Well, my 2004 is about to hit the 200,000 mile mark. The engine is actually running great and is still very strong. It's never been opened, at least since I've owned the truck. I bought it 10 years ago this coming April with 48,900 miles on it.
What I am thinking of now is to freshen the engine up some. I was going to just replace it with a stroker or a 6.1 but the more I think about it, the more I want to just leave the 5.7 in there for as long as it will go.
So I am thinking of pulling the engine to replace all the gaskets, especially the rear main which appears to have been seeping for a while. No drips but the back of the engine and front of the tranny are wet. Not real bad but I think a new rear main would help.
While I have the engine out, it would be a great time to inspect the bores and pistons, replace the oil pump with a 6.1 pump, new OEM timing chain set (6.1 set the same?) and replace the cam with something a little bumpier. I was also thinking of replacing the heads instead of having a valve job done and replacing just the springs.
For the cam, I am thinking of a Comp 260 or 268. I know there are (were?) a couple of 268s in the for sale section for around $200/$300. I have a SC 3815 which should be fine for a 260 but if I get the 268, then I will need a real tuner as well. Also will need the 6.1 intake and exhaust pushrods.
For the heads, I was thinking of possibly the HHP ported/polished 5.7 heads that come fully built or a set of Edelbrock Performer 5.7 heads from MMX. The HHP heads are a little cheaper so I am leaning that direction.
HHP heads: HHP/BES Ported & Polished Heads: All 5.7L HEMI Vehicles HHP-57PPH
MMX Edelbrock heads: 5.7L Gen III HEMI Performer RPM Cylinder Heads by Edlebrock
I'm looking for any input on my plans here. Suggestions or changes that I might consider? The truck is a daily driver and sees 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year involving a 20 mile commute in stop and go traffic, hauling my motorcycles to and from the race track each month, which is a 4 hour drive each way and various other duties. I need to have a stone reliable engine in my truck that can handle all that **** without blinking an eye, the way it does now.
After the engine is done, then I will start looking at the transmission. I might do the rear end before anything else too. Haven't decided on that part yet. It's the stock rear with 3.92 gears and LSD right now. If I do the rear, it will be with a Trac-Lock and 4.56 gears and all new bearing and seals end to end.
And a pic just because. :coolsmiley:
What I am thinking of now is to freshen the engine up some. I was going to just replace it with a stroker or a 6.1 but the more I think about it, the more I want to just leave the 5.7 in there for as long as it will go.
So I am thinking of pulling the engine to replace all the gaskets, especially the rear main which appears to have been seeping for a while. No drips but the back of the engine and front of the tranny are wet. Not real bad but I think a new rear main would help.
While I have the engine out, it would be a great time to inspect the bores and pistons, replace the oil pump with a 6.1 pump, new OEM timing chain set (6.1 set the same?) and replace the cam with something a little bumpier. I was also thinking of replacing the heads instead of having a valve job done and replacing just the springs.
For the cam, I am thinking of a Comp 260 or 268. I know there are (were?) a couple of 268s in the for sale section for around $200/$300. I have a SC 3815 which should be fine for a 260 but if I get the 268, then I will need a real tuner as well. Also will need the 6.1 intake and exhaust pushrods.
For the heads, I was thinking of possibly the HHP ported/polished 5.7 heads that come fully built or a set of Edelbrock Performer 5.7 heads from MMX. The HHP heads are a little cheaper so I am leaning that direction.
HHP heads: HHP/BES Ported & Polished Heads: All 5.7L HEMI Vehicles HHP-57PPH
MMX Edelbrock heads: 5.7L Gen III HEMI Performer RPM Cylinder Heads by Edlebrock
I'm looking for any input on my plans here. Suggestions or changes that I might consider? The truck is a daily driver and sees 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year involving a 20 mile commute in stop and go traffic, hauling my motorcycles to and from the race track each month, which is a 4 hour drive each way and various other duties. I need to have a stone reliable engine in my truck that can handle all that **** without blinking an eye, the way it does now.
After the engine is done, then I will start looking at the transmission. I might do the rear end before anything else too. Haven't decided on that part yet. It's the stock rear with 3.92 gears and LSD right now. If I do the rear, it will be with a Trac-Lock and 4.56 gears and all new bearing and seals end to end.
And a pic just because. :coolsmiley:
:icon_nono:
