Cost of engine replacement or rebuild

I just purchased a 97 firan 33 foot with a blown up 7.4.
Previous owner checked at a shop and they wanted $10k-$12k for new engine and r&r. I’ve always done my own work so I pulled it and rebuilt it. I’m still almost $3k in. I will say, pulling it and reinstalling was the toughest motor job I’ve ever done! Keep maintenance done and you shouldn’t have any problems. Now as for the 3000 mile or 5000-7500 mile oil changes, do whatever you feel. Mine has 32,000 miles on it and the oiling system was the issue with why it blew. Most vehicles that state a 7500 mile change also don’t weigh 16,000lbs...
I will be doing mine every 3,000 miles.

I had a 7.4L carbureted rebuilt in 2013 (yeah, I know). It cost me right at $5K for parts and labor. FWIW

No matter when it goes, next year or tomorrow, it cost big bucks, when your a regular working stiff, even bigger impact when your a retired working stiff
2012 in frame rebuild of the Cummins in the DP, $7000 and two weeks motel expense , full timing and on a trip
3 yrs later turbo went out, blew oil everywhere,but where it was so
Posed to go, $15000 rebuild and 2 weeks In the motel
All you can do is keep some money available and pray, it doesn't happen during your big vacation trip across country

Teleman wrote:
A good thing is that I haven't seen the temp climb at all even in first gear on steep hills. I haven't driven in hot weather yet though.

Post back in July and let us know how you do. The real test is a 90 degree day on a long incline. There are a number of things you can do if it runs hot.

A good thing is that I haven't seen the temp climb at all even in first gear on steep hills. I haven't driven in hot weather yet though.

I worry more about the transmission, wheel bearings, belts, hoses, etc. than the engine. Our MH is low mileage (under 30k) but it is 20 years old so many thing can fail from age!

I have a 125,000 miles on mine now with just spark plug, wires, distributer cap and rotors changes. As Bud said I worry more about the transmission, so I change the filter and fluid every 30,000 miles or so along with the rear end fluid. I think Headers, FF muffler sans cat, and a CAI will help it run cooler, add about 80 HP, and give it a longer life. 454's run hot so these mods will help it run cooler which will add to the engine and transmission life. My engine uses about 1/2 qt of oil between oil changes every 7000 miles or so. Every 3 years or so I run Seafoam or Berriman's B-12 through the TBI just to keep the top end clean and every 5 years through the crankcase. Syn oil will also keep the crank case clean. A friend had a crate engine install for about $9000, watch the heat and maintain it and you will see 250,000 miles if not save $10,000 for an engine replacement.

That Porsche engine probably came out from under the car. Maybe 10 thousand in parts and 30 thousand in labor LoL!!

Rocky2 wrote:
My 8.1 Vortec had 93,383 miles when it blew. Why? The catalytic converter created so much back pressure it blew the seals out and pumped the oil out at 55mph. It was just short of $10k to have all the work done.

Ouch! Was there a way to know that your CC was malfunctioning? I've never heard of this.

My 8.1 Vortec had 93,383 miles when it blew. Why? The catalytic converter created so much back pressure it blew the seals out and pumped the oil out at 55mph. It was just short of $10k to have all the work done.