what would you do?

I replaced my 5.7L 1996 chevy engine with a crate engine from the dealer.

IF your TV is doing you well I would
1) Install a Jasper (I have their Transmission), using a mechanic if you can't do it yourself.
2) Install a factory new using a mechanic if you can't do it yourself.

I personally would not do any junkyard engines unless you have some good history. A new engine will bring a second life to your TV.

If you have the money to buy another then go ahead, I did not so I elected to install a new one.

Good luck in your decision making

I would probably rebuild it. Even at $5,100 it's cheaper than $51,000 for a newer one. You will probably get another 100,000 out of it. Trade in value will stink if it's not repaired.

FWIW, my company has used Jasper engines to rebuild its aging fleet since we didn't have the funds for new vehicles. I have to say that they've had a solid product in their engine rebuilds and we haven't had to make use of the warranty either. I'll also add that these vehicles are treated like absolute******with almost no regard to their condition. They're driven hard daily.

I'd be hesitant to buy one of these engines used. You might get what you already have. I would price Jasper against GM and go from there. They both have the same warranty, 3 yrs/100,000 miles. The 2 companies have been neck and neck on price for years, but on this engine family Jasper is most often the better deal. By a lot.

I have to admit I know nothing about these engines but what about the thought of repairing/rebuilding it yourself? Maybe you have some family or friends that could help? That is, assuming you know what exactly is wrong.

I just replaced the head gaskets in our Subaru (common issue) and saved about $2000. Haven't messed around with engines for 20+ years and was reluctant to do it myself because things are so complex these days. The great thing these days is that there is a Youtube video on how to repair just about anything automotive related. After watching a couple of them, I found taking the Subie engine apart and re-assembling pretty straightforward. I took the heads into a machine shop to get checked out which were fine. I had the check engine light come on at first and I kinda panicked. Bought an OBDII reader and found that I had just overlooked plugging a connector back in. I already had all the necessary tools though, which some may not have. I also managed to rebuild the entire front end of our truck last year and Youtube videos made it so much easier and re-assuring.

jerem0621 wrote:
Isn't the only way that modern roller camshafts are destroyed is due to a stuck roller lifter?........Jeremiah

Wife's 2010-1500 with 5.3 had a lifter roller go bad and take out the cam at 86,000 miles. All covered by GM 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. I thought it was a big job and all lifters and rollers were replaced as well as the cam. Involved many new gaskets and bolts as dealer said bolts could not be reused as they are stretched during assembly torque. Engine is just as good as before the issue and now has 110,000 miles. I was told it was a $3400 job so your price appears very high. Randu

Huntindog wrote:
Doing a cam job will be very labor intensive.
The easiest way is to pull the motor.
1500 may be about what the parts will cost.

As for if it is worth it... It is totally up to you. It may very well be time to get something else.

Hmmmmm, maybe your right and maybe I'm too cheap. I just did one the other day on a small block for $1,200. Made good money too. (It was not a roller though. Not that that makes any difference.)

I will rethink my pricing schedule. :W

GMC has a TSB for noisy lifters. When the lifter goes bad it takes the cam out with it.

I would take it to a good local shop and have them put a new cam and lifers in for about $1,500 and then go on vacation. :)