Head Replacement

I don't know for sure what the life expectancy is but past 200k I would be hesitant to invest serous money in the engine. (Just my rule) a long block build would be more my speed. I don't have the equipment or time to blueprint a used block and do a rebuild.

 

Well I have all of the things I need to do that ; I've built a ton of engines over the years. I think I would rather go that route than spend the time installing an engine of unknown condition, but that's just me.
Truthfully though, I'm not sure yet what route I'm gonna take: 1) drive it until it quits, 2) just replace the ailing head, 3) pull it and completely rebuild it, or 4) pull it and replace it with a low mileage junkyard engine.

The problem with 1 is pretty obvious.
The problem with 2 and 3 is the lack of parts availability unless you sell a kidney and buy it all from the stealership.
The problem with 4 is the engine is an unknown quantity and a huge expense.

 

I came across a 19k mile engine for $5k, so I just pulled the trigger. I'll rebuild the one I pull out and keep it as a spare.

 

hard to beat that price and mileage.

 

Monkey Wrench Racing for heads

 

When you take it apart you should take pictures of the innards, specifically the head. Curious if it's just cracked between the valves or what.

 

I absolutely plan on doing this. I’ll likely document the entire process.

 

Awesome, you'd be a hero of sorts here i'm sure ahah. People will be into it to see what they're in store for, see whats in their engines or even just for curiosity.

 

Made it back about 2 1/2 hours ago. Drove to Tampa (10.5 hrs) to get the engine.
It’s unloaded, but I can’t get started on it until next weekend, as I’m out of town tomorrow through next Wednesday.

I wanted to put a new clutch in while the engine’s out, but it’s the same story as the gaskets - parts stores don’t carry it, and I’m not paying $500 for an OE style clutch kit.

 

Rockauto carrys the clutch kit for 250. AISIN is an OEM manuf for subaru and im sure more.

 

How is your fuel mileage compared to pre code?

 

Can't comment. Truck idles most of the day. With tires, idle time, additional weight I only get 14-15 mpg.

 

I can honestly say that I didn't notice any drop in fuel economy from pre-code, and it doesn't seem to be down any power. The only symptom I have is a rough idle.

 

I'm waiting on a clutch - once I have that, I'll start the swap process.

 

Update - finally ordered the clutch today It's been a busy month.