Howdy,

I have an 84 Blazer K-Style with a 305. I forget the mileage. Anyway, I recently ran the radiator completely dry and it overheated and now it gives off a lot of vibration and stalls and won't start again for hours if I drive it more than a few miles. I think I done her for. I haven't given up on fixing the engine but I don't know much about cars (I can replace the alternator or starter, stuff like that but not much beyond) and my gut tells me I did something bad to her insides.

My question is, what's my best bet for replacing the engine? I don't have any idea how this works or who I should talk to. Can I turn in the old engine for a discount on a new or rebuilt engine, like with a core charge? Can I sell the old engine? I'm poor as a mouse at the moment and don't have two grand to just slap down on a new engine, but I have to do something quick because I just can't trust my ride any more. I'd prefer to keep her and put a new engine in, to buying a used car I can afford (which would mean a whole new set of problems I don't know about yet).

I'm in Charleston SC. Can anyone educate me as to my options for engine replacement? Thanks a bunch. Also, if someone wants to suggest any appropriate online resources or other forums, I'm all ears.

It's not that I'm against repairing the engine, but I have this fear that if I go that route it will be a money pit and I'll eventually have to replace the engine anyway. It might stall on me on the way to the shop and then I'll be out for towing. Then I'll be out for storage until it's fixed. Then I'll be out the cost of diagnosis. And repair. And God only knows how long it'll be until it's something else. Then there's the cost of being fleeced by people out to make a buck off me. I wouldn't mind spending the money if it works out, but looking at it all going in, I feel like I should at least know what my options are on a new or rebuilt engine.

 

You can always buy a used engine but its always risky. The second engine I ever bought was a babied 305 for 50$ friend of mine put a corvette engine in his monte so he was just gonna throw it out.