Replacement engines for 96 3.4L?

[samsquantch]

Hi guys,
I'm pushing 265k on this 96 5-speed and while it runs really smooth and pulls strong, I want to start planning for an eventual motor replacement. It does need valve cover gaskets, but oil level is still dead-center on dipstick after 3k miles.

I'm thinking the lowest-mileage salvage yard motor I can find, do valve covers gaskets, timing belt, water pump and pulleys before install. Is there a better plan? What years am I looking for? Does auto vs manual matter?
Thanks a ton!

 

[plcfcng]

If it runs smooth and strong let it be just keep it serviced. If it has a leak go ahead and fix that. At 265,000 there are many that have needed head gaskets. The correct way to go about what you have would you have going on is if it needs a head gasket do a compression test to see if the cylinder head are tight or if the rings are worn. I always recommend doing a valve grind and resurface when doing head gaskets because they usually need valve lash reset and the machine shop does this as part of the service. The 3.4 is a very good engine doing very well with only a cylinder head grind and surface and leaving the rings alone as long as the engine does not get way overheated that can affect the rings. Any year will do but you need to use you intake manifold and throttle body the engine are the same for manual and auto trans. But as long as your engine is good why gamble with a unknown. lane: