So I need a new 360 gas motor for a '98...
The motor's bottom end is junk and can't keep oil pressure up... The truck has 167k hard miles that I assume had some very spotty maintenance.

Am I better off getting a long block from somewhere and keeping my accesories, water pump, alternator, etc. OR finding a short block, and having my heads ported and cleaned up and slapping them on a short block in an attempt to save a few bucks..? I have been reading about how often our heads crack which has me a little skeptical

I would love to tackle a rebuild, but my time at home is very restricted and spotty due to working on the road to make ends meet. I will more than likely have just enough time to do a swap myself and hopefully have a buddy help when I need it.

I have done some searching here on DF and have looked at engine options from Rockauto, KY Motor Supply, and Motor Works Engines

 

If it comes down to time, just get what suits your needs best.

And if I'm not mistaken, a long block will still only come with the block +heads. You will still need to install the water pump, front cover, etc... Don't quote me on that, I'm running on 2.5 hours of sleep.

 

DK is correct a long block is just the short block with heads normally.

Here is my take on it. Even when getting a long block all your going to get is stock style heads. So your still going to have the cracking issues. So if it was me and I was in your position I would find a short block and then get a pair of EQ heads from Clearwater heads or Oasis I think is thier name. They both sell the same heads and you can find them on Ebay. The EQ heads are a new casting and don't have the cracking issues. Not saving you much if any money but you'll have a good engine when your done.

 

Yeah I noted that I will be keeping water pump, alternator, fuel lines, etc

I was also looking into somewhere that I could possibly upgrade the camshaft for a couple hundred in hopes getting better air flow

I definitely like the idea of finding better heads to match a remaned short block

 

That you did...ignore my post then

 

Some of the long block folks will let you upgrade various parts, for a bit more money. Some places even offer 'performance' engines.... but, expect to pay a premium price for those.....

Wildman has a good idea there. Putting better parts on your new motor would ensure you get to drive problem free (at least as far as the engine goes....) for the foreseeable future.

Read the engine warranty very carefully, 99% of them want a NEW water pump when the engine is installed. Quite frankly, it's cheap insurance......

 

No reason to ever re-use a water pump on a brand new motor anyway... Like HeyYou said, cheap insurance.

 

I bought a "New" reman long block for a car back in high school from ATK. It was $2500 shipped plus a $500 core. The whole deal was smooth sailing. Had a 5 year/70000 mile warranty and I never needed it. They required the water pump be replaced and I think they wanted the hoses replaced and radiator inspected. Came with a new oil pump.

Wish I could afford to do it with my truck but it's just too expensive. I think I'll go the junkyard route when the time comes.

 

And I suppose you have to have it professionally installed for a valid warranty too Either way I will probably grab a new water pump seeing how they aren't terribly expensive anyhow....

So the plans of now are to find a reman shortblock, EQ headers, water pump, and possibly a few extras if I can find a little breathing room in the budget

 

Precision Engine has an "extra long" block for 1200..... might wanna contact them, and see if they would do the EQ heads, or, just sell you a short block.