Anyone have an idea as to the average engine life of the 5.2 L 318? I have 176k on mine now, would it be worth it to pull it out and rebuild it with new parts and have it cleaned up? I have never rebuilt an engine, but I have the time and money to do it (is $1500 enough?)

 

As long as you DIY your in like Flint.

You could do some nice things with $1500 and a rebuild. The parts are gonna cost anywhere from $450-$900 depending what all you want to do. The higher side actually comes with Pistons, Cams, and Lifters too... which for me is unique. I always got my pistons seperatly.

Bottomline, if you dont need the truck for a week or two, tear into her. Your engines just now getting into it's 'golden years' and could use some TLC. Do it right (dont half-***) and theres no reason you shouldn't get over 300k from that workhorse. And while your at it, repaint the block, replace the valve covers with shiney ones form Edelbrok and so one. Spend $200 on shiney things and you'll thank yourself later.



Edit: make sure youg et a nice kit though, dont lowball yourself into getting paper-gaskets. Get something by Fel-pro or better. Mr. Gasket has GREAT parts but will cost you a little more. I dont care who says what, your engines only as tough as its weakest gasket. If you use some BS paper gasket somewhere its bound to fail within a short period of time. Go high end with Fe-Pro or Mr. Gasket, you'lll enjoy the engine longer. No need to rebuild, then 3 months later have to replace a ______ gasket because its leaking all over your newly painting block or squirting ______ fluids up onto your inner hood.

 

People dont buy the 5.2 for its power....(or lack of)
The 5.2 is what I would call a bullet proof motor. It will last you a long long time.

Besides, car/pickup engines are not like dirt bikes or snowmobiles.
You don't just re-ring them on a regular basis.
Unless you have piston slap, low compression, oil usage, or a knock - there would be no reason to tear it down.

IF you were to tear it down, re-ring, clean, new seals and gaskets - your own labor and not hired out $1500 would cover it pretty easily.
An overhaul kit will run between 400-600, depending on how much is in the kit and where you buy it.

 

Replace the timing chain, and your good to go, unless you have some reason it needs to be rebuilt. Mine has 212,000 miles of pulling and plowing, still runs strong. ( a valve job and T chain)
Magnum rebuild kits are around 600-800, for a good one, add another 500 for head work. Most magnum heads I have pulled are cracked though.

 

I say if you want to rebuild it, go for it. Master rebuild kit is your best bet. If you do it, don't go though Summit Racing or Jegs, they are not Mopar friendly. Buy any Mopar Magazine and you'll find everything you want. It has help me out alot. I have 150,000 miles on mine and it runs perfect. I change out the gear from 3.55 to 4.10. I have Summit Racing Headers with 2 1/4 piping to a Dynomax H-pipe muffler, Accel Super Street Coil, Accel Super 8.5mm wires, Autolite plugs, and on the way Jet Performance Stage 2 Chip. I have a 1991 Dodge D-150 and it has some ***** for a 318.

 

I don't know about the average life but mine was just getting broken in at that mileage. Now it has over 400,000 miles on it. It's still original (the engine). It has the original alternator on it. I am going to put a 360 in it soon though. It's getting kinda pokey in it's old age.