454 Question

[larryboz]

I have a 86 C20 Heavy Duty truck with the 454 and turbo 400. My question is when do you know you should rebuild the motor? Let me explain the tranny is going to be rebuilt in the very near future. But the motor has 175K on the odometer and the previous owner did not know if it was previously rebuilt or not. It is leaking oil from everywhere especially the Rear main seal and oil Pan but it doesn't smoke at startup or under load no strange noises from it. It seems to hold good oil pressure. So my question would it be better to pull the motor and tranny as one and then look over the motor and freshen up with new gaskets, timing chain, maybe get a valve job done on it or take the block in and have it checked out. What does a basic rebuild cost on the 454 if I had them do basic machine work and put the crank in and pistons and the cam bearings and I do the rest? Just looking for advice

Thanks

Larry

[1980GMC]

My opinion is to do the engine at the same time as the tranny, especially if its leaking oil like that, and that amount of miles. Plus the odometer could've rolled once already.

Even if you decide the overhaul isnt worth it, you should think about getting it checked and all the gaskets checked and replaced if necessary. Better safe than sorry.

Good luck,
Wes

[ratfreak8871]

hell yea, go ahead and make it a project. maybe some new goodies like a cam and intake??

[lumpy81]

I'd say...
pull the engine out, take it apart and meaure everything. Rering and bearing everything. Thow in a good set of Fel pro gaskets and a little cam for fun.