Engine problem. Sell truck, rebuild/replace motor?

[Good Sport]

My beloved '92 Sport (162k miles) has developed an engine knock. I put in new bearings and oil pump, but the problem has returned. I think the connecting rods are too worn.

Here's my dilemma. I live in a rural area, so rebuilding is not much of an option. I can probably get a crate, but that will eat up close to 10 Grand.

With the engine running, I think the truck was worth about $20k (it's in spectacular condition, I'm original owner). What is a ballpark value of the truck with engine needing a rebuild/replace?

Here's some current pics:

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[Cadillacmak]

I suggest to start looking around for trucks with bad transmissions and a good motor. Swap motors then sell off the remaining truck parts to pay for your new motor. The reason I say this is that for some reason there are people out there who take real good care of the motor, and ignore the rest of the drivetrain. I have found ones with newer crate motors and when the transmission went they were just done with it and sold it for scrap. I have payed as little as $800 for these trucks.

 

[fancyTBI]

I think you would regret letting go of such a nice truck.

 

[Keeper]

original owner? you can't sell that gorgeous thing. Like suggested, I'd drop another used motor in it.

 

[Drunkcanuk]

DO NOT SELL!!!!

If you are in a rural area, reach out to a farmer or two. If they don't have one, someone they know probably has one sitting behind a barn somewhere. Post an ad in the local paper or online buy and sell for your area. They literally made millions of these trucks, someone has one rotting away somewhere nearby with a piled up tranny or rear end with a good motor.

Do you have a pick-n-pull yard anywhere nearby?
A bit of sweat equity and save a ton of money.

 

[df2x4]

Jumping on the "DO NOT SELL" bandwagon here, that truck is beautiful.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Drop in with a warranty...far less than $10k.

If you can roll in new bearings, I'm sure you could do an engine swap!

https://blueprintengines.com/collec...-gm-style-longblock-for-factory-efi-iron-head

 

[OutlawDrifter]

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19432778.html

Here's another.

Warranty on the GM stuff is a little more involved.





If you shared with us your location, someone might even know of a reputable builder near by that could supply you with a rebuilt engine.

 

[Good Sport]

Thanks folks. If I'm going to put in another engine, I would definitely go with a new crate (the GM unit, or maybe the Blueprint equivalent). I could probably do an install, but it would be difficult at my age. I was 39 when I bought the truck, I'm 71 now! Just weighing my options. Thanks.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

I could probably do an install, but it would be difficult at my age. I was 39 when I bought the truck, I'm 71 now! Just weighing my options

Meh, I'm 71 too. If I can do it, so can you!

I vote keep it and do it! Have you looked at a 383?