I have a 1997 Silverado K2500, 5.7L 350, 4L60E (I'm told), 4x4, Ext Cab w/ 3" body lift and 33" tires. My baby is starting to run rough, and make tell tale sounds of needing a new engine. I'm hearing lifters tapping, have realized a major loss in power (couldn't keep up with my wife's 2008 Dodge Caliber - ya, sad and embarrasing, i know), front seal leaks a full oil change every 3k miles or so, and worse, she gets 6-7 mpg on a stock engine. All this loss of power even tho I have removed both cats and mufflers, and am running 2 1/2" pipes with 2 1/2" Thrush Glass Packs straight off the Manifolds and right out the back. SHE's TIRED!!!

I'm not particulary concerned about the money, (tho i don't want to spend a fortune), and crate engines are not out of the question. The research i've done tells me that she has a Vortec 5700 L31 engine. I've seen long blocks at Jegs for around $2199, and rebuild kits around $600 that do not include rods, or rod caps.

Can anyone verify my information, and give me a STRONG recommendation on what to do here? I have the capability, tools, and knowledge to rebuild this babe, (tho I'm not sure i really want to take the time). I've also been told by the previous owner, and mechanics that she has had a 383 stroker upgrade (tho having only 60k miles since the supposed upgrade, i'm wondering). Obviously, a long block swap would be easiest and less time consuming, but is it the best option?

The body and interior on this gal are in exceptional shape, (with the exception of a few wrinkles on her PS Ext Cab area just under the window). I've gone through her and replaced all her rust with new metal and paint, replaced her entire braking system (with the exception of the brake booster, pedals and ABS wiring). I've spent around 5k above the purchase price in add-ons, modifications, repairs and brakes, so I'm definately leaning towards keeping her. She's a great, solid, dependable truck (except new engine trouble) and i'd feel like a tool getting rid of her after 3 years of owning and loving her She's my 3rd Silverado, and by far the best, and most enjoyable to drive (tho not the newest).

Thanks a bunch in advance for all your advice, and help!!

FreakShow

 

you can get crate motors from gm in vortec 5.7s at around $1300-1800 depending on the parts department you go through as well

 

TY for that, not sure where you are finding these prices. i found a reman for $1200.00 but the site was way old, and had no contact information, LOL.

I've found out via V.I.N. research that she has a 4L80E tranny and a NP 243 T/C. seems like I have a good package built here, and wife wants me to keep her as well, so that's what I'm gonna do. just need to find one of those $1200 to $1800 long blocks, and I'll be in business again. can u be a bit more specific, plz? You have web addresses maybe? sorry to be a pain!!

 

Here is an option...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVR...item1c13b31ef2

 

check with your local chevy dealer. like i said, it depends on the dealer, they're given a lot of wiggle room. the one i work at charges about $2000 for a walk in customer. however im told the hub in memphis (chuck hutton) charges about $500 dollars less than we do, because we have to pay to ship ours from chuck hutton to us.

 

HOLY FREAKIN CRAP!! $1124 (including $325 core) so basically $800.00!!!

no valve covers, intake, throttle body, timing cover, oil pan, or front end, but WTF, mine are in GREAT shape, i can just swap em...

DUDE, U ROCK!!!! TYSVM, roflmfao!!

My lovely wife just gave me to go on buying it too, woot woot!!!

i love ebay!!!

use em all the time, never thot to look...

yup. imma dumb bunny some times

again, tysvm!!

now i gotta find a tranny and t-case, rofl

-Freak