Switching gears...

[Low82C10]

ive posted on here a few times, i saved up enough money for a LS motor swap. just got some bad news this week about a family member. i dont have times to mess with a LS swap or the time to do my own rebuild. i have a 82 c10 with a 350 that had compression issues. i found a place here in arizona that rebuilds engines he has a few different packages. for a rebuild with all new parts inside, a upgraded cam, balanced pretty much a complete setup with out intake and carb for 1300 bucks with i think 3 year warranty. is that too much? i checked out his shop, he seems real legit he let me walk around check out the motors they are currently building. he has been around for i guess over 20 years, just trying to figure out if im paying to much or not. and does anyone have any suggestions for shop in or around phoenix area?

[454Man]

Great price! And with a 3 year warranty makes it better

[jaredts]

I've seen cheaper, but if the guy has a good reputation and is local that would be a good way to go.  Shipping something in for the same price has its drawbacks.  Are you sure your engine doesn't just need a valve job?

[Low82C10]

it might, i noticed the cylinders were all in decent shape no like really big noticeable scores. i have thought about maybe just doing what the motor needs, but then i got back and think what else can go wrong after i put it back together and just as i fix one thing someone else goes. when i 1st got the truck the spark plugs were caked in oil, when i changed them out, not even 100 miles and they were starting to get caked again. the vent on the valve cover would smoke a ton. when i took a head off, i noticed piston #2 had like a bunch of charcoal on the top of it and that was the piston that had the lowest reading on compression which was at like 60PSI i guess i would just rather replace a whole engine at this point then piece it back together one repair at a time.

[jaredts]

I had decided to replace my engine for the same reasons you stated.  I wanted everything new and be done with it.  I decided in the end to roll the dice and just swap heads and have been very happy I did.  My bottom end or timing chain or cam could go at any time, but I have plenty of miles on it and so far so good.  A cylinder leakdown test indicated it was just an exhaust valve causing my compression problem on #4, but with all of the smoke from the tailpipe and valve cover I was nervous.  After the head swap the only smoke I get is when its 30 degrees or below for the first few minutes of running--kind of normal but you can tell there's some miles on it.

[bake74]

     I have seen rebuilds cost more, you have checked out his shop and seem to think he knows his stuff, have you had the chance to talk to any previous customers ?  If you feel like you can trust him, I would say that is a fair price for an engine rebuild.