Engine was seized up....should i rebuild or swap...??

[ellisjay2]

The 350 in my 86 2500..gave me starting problems other mourning....after trouble shooting and trouble shooting i learned the engine had seized up. pulled all the plugs out they alooked normal until i came to number 3 cylinder and small amount of water came out....Oops!!! I guess its blown head gasket or cracked block from overheating. Turned over by hand...put plugs back in and it fired up...running rough though..i'll post video soon. So now im at the point of if i should due a top end rebuild if damge is minimal...or just go ahead and start over with another engine....not looking to spend for high performance just basic decent power motor....need advice from those who've been down that road before...
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[tinydb84]

Jegs, Summit, etc. have the GM crate motors that are pretty much stock replacements for the 350 you have. You can get them for $1200ish brand new. I doubt you will be able to rebuild yours for the same cost.

You can get it delivered in days and swap it out in a weekend.

[xole]

Agreed, GM Goodwrench crate replacement. Just remember that 86 was a transition year and the GM Goodwrench is technically 85 and under direct swap (one piece vs. two piece rear main seal). You will just need to get the correct flywheel.

Good Luck!

-D