Death of a 3.0

[Eacook1]

Well my trusty 3.0 has blown its last head gasket with 230k on the clock. It already had low compression on one cylinder prior to the head gasket issue so I'm not going to just replace the gasket. The plan is to rebuild. I would certainly like to do a 3.4 swap but I just can't devote the time or money right now. The possible issues with smog here in CA are a concern too. Note: in the second photo the engine is not running.

 

[Hyde802]

Ahh yes. The white smoke. Put a set of headers on the new motor. Keep those head gaskets alive!

 

[Eacook1]

It looks like I can still get thorley headers. Summit has them for about $630.

I have a machine shop that I have used many years ago when I was drag racing. If I bring him all the parts, he will give me a new motor, all in parts for $1600 I would have to re-assemble. That is a complete rebuild all inclusive. Or he said I can bring him the whole motor, he will tare it down, rebuild, and re-assemble for $2200. All I have to do is pull it and deliver it to him. He does all machine work, head work, everything.

I haven't had a chance to look around here and see what people are paying but I trust this guy, he built my last motor in my race car. It probably had well over 5oo runs on it before it was retired.

Anyone have first hand experience on rebuilds? What did you pay?

 

[541joseph]

1600 for a complete rebuild sounds fair