hi,


I am having, basically the same problem as Camotrucks55....... we did a pressure test 3 months ago --- to determine where the missing coolant was and could not find it. Over the last 3 months --- went thru 2 gallons of antifreeze ( 50/50 ) and at last oil change 2 days ago ---- Found the sludge


my 5.3 motor has 142,000 --- and my mechanic is recommending we drop a new motor in it --- $ 4000-5000. We like the truck and have had it for 12 years --- so may end up doing it since taking apart the engine and checking the heads --- and or replacing them will cost me $$$ , so maybe dropping a new engine in it is best .


MY QUESTION : I will ask my mechanic --- BUT where would YOU GUYS recommend we get the engine from ?


JASPER , CRATE ENGINE DEPOT , ETC ?


Since I have a 2001 Tahoe 5.3 --- I read someone else post in 2012 to get the NEW 1999 eng -- stock # 12457705 -- then re-use the top end & front end from the original motor ?


any help or thoughts would be helpful

 

So, just to put this in perspective, you can find a LOT of Tahoes for $6,000.
You're going to spend $5,000 on a vehicle worth $6,000? When is the transmission going to go? When is the (insert expensive part here) going to go? A/C? etc. etc.?
Doesn't seem like the best choice, when for 0-1k more you could have another one, and use your existing one as entire warehouse of spare parts.

Used 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe - in 90210 Area - on Cars.com

I'm not saying don't do it, but at some point fixing a broken vehicle doesn't make financial cents... (get it?).
check auto trader too.. lots of cars on there.
or even carmax. They will sell you a car with a warranty (if you like).

http://www.carmax.com/search?ASc=14&...results%20page

Just throwing out the option. I hate to see anyone waste $.

Not to mention dozens of other vehicles in the 5-7k used market right now. Tahoes, Suburbans, Escapes, 4Runners, etc. etc. Mazda Tribute (same as Escape last gen) BEST car for the $ I've ever spent!

KBB is not kind to the 2001 Tahoe. $4,300
http://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/tahoe/2...=private-party

So, you are going to spend $4500 to fix a $4500 car...

I just realized that the $55,000 I spent on my 09 Tahoe will someday result in this same situation
A car that's worth 10% of what it was new... so that would be 09+14 years = 2023.

 

Yes, I am in agreement with you on spending $ 4000-ish on a vehicle worth $ 4500 KBB Value. it is my wife's car for last 12 years ... and we have been going to this mechanic for last 10 years.... My wife loves the car and my handicapped daughter can get in and out of it easier than my small suv. If we are able to get 3 more years out of the vehicle -- it would be a bonus. I would kind of feel a little bad by passing my problem onto someone else by trading into dealer and spending $ 4000 cash for a used $ 8000 SUV 6-7 years old and then getting into the wear and tear -- repairs that come along. It is a tough decicion