You might be able to freshen up yours, and stay within budget..... How much are used motors going for around you?

If you get an older motor, you will need the flexplate, AND the torque converter. Older transmissions won't work for ya. (yeah, those changed too....) I am not sure if just getting a flexplate for a newer motor would work, although, I think it should......

Get a PCM for the same year truck, with same trans, and it will hook right up.

 

Why don't we start from the beginning before you chunk too much money.

How many miles on the current engine?
What symptoms are you seeing/hearing?
What work has already been done on truck?

You may not need a new motor...but then again, you might. But more information may help determine that and save some bucks.

 

If i could find either magnum motor i would be freaking thrilled. im scowering CL and i know ebay is between 500-1000 depending on the motor

 

And you are gambling that the seller is being honest with you about age, year model, condition, etc. I would suggest review previous post as creating a rational starting point....

 

Gotta agree here. This is where we should be starting.

 

265XXX miles
watching the mechanical gauge from start up at 60-si drop down to 7psi and eventually bottom out at idle
whe its idling theres a lot of tapping and valvetrain noise possible knocking the bottom end is loud whenits idleing but goes away when driving or when i take the rpm up a little
new oil pump pick up tube and swapped out the electronic sending unit to mechanical