What's the pressure at idle? If it is still around 40 or so, that implies the bearings are still in good shape. So, bottom end is still good. Its the heads that make me nervous, they weren't the best from the factory. Better design heads can be had for under 300 each. A bit more than what you would pay for machine work, but, all parts are NEW, and better...

 

I'm worried about the top end too... I was "shopping" on hughes web site and these are the number's I'd like to get

Full Gasket Set- HUG3019,
Oil Pan- HUG6101,
180 thermo- HUG1839,
360-408 Stroker kit- HUG360STROCKERKIT MAG,
Plenum Repair Kit- HUG7720,
V/C's- HUG1805,
Camshaft- HUGHER0814AL,
Timeing Chain- HUG6440,
Cam Bolt- HUG7011,
Head Bolts- HUG7181M,
Pushrods- HUG5260,
Headers- EDE65643

Grand total is about $3120.. I know I could get some of the stuff cheaper

 

And you still don't have heads on that list......

 

i would do the heads 1st and see what that does and keep the R.R as your cam ? new heads come with new springs,and pushrods... you should be good to go.. of i would say get the airgap too. ad get sct and should be a mean truck

 

what about rings?

 

i think its crazy as hell to put a $4500 engine in a $2500 truck.

if your compression and heads are ok. you can replace all your gaskets and hoses, plenum, seals, oil pump, waterpump, etc for about $600 in parts and likely drive it for another 240k. if your compression is not ok, then you'll need to pull the motor and do the whole thing for about 1000-1500 in parts, or, look for a junkyard motor for less than that - but - for a 5.9 your talking about a 10 year old engine, so finding a low mileage gem is pretty slim. even if it is low mileage, it may need new gaskets.

 

when you put it like that.... does sound a little crazy.... maybe I just should do what you said...I guess the first step will be a compression test on each cyclinder?

 

Leakdown would be better, if you have the tools/facility to do so. It not only tells you how bad you are leaking, it also tells you WHERE IT IS GOING.

I love my leakdown gauge.

 

wish i had a leakdown gauge....

 

Am I the only one that thinks it is crazy to put a PERFORMANCE top end kit on a 240K engine?

I did the same thing with my camaro. Ended up I had blow by BEFORE the build and the higher compression heads and monster cam made every seal leak (oil oan and timing chain cover). I basically spent $4000 to blow my motor.

If you are doing the top end on a 240K motor without honing the cylinders and getting new rings...it is NOT WISE to put it lightly. Friggin stupid is actually what i am thinking. I only say that because in 2001 when I did that with my IROC...I was friggin stupid.