Bad news from my engine builder, advice needed

[weider1717]

I recently pulled the engine from my 87 k10/v10 to have rebuilt. It engine only has 68k miles and minimum wear lip.

However, the machine shop did find some hairline cracking in the block. The engine builder prefers I go with an all new replacement long block from GM. If I did I would want a new one not reman.

See picture I have some friends that are highly trained at welding that said they can look at it and try to grind out and weld back with correct rod and say prob be 75% sure it would be fine. Any thoughts I’d love to keep my original engine with the truck..
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[weider1717]

Originally Posted by weider1717

I recently pulled the engine from my 87 k10/v10 to have rebuilt. It engine only has 68k miles and minimum wear lip.

However, the machine shop did find some hairline cracking in the block. The engine builder prefers I go with an all new replacement long block from GM. If I did I would want a new one not reman.

See picture I have some friends that are highly trained at welding that said they can look at it and try to grind out and weld back with correct rod and say prob be 75% sure it would be fine. Any thoughts I’d love to keep my original engine with the truck..
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[mongocanfly]

Where are the cracks?...I've seen water jackets brazed up before...
But I wouldnt waste the time and money to try and weld it up...you might weld up the ones you can see , but what about the ones you cant see..
I would go with the engine builders advice...and wouldnt sweat it..
Theres really nothing collectable about the engine ....other than it's the original I assume..

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Not sure what your plans are, but I would consider going to a Vortec roller cam engine. Or atleast a roller cam.

Better power, and roller cam that handles today's oils without issue. Where flat tappets can wear out.

[jocko]

I'm with the mechanic - if you plan to keep the truck, it's probably best to put in at least a new short block. He can redo the heads while he waits on delivery Or you can go with the long block too - then you're back to brand new everything, which is always nice. Did you drop the engine or the truck off (i.e. are you going to reinstall the engine or is he?) Regardless, his labor cost should drop quite a bit if he's not rebuilding, regardless of who is going to install it - so you can kinda look at that as saving a little money on the purchase of the new long or short block. I've always looked at cracked blocks and heads as nature's way of telling me to buy something new. And I like Z+15's idea too, if budget allows.

[weider1717]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Where are the cracks?...I've seen water jackets brazed up before...
But I wouldnt waste the time and money to try and weld it up...you might weld up the ones you can see , but what about the ones you cant see..
I would go with the engine builders advice...and wouldnt sweat it..
Theres really nothing collectable about the engine ....other than it's the original I assume..

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[weider1717]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Where are the cracks?...I've seen water jackets brazed up before...
But I wouldnt waste the time and money to try and weld it up...you might weld up the ones you can see , but what about the ones you cant see..
I would go with the engine builders advice...and wouldnt sweat it..
Theres really nothing collectable about the engine ....other than it's the original I assume..

See 2nd post for attached picture
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[weider1717]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

Not sure what your plans are, but I would consider going to a Vortec roller cam engine. Or atleast a roller cam.

Better power, and roller cam that handles today's oils without issue. Where flat tappets can wear out.

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[weider1717]

Originally Posted by Ziegelsteinfaust

Not sure what your plans are, but I would consider going to a Vortec roller cam engine. Or atleast a roller cam.

Better power, and roller cam that handles today's oils without issue. Where flat tappets can wear out.

I can’t bolt my original intake manifold into vortec heads. Like to keep it as much original tbi as possible
Since that’s what the 87 is known for. Any other power options that are a better choice that will work with the tbi setup?
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[Mattchu60]

There is a GMPP TBI to Vortec intake manifold, I believe its spendy, but would allow you to use TBI on the vortec engine. You'll need some serious ECM reprogramming as well to go with that. May be more of a headache than its worth.

GM builds a TBI long block, just buy that and drop it in place.

[Palf70Step]

I agree, either get a new block or get a GM crate engine. I have had great luck with them, especially if you are doing stock or near stock applications.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by weider1717

I can’t bolt my original intake manifold into vortec heads. Like to keep it as much original tbi as possible
Since that’s what the 87 is known for. Any other power options that are a better choice that will work with the tbi setup?
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If you want to keep the tbi swapping to a roller cam is not in my wheel house.

I do know you can get tbi chips burnt, but whom to trust is the issue.

Plus any power upgrades with out a new chip will likely let you down.

[Wgesnerjr]

Also if you go crate think about rear main seal, 1 vs. 2 piece. That might dictate a different oil pan, IIRC. I would do a roller motor for sure.

[Warrens69GMC]

Originally Posted by Wgesnerjr

Also if you go crate think about rear main seal, 1 vs. 2 piece. That might dictate a different oil pan, IIRC. I would do a roller motor for sure.

87 is 1-piece

[Wgesnerjr]

Ok, didn't know what year the change over was.

[Just call me Sean]

'86 is the first year of the one piece rear main seal.