIN is 0 option LMG.

Anyway, I was just informed by a shop that the cams had issues and dropped a lifter and the metal got into the pan and wrecked some bearings down below as well. I have noise coming from up top and down below and am losing power. It does run still though. It has 104k on it.

I'm over my head on what I owe so I can't part it out and can't sell it as is and still be able to pay off the loan, so I need to fix it.

Looking online car-part only shows that other 2009 engines will be a direct fit into the truck. But I can't afford another $1800 for a used engine and labor.

Wondering what other small blocks I can use with my parts from my '09 and still have a functioning motor?

Or any other option I may have?

Thanks ahead of time

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

If you can't afford to fix it. Just fix the lifters and drive it till it stops.

 

[jdavies77]

According to the shop, the cam is where the metal is shaved and the lifters are messed up. Replacing the cam and lifters is going to run $1k and that still leaves whatever metal is making noise in the lower end. I'm sure they can drain the oil and clean out the pump but it sounds like the metal is wedge in the crank. Just because it's so loud.

By the time I have them do that, I could get the $1800 used motor and have a running truck.

Not to mention your option would just leave me in the same boat at any given time in the near future.

Will any 5.3l from a truck with a LMG work or is there something different in the 07-08 LMG's that would make it not work?