Gonna goose my own thread here with an update:
This has been quite a fiasco for me. Many considerations, and again, much appreciation for all the input from everyone.
After much consideration, due diligence and homework, I decided to repair my engine. I scoured Kijiji for weeks looking at newer used trucks. Very pricey for sure. I am astounded at the value a used truck like mine holds...
Anyways, to the point, I found a really good diesel mechanic that knows the Duramax inside out and backwards. Highly skilled at his trade. And honest too.
He tore the engine down, and determined both heads were done. Guess it got hotter than I thought it did. One was warped 9 thou and the other 13 thou. I now own a pair of doorstops.
Back to Kijiji, I found a good used pair of LBZ heads for 800 bucks. About a 7.5 hour drive one way to inspect them. Hmmm. He sent pics, they looked good, seller said they were bolt on. Took a chance and bought them, arranged shipping. Turns out he wasn't kidding. They were perfect. Mechanic had them vacuum tested and took a skim cut off to make sure the surface was perfect.
Got a text a couple nights ago, a 57 second video clip of it purring like a kitten. Yahoo!
Haven't got it back yet, but I will be picking it up on Thursday, all ready to go.
I'm into it for about $7800, not including the cost of a couple towtruck rides.
All in all, I'm happy with my decision. Still has a lot of miles, but should have some more to go.
In my search I did find a complete engine for 4 grand, but its condition was unknown. Seller claimed it had one third the miles of mine, but who knows. I bought mine new, I know everything that has been done to it. Would have been at least 2G labor to swap it too.
Did I make the right decision? Time will tell. I hope so.
I do know this, it's paid for and I like that.
It's been a tough go, and it hasn't been overly convenient working out of a PT Cruiser.... But I made it work. It's been over 2 months without my truck. I'll appreciate it a whole lot more.
