i have a 84 gmc pick up the motor is in fairly good shape no knocking it's beginning to smoke has a slight tappiing noise. i have never rebuilt a engine what i'm wanting to find out is whethr or not this is worth rebuilding and if soo to what extent should i go? is this something a amature should tackle or leave it to the professionals

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

I moved your post out of the thread where you posted it, as it wasn't on-topic in there.

 

The motor is definitely worth rebuilding but I would caution you on trying to do it yourself. Get some books on the subject, like how to build a small block chevy, and see what it takes to assemble a motor. You need proper tools to be able to measure critical tolerances while putting a motor together.

The block is going to need machining and new pistons pressed onto the rods which is going to have to be done by a professional shop as most people don't have the tools to do this. Same goes for the heads and it's usually easier for them (the machine shop) to install the new springs and seals while they are there. That just leaves assembling the motor and for some the added cost of doing this isn't that much more so they just have the shop do it.

 

Could get floating wrist pins and rods so you could use C-rings rather than getting them pressed

 

Why go through that extra cost on a build like this? Just a stock rebuild.

 

That was my thought and so I didn't include that option in my post.

I've machined my own block as few times and I've assembled a lot of motors. I no longer have access to a machine shop now (Dad's retired) so when I have to have a block machined and the crank turned I just drop off the motor with all the new parts and just let them machine and assemble the rotating assembly while they are at it. I'm fortunate to be only 40 minutes away from BES (Bischoff Engine Service) and I have them do my engine work now.

 

Rebuilds? Depends entirely on "what" was rebuilt and the quality of the work and parts used. A good rebuild will last a very long time if its maintained

 

the problem I now deal with is machine shop costs, $1100 to $1400 for machine work and rebuild kit. Kieth Black pistons, Clevitte brngs.... then it has to be put together and the Incidentals = more money. where as GM sells a "new" never fired motor for under $2000 with a 12/12 waranty. it is a tough call, I get that, but definatly worth looking into. I put a GM new Vortec in the wifes burb $2300 and another $1200 in "new" parts "not reman" under the hood. drove it another 150K with only a starter replacement "under waranty" before the mice found the interior and destroyed it (Smells bad)

update
the last motor I had "rebuilt" for a friend of mine, is sitting in my drive, 10k and 15 months on it, now has either severly cracked heads or blown head gaskets (Vortec) and it has just shy of $2000 under the hood. I'll NEVER "HAVE" SOMEONE ELSE REBUILD a motor for me, EVER!!!

I don't know about other builders, but FOUR STAR was in Hutchinson Ks when they were still in business, my brother in law worked for them at the time. He told me that they had $150 in new parts "average" in every motor. they would grind valves to razer sharp.... it was real bad jue jue maybe that is why they went bank rupt LOL