Wanting to rebuild my '89 454tbi, what is the right way??

[River Bum]

I am looking to have someone rebuild my '89 suburban/454tbi engine. Please tell me what I should make sure the shop does, so they do it right? Can anyone recommend someone in So. Calif. to do it? (besides the dealer, as they say they dont really do it anymore) I want it done right, please help.

Thanks,

Ron

[dancerman]

The answer will depend on the condition of your engine. If it basically runs good but lacks the zip it used to have then the rebuild should be straight forward... but if there are obvious problems with it then you may be in for a costly job.
Assuming the former and the block and heads check out with no cracks and are straight....
the basic rebuild will include new bearings, piston rings and a valve job. All of these will require machine work to bring the associated parts to spec or new parts to replace those beyond saving. Chances are you will need to bore the cylinders and get new oversize pistons. The crankshaft will likely need to be ground. And a new camshaft and lifters is usually a given. Don't forget the new gasket set and all the labor. You may want to get an estimate and compare that to a new crate motor. A good machine shop will be clean and organized and the cheapest shop will not be better.

[River Bum]

I have found prices to rebuild from $999-$3,000 and warranty from 4 months to 5 years, and whats funny, the higher the price the less the warranty, yep...The $999 had a 5 year warranty! I have found a crate from GM and my local dealer for $3500 and my neighbor would do the swap for $200. The only problem I have is loss of oil, 1 qt per 800 miles and the main seal just started to leak (so maybe more oil per mileage now) and 180,000+ miles on the tach. Otherwise, it runs GREAT! What is the average price?

Ron
(So. California)

[dancerman]

Sounds to me like you have the prices there.... for a quart of oil every few weeks and an engine that runs good....I'm not sure I'd spend the cash. Have your mechanic do a tuneup including a compression check and cylinder leak test (just to be sure the insides are OK) and get the oil leak fixed. BTW ... a 5 year warranty.... unheard of.

[River Bum]

In my area, there are about 5 places that have a 5 year/un-limited warranty. I am going to do the compression check. Will let you guys know what happens. How long do these engines last? 200,000;300,000 miles?

Thanks

[mikey]

Ther are a lot of places to buy rebuilt motors from discount auto supplies to NAPA to General Motors and all have different prices and places like engine lab that will pull your motor and rebuild it and replace it.

[River Bum]

Mikey,
Who is cheap and good though? Pep-boys told me..."I wouldn't buy one from here" Thats scarey!

[wileys_farm]

do the job yourself. You will know what goes into it and I promise it will be much cheaper.

[River Bum]

I have never did one before, so I want to rebuilt or replace with gm crate. I wish I could do it though.

Ron

[wileys_farm]

What your planning on doing with the engine should determine what you buy. If you want to race go with a rebuild because in no time you will be goin through it again if you are just street driving go with a top notch new engine. Prices where your from is much different from here in ky. Look in other states prices seem to differ dramastically. A gm 350 can be found for about 399 here and a new one about 600. I know a big block will be quiet higher but check around first. I still say buy a manual,touque wrench,a set of sockets and an engine stand and do it yourself. If ya can figure something out someone around your area I know can put their 2 cents worth in.

[River Bum]

If I buy a new one, my old neighbor said he would come back on a weekend and do it for me for $200, if I buy a new one. What are some of the names and number to the dealers in your area so maybe I can have them ship me a new one (GM Crate). I only plan on driving it on the street, as it is a Suburban. I am looking for a GM Crate for a '89 Suburban/454tbi, if you can send me some numbers and names of local dealers, that would be great! As here in California, the prices for a new one is $3500 :(

Thanks,

Ron

[jtpredator]

Have you checked SUMMIT yet ?? if you want to replace your big block, why not go BIG block and hook up a 502 under the hood. They are a bit pricy, but HP to spare, and they are a good crate motor.

JT

www.summitracing.com

[River Bum]

502 maybe to big for me....and on gas too! Looking to stay with the 454tbi. The dealer wants $3500, was looking to see if I could find it cheaper...

Ron

[MARIO68JR]

rebuild it yourself and you will grow to know how to do it you can buy a hanes book or chiltons book , i like hanes better they tell you step by step how to do it . go to your local auto parts store and look through a book and then decide . it is not that bad rebuilding after i did it the first time i can close my eyes and do it and know it will be great.
later mario

[River Bum]

Thanks Mario, but I have to 2 bulging dics AKA bad back. WIsh I could :(

Ron