Advice Needed - ‘08 Sierra

Z71JR · December 3, 2023

Wanted to get some advice for the current situation I’m in. I have an ‘08 Sierra Z71 with 200k miles that started having a lifter problem recently and knocking badly. It also needs a rear main seal replacement and can barely keep any oil. The shop determined it would make more sense to do a motor replacement, considering labor costs to rebuild and not knowing the extend of damage.

The quote to do the motor swap is about 10k for a brand new re-man with a 3 year warranty. I have looked into other options like a low mileage junk yard motor and that was about 2k plus labor.

It is in good shape on the interior, but feels difficult to pull the trigger on the full swap knowing the trucks value and I will likely have transmission coming as well. Should I look into getting a rebuild and selling? Selling as is and buying another used truck with lower miles?

Edited December 3, 2023 by Z71JR

CamGTP · December 3, 2023

It's 6 of one, half dozen of the other in this situation. A used motor is way cheaper than a reman and is likely the route I'd take if I was keeping the truck.

If you sell the truck now, it's worth way less than half of what it would be if it was running properly. So you need to take that into account. Even with a clean body I'd only pay a couple grand for a truck with that many miles that needs an engine. Because in the end when I flipped it, I'd only make a few grand for all the work involved.

If you buy another truck you could always be stuck with repairs soon after, so it's tough to say what is the best thing to do.

bubbanbrenda · December 4, 2023

It would depend on what shape the rest of it is in. I had an ‘08 Z-71 Sierra that runs great but really bad rusty. I chose to sell it as is and use the money to buy a ’14 Silverado instead of spending the money to fix the rust. 2k plus labor to replace it with a used one isn’t bad. I would replace the rear main and oil pump and probably delete the AFM before putting it in if I was going to keep it.

KARNUT · December 4, 2023

I have an 02 avalanche that’s very clean. I use it as personal going to town vehicle putting about 7K miles a year on it. I would rebuild mine with mild modifications. In your case with a cylinder deactivation engine the mods would be eliminating that. Buying a used GM after 06 with the cylinder deactivation makes it a crapshoot. Those engines are so dependent on good maintenance for longevity more so than prior years. Used engines for me after 06 I’d be very Leary.

Z71JR · December 5, 2023

On 12/3/2023 at 9:31 PM, bubbanbrenda said:

It would depend on what shape the rest of it is in. I had an ‘08 Z-71 Sierra that runs great but really bad rusty. I chose to sell it as is and use the money to buy a ’14 Silverado instead of spending the money to fix the rust. 2k plus labor to replace it with a used one isn’t bad. I would replace the rear main and oil pump and probably delete the AFM before putting it in if I was going to keep it.

I was told by the shop they would delete the AFM for the new motor. IS that possible with junkyard motor? I was under the impression it would require some different parts.

bubbanbrenda · December 5, 2023

That is correct a proper delete would require replacing the cam and lifters and valley cover just to name a few, if the have the correct software and interface they can turn it off.

Z71JR · December 5, 2023

1 hour ago, bubbanbrenda said:

That is correct a proper delete would require replacing the cam and lifters and valley cover just to name a few, if the have the correct software and interface they can turn it off.

Understood, thanks for the info. Does 10k for the new motor and turning off AFM sound a little steep? I have received other quotes for more.