We experienced serious engine problems at 140k. Were quoted a possible new (rebuilt) engine upwards of $6-7. Or at least $500-600 to properly diagnose.

My father in law, a retired mechanic, who happens to be very ill was nice enough to let me use his shop and help me tear it down to find the issue. Turns out a lifter had broke free of the tray, rotating 90 degrees and scraping against the cam. Relatively good news.

My FIL is a bit stoic and he's pretty ill, but he suggested while we are this deep into the engine to basically rebuild it.

Aside from new lifters, new camshaft, reconditioning the heads, and obviously all new gaskets, what else should I replace on this 5.3 to get a good amount of life out of it?

We love this burb, the body and interior are great and tranny has only 60k on it.

I'm not a mechanic but am inclined and I have him watching over my work (literally in a directors chair) so detailed advice would be helpful. He's not a "detail guy" and is used to doing everything on his own.

Thanks in advance. I searched but didn't find anything applicable to my situation.

 

Welcome to the forum.

With that kind of mileage you might need to overbore 0.030" which means new pistons. While at the machine shop have it align bored and the block deck checked and possibly squared up. Also the heads should be checked to see if they need any machine work e.g. valve seats, valve guides, and flatness. Of course all of the bearings will need replacing and replacing the oil pump wouldn't be a bad idea.