I have a 96 2wd blazer. There was alot of glitter in the oil on the last oil change so I am looking at either an engine rebuild or getting a new engine. I got excited and bought a used engine, but now I'm wondering if I should just get a new engine instead of rebuilding that one.

Just curious on what option, you would choose or if it's even worth doing a rebuild

 

IMO, you're going to spend at least as much to do a proper rebuild as it would cost to just buy one. And if you do it yourself, you don't get any warranty.

 

Keep in mind, buying that "new" engine isn't a new engine. It is a rebuilt engine, with no idea of the quality of parts in it, let alone what parts are new or even replaced. Rebuilding an engine, either yourself or a shop you trust, you know what was replaced and whether they were new parts or used parts. I would rather rebuild an engine myself, but that is not always possible. If buying a rebuilt "new" engine, make sure it has a warranty and what that warranty covers. Read the very, very small print as labor is very seldom covered.

 

I rebuilt an engine once. One cost I did not factor into the equation was the tools - engine stand, thread cleaners, piston installers, calipers, machining, new oil pan to replace the one that dented when the engine stand tipped over, etc. Still, I don't regret doing it myself.

Houston's biggest rebuilder charges $1,700 for a 4.3 rebuild takes 4-6 weeks. If they take it out and put it in, $1,500 extra. Comes with a 3 yr warranty. Details:

Clean and magnaflux the bare block.
Bore and hone the cylinders.
Install new cam bearings, new freeze plugs and new oil galley plugs.
Clean and magnaflux the crank.
Turn and polish the crank.
Clean and recondition the connecting rods.
Install the crank in the block.
Install the new piston on the reconditioned rods.
Install the new rings on the pistons.
Install the rods and pistons in the block.
Clean and magnaflux the head.
Do a three angle valve job on the head,
Reface the valves.
Replace the springs and valve stem seals.
Assemble the head to the block.