Truck getting older questions

so my truck is approaching 175k miles and I've been wanting to upgrade the suspension and get a few more odds and ends done eventually make into a nice desert pre runner but I want my truck around for the long haul so I was thinking how much am I looking at to pull my engine out and do a total rebuild with sturdier parts (toying with the idea of a SC or a Turbo) when the time comes and is it that a possibility? Or would starting with a crate motor be a better option?

 

The need for 'sturdier parts' is determined by boost used. You may or may not need them depending on specific goals.

Whether to rebuild or crate should then consider the condition of the basics of the current motor, combined with those goals. I mean if you buy a crate motor it's only going to have new parts, not 'sturdier', no different than a good OE level rebuild.

175k doesn't mean much. Maintenance and how it was treated means more. A compression test, including leakdown, plus an oil sample analysis, will give you an idea of the current health of the motor. You may well find that modest boost is doable just as it sits.

 

V8 swap?

 

Oh how I wish that'd be awesome

Never thought of getting it currently tested. Reason I thought of a crate motor was more so another foundation while I have my engine in so it allows me more time to work on it and build something I really like but if it's way too pricey I'll reconsider. I'd like to set the capability higher than what I'd need to give me more range so if I do want to get a moderate amount of boost in I can do so. Don't know just how much some of these turbos can put out. Again if said parts are available. Thanks for the info I'd like to hear more

 

Start with some reading. Corky Bell's 'Maximum Boost' could be a start.

 

Do what you want as far as upgrades. When it needs a new engine, replace it and keep going. No need to fix what isn't broken.

 

That's what I'm getting at once it's at its end. My question is just remain with the same block or start with a new block