I would just replace the motor, it sounds like a lot of work will need to be done for a rebuild kit to be used. I am not sure if a 98 will fit without changing the ECU however. Someone will know.

 

See I was thinking the same... heard that doin the rebuild kit costs a lot more further down the road... and I was only asking about the 98 cause I found one on ebay

 

I would start by tearing it down, first. It might not be as bad as you think (though, it probably is.) IMO rebuilding (if done right) is the better choice. It can be more expensive, and take longer than just swapping the motor out, but you will end up with a better product at the end.

I blew a head gasket on my '73, and in the process of tearing it down discovered that the bottom end was pretty much done for. Time and money were an issue (aren't they always?), so we just plunked a goodwrench crate 350 in there. It's a decent motor, but the power and mileage are just miserable. I think if we had actually built a good engine, it would be a much better car.

 

I would say a new engine, unless you are confident you will rebuilt it right. It seems like money is usually the ultimate judge as to how and when you will fix your ride.

Im sorry to hear about that man, that sure is a bad feeling when your truck poops out on ya'!

 

I would also do a new engine cause running it hot can warp heads and other components. I say just drop a V8 in it.

 

No V-8 lol very tight income ... but I found a 2000 engine with 120,000 miles... a lot better than 240xxx