Dang thats No Bueno Johnny.
It seems we have had a few engine failures recently. You basically have 3 choices...
1. buy a low milage 6.2 longblock and swap it in
2. find a good engine shop and rebuild your engine with some good Manley rods and Diamond pistons.
3. Pay a dumb amount of $$ to Livernois and wait 5-6 months for a slightly larger 6.6 stroker
Ive said it before, but if the block is salvagable, and you have a good engine machine shop... build it with good parts.[/QUOTE
Thanks for the input. No Bueno is right! We found a chunk blown out of the block on the passenger side that we missed on first glance. It didn't really drop any oil or coolant, which is really surprising, so thought the block was OK. Unfortunately, it's trashed. One bright spot, though, is that my daughter asked if I'd save it for her when we pull it so she can learn how to tear a motor apart. That right there makes a father proud!
I'm thinking the build will be a combination of options 1 & 2. Hope to find a decent block and rebuild it with Manley H-beams, Diamond pistons, and possibly Livernois cams. We've got a top notch engine shop in town that's built several 6.2's and I've got a fantastic mechanic shop I've dealt with for 30+ years, so am going to keep everything local if at all possible.
The Livernois package is really appealing because it seems to be a proven, complete turnkey solution, but it's BIG $$ and they're a LONG way away if I have problems and need to go back and see them. Plus, I'm guessing it would cost me at least a grand to ship the truck to them for the install.
When I bought the truck in 2013, I wasn't really a fan of forced induction because it was my primary work truck and operated in very dusty conditions every day. Was really concerned about premature engine wear (not sure it was justified, but felt that way). I drove a friends Roush stage 2 and loved it, but didn't see the need to spend and additional 10K on a brand new truck. Guess maybe that's why I've always leaned toward a NA stroker like the Livernois 6.6. If I was going to have to to do engine work, the 6.6 is more HP than stock and can accommodate a SC if I want to add it later.
Fast forward to today, though: I've changed jobs and commute 20 miles to work and occasionally take short 4-500 mile day trips- all on pavement. The only time I really go offroad any more is during hunting season, and even then it's very mild conditions compared to a lot of guys on here.
TLDR; Since I've already got to spend a *** of cash building a motor, I'm starting to think I may get more bang for the buck by building a solid 6.2 and sticking a Whipple on it instead of going with the NA Livernois 6.6. Don't have much experience building motors, though, so may be way off.
