rebuild or crate engine?
 

I have a 97 4x4 Jimmy with 180,000 miles on it. I'm planning on either a rebuilt engine and tranny by next summer or just rebuilding the tranny and getting a crate engine. I'm looking mainly for reliability. Budget is 3-4 grand, i'm kinda leaning towards the rebuilt engine myself, the more money I save, the more I have for other things like maybe a rear locker and new shoes. Does anybody have an idea as to how much an average rebuild goes for and if there are any good shops around the charlotte, nc area?

the pricey part of the rebuild will be the shop work. the inspection of the block and the honing etc. stuff the normal diy can't do. are you planning on doing reassembly?

naw I'm gonna get a shop to do the entire rebuild. I really don't have anywhere to do it. Yeah I figured the machining would be the most expensive part.

i would lean towards a crate motor then or a used 4.3L. i think the labor of the rebuild reassembly and machine work is gonna exceed the cost of a newer motor. imo

ok so has anybody priced a 4.3 crate motor lately?