I'm faced with a really difficult choice.

My 1995 Chevy C1500 needs nearly $2500 in repair work. The entire exhaust system needs to be replaced, including even the manifolds. The front brake pads, rotors and calipers all need to be replaced, as does a power steering hose. And that $2500 estimate does not include other issues, like a coolant leak that only appears when the weather is really cold (goes away when the engine is warmed up) and an intermittent throttle position sensor issue. The truck has 144K miles. The frame is solid, but the cab is rusting through along the bottom. The transmission seems fine, although the fluid hasn't been flushed for a long time.

Now here's my dilemma: Fixing this truck might be cheaper than replacing it, but on the other hand, I'm reluctant to put that much money into a 17 year old vehicle that's seen better days. I know there are other things that'll likely need replacing eventually, like fuel lines and brake lines.

I've been looking at trucks for sale. I found a pristine '97 C1500 with a mere 37K miles and another '97 with 90K, both with the Vortec 5.7, but I've read about the leaky Vortec intake manifold gaskets, and it makes me hesitate a little on those. I also found a 2002 Silverado with 100K, Vortec V8 engine, but I'm not sure if it's the 4.8 or the 5.3.

So...did GM ever resolve the leaky gasket issues on the Vortec engines, and if so, when?

And what would you do in my situation? Any advice is certainly appreciated, because right now I have no idea what I'm going to do.

 

I'd replace it, and I have never had a problem with the 5.7L engine, but personally like t he 5.3L engine better.

 

The intake gaskets are much cheaper to fix than rust.
From what you're describing I'd look into upgrading to a nicer truck.