Johnny Crab

Our white 2000 Express 1500 conversion 5.0 engine finally gave up the ghost today but fortunately it was leaving the house and was able to be driven home. The engine has about 272K miles and, thanks to Mobil 1, has SURVIVED this long with two major stresses thanks to Mobil 1 IMO:
1) Had the gasket leak antifreeze into the oil at about 170k, replaced gasket
2) PLASTIC radiator drain plug cracked, dumped coolant, drove 1 mile redlined heat at 200K(had to drive off of a bridge, no shoulder).

So it was tired.
We LOVE this van(nicknamed White Workhorse), have had it since it had 30K miles, and it is set up to tow(has towed a bit moving children to and from college and around Texas). Trans is still good and can be "made as new" by a shop that has done a number of co-workers' trucks(that is already budgeted for).

Questions:

Should we replace the engine with a new GM 5.0(~$1700~1900 + labor), a Jasper, or have the best local shop rebuild it?

What sort of costs, besides the engine, should we expect with labor + misc parts(sensors, etc)?

Thanks,
JC

Our budget is about $5K and we do NOT want a new vehicle note and could not afford a new(or almost new) van.

the_engineers

A little more power...
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...make/chevrolet

93ChevyVan

I would switch to a 5.7L engine with 260HP for your towing needs. It is my understanding that they are the same size as the 5.0L (what I have too) and can simply plug n play to the transmission. I plan to do this switch if my 5.0L ever fails. Not sure which way to go yet (rebuild, Jasper, GM Goodwrench, etc. . )

canucklehead

Pick up a vortec 350 from a wrecker....you may find one that is only halfway through its lifespan.

greenfire

Id buy whatever one gives you the best and longest warranty.

tucker442

I've installed both and like the Jasper deal with the hose and belt kit. I am a 35 year GM Dealer A Tech and have seen a bunch so if the money is the same I think Jasper has a better warranty but check it out first.

Johnny Crab

Thanks all.
There are 3 folks competing for the work: local GM dealer, local shop we've used for 25 years, and the shop that did the intake manifold gasket work(when no one else would do it when we said "conversion van").

So far, the GM dealer quote is $6600.
Manifold gasket shop needed the VIN and will quote GM engine & Jasper. Their estimator said they do a lot of business with Jasper. I'll post the other quotes when they come in.
Local shop looked like they had a lot of work so he may be a few days.

rags_the_dog

Powertrain products inc is best for warrarty on engine they offer 4 year and 1 million warranty national and no fault warrarnty $299 than jasper..
but just want y know.. here link

Power Train Products Factory Tour-rebuilding engines, transmission, differentials, transfer cases and cylinder heads.

moparchevy

I would go with jegs but that is just me.

moparchevy

This is a good option