Price on conversion engine

[4thesporty]

I am still trying to source a reasonably priced motor for my swap into my '94 Chevy K3500.

I am going to look at a couple this weekend. One is a '91 IC motor with no starter, so he cannot start it. Asking $1000

Another is an '89 complete engine and he will start it for me. Asking $1400.

Another is a '93 complete engine, asking $950 and will start.

None of these will allow me to inspect the cylinder walls or bottom end. Would you buy an engine you couldn't hear run? Do these prices seem reasonable to you. All are local to me. Thanks.

[BobS]

I personally would not buy a "running condition engine" that I could not start unless there was a written guarantee that specifically states the condition of the engine. To me an engine that will not start has no more than a core value.

The cheapest way is to buy a complete donor truck. Buying this stuff one piece at a time costs a ton of money.

You results could vary...

[4thesporty]

You bring up a good point. What is the core value of these engines?


The guy with the $950 engine still has the whole truck, minus the starter

'93 W350 5 speed with a bad rear end according to him. I am interested in the whole thing if the price is right. I would use the engine, tranny, and TC that way.

I'd like to just go get a starter and install it to check out the engine, but don't want to be out almost $200 if the engine is no good. Thoughts?

[Mike337]

There's a few running ones for sale on the other cummins sites. I'd look at the donor idea a little more in case you need extra parts you didn't think of. Wrecked trucks are out there to be had.

[4thesporty]

Well, I found another complete truck, asking $1500. Going to look at it tonight.

[4thesporty]

OK, the $1500 truck turned out to have 450,000 original miles. I can't believe the odometer made it that long! I'm sure it is a good engine, but a little tired, and it had fuel and oil leaks all over, so I'm passing on that.

I really want to go see the '93 W350 5speed. He is asking $2450 for the whole truck with a locked up rear end. He said I can bring a starter to put on and fire it up. My question is, how hard is it to put on a starter on these trucks? I have never worked on a 1st gen before. Is there much interference that needs to be removed, or is it pretty easy to get to?

[cmann250]

My question is, how hard is it to put on a starter on these trucks? I have never worked on a 1st gen before. Is there much interference that needs to be removed, or is it pretty easy to get to?

3 bolts and they are 12 points. I want to say 7/16", but don't hold me to it. It should take 10 min at the most. Easy to get to

[dazedandconfused]

Couple long extensions and a knuckle joint to get to that back bolt.

[PToombs]

If you're only going to start it to hear it run, just throw in the 2 easy bolts.

[4thesporty]

If you're only going to start it to hear it run, just throw in the 2 easy bolts.

Cool, I was hoping someone was going to say that

I don't suppose anyone is in the Ft. Worth, TX area that could lend a starter to keep me from buying a crappy reman from autozone, please

[4thesporty]

OK, I found one. I haven't looked at it in person yet, but he sent me a video of it starting and running. Everything looks good and the price is right!

I'm going to look at it and probably pick it up next weekend. I need to figure out how I am going to transport it in the back of my truck. I am thinking of making a wooden cradle, then strap it down. Anyone ever done this, or have some dimensions for me?

Something like this, just not a 6.7:

[dazedandconfused]

Normally i throw a few old tires in the bed and set it upright on the tires and strap it down.

[PToombs]

6x6 for the shallow end of the pan and strap it down good. Don't use harbor freight tiedowns unless you have a dozen of them. Tires work too.

[4thesporty]

Look what followed me home





Looks like an unmolested pump on a pretty clean engine. I was supposed to be going to look at a '95 engine, and got there and he had this on the cherry picker. I made a deal to drive away with this for $500 and he is supposedly bringing me a p pump/injector lines/timing case from the '95 motor for $450 today.

I'm going to get this cleaned up and in the garage so I can see if it fires and go from there. Look for a build thread soon.