My cousin lives in Houston, TX and is in need of a new or rebuilt engine (1999. I have no idea as to where to start in my search or which company to trust. However, I have read that some places use used parts to rebuild which causes problems. She needs the engine to be reliable, as her livelihood depends on it. In addition, please recommend cost effective strategies (if possible) as she is also on a tight budget.

Thank you in advance!

Check out Jasper. Cost (aside from the engine cost) is dependent on the installer labor rates.

https://www.jasperengines.com/

Depending on which parts you're talking about, they will be most certainly used in a rebuild. Crank shafts, rods, cams that are still in spec, etc, will all be reused on a rebuild. They'll just be resurfaced, along with the block and have over sized bearings, pistons and rings installed to accommodate the new dimensions. The same process is used if you buy an engine from Dodge themselves. I'd stay away from a "cheap" crate motor, because cheap usually means that they've cut corners in labor. My buddy recently purchased a Jasper rebuild. It seems to be a solid engine so far, but time will tell. Before we put it in, we pulled the pan and checked clearance on the mains and rod bearings with Plastigauge, and it was spot on.

Any engine rebuilder is going to be hit and miss, Jasper, at least, has a good warranty policy on their motors. But, in order to get that good warranty, you MUST have a professional shop install it. So, eight to ten hours labor, and whatever the going rate is, plus fluids, a selection of gaskets, (as the engine isn't 'complete', and ready to drop in, gotta transfer over the tin, and intake/exhaust manifolds, etc.) May also need things like a new water pump, and coolant hoses..... so, all things considered, you are looking at a couple thousand to go from a dead truck, to a driveable truck.

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thanks so much for your feedback!