We have battled fowling and had tune up's done x2, spider injection harness replaced, as well as other things I can't identify, or understand. A friend and me did the water pump. Shop did a gasket of some sort? After the spider harness, it has ran pretty good for about a year, and thought it was good to go. Now the #5 misfire is the problem. I have spent dang near enough on this engine the last 3-4 years to have a huge dent in the cost of a new motor. I change the oil and do very light maintenance on all our vehicles. A motor swap is light years outta my comfort zone. I have shot trap with the mechanic since we were kids, and is a straight shooter at the range and with his business. I sure do appreciate all the comments on here as I value the opinions of the folks on here as well...Doing my best to make an informed decision. We shall see what they find!
Didn’t read the last 2 pages but based on this post, 100% this is what I’d do.
If it were me and I wanted the cheap option, I’d buy a used engine or vehicle for cheap and slap a new motor in it. 350s are dime a dozen.
But If you have to pay retail to fix, you’re spending what it’s worth. Don’t do it.
Put it on CL yesterday. If it’s as clean as you say, you’ll get $1-2k for it. Add the $4-5k and find another one.
Bonus if you can drive it for a while while searching.
Deals are out there. Almost bought a 99 Escalade grandma mobile lowmiles perfect but it sold before I was able to look at it.
But I bought a winter beater Tahoe for the wife last fall. 2001 loaded Tahoe, 9 out of 10 condition. 108k miles for $5k. They’re out there if you can find them.
If it was spring time, I’d sell it to you! But still piling on the miles in the rain while the nice car stays tucked away....
Have cash, even if you have to take a short term loan until the cash flow comes around. You won’t get a deal unless you can jump on it.
