What would be a more cost effective and/or better solution? Should I buy a rebuild kit for an old 5.2 engine I picked up or should I buy a crate motor and finish it off? I want to be able to put this big project to rest and be proud of something that strong and works great. What should I do?

 

Moved to the correct section. Please make sure you are posting your tech questions in the section for your vehicle.

 

Probably pretty close to the same price...... A lot depends on what your engine needs... it can easily run MORE than the cost of a long block. Also, long block will come with a warranty.... and will get your project on the road MUCH faster.

 

Get a 5.9 core and work that one, more upside.

 

There are upsides and downsides to both, Crate motors usually don't have individual parts by certain manufacture unless built that way. Depends on what you are looking for. What engine kit are you looking at? I see a lot of stuff by "enginetech" on ebay if that's what you are looking at. I never heard of "enginetech" up to a couple of years ago. Still can't find out who makes these parts. Seen some info that are are made by known manufactures but how true is it? No "enginetech" parts would go into a motor i build! Building the motor yourself you know exactly what's in it and how it was done. I have seen reman short block engines come with dirt in the head bolt holes.

 

Rebuild kits are cheap. Machine work is what starts adding up. Over bore, hone (45*cross hatch) crank grind or polish. I had a 360 Magnum I rebuilt, $750 at the machine shop. Block decking, .020 over bore, crank polish, cam bearing install, .020 piston rings kit, bearings. Most of it was machine work cost, and some parts. $300 for the .020 piston and rings. I've got roughly 5Gs in the engine alone, no warranty but it's built how I wanted it.

 

And that right there is the BEST reason to do it yourself. If you are just going to do a stock rebuild, it's cheaper/easier to just buy a long block.

 

have you tried doing a leakdown test on the engine? there is a good chance that it might not even need a rebuild. may just need a reseal