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Remanufactured/Crate Engine - Looking for most reliable option

1.8K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  pdkoester  
#1 ·
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Hey guys, i have a 2007 Chevy Colorado 3.7 I5. as most of you know it is the one year engine that is not compatible with others. I have a timing chain that was diagnosed to be stretched after receiving the dreaded engine code P0017 "camshaft sensor". I replaced all sensors relating to camshaft and crank, to no avail. My truck is still running, but it has much less performance and i would like to fix the engine in order to keep it or potentially sell it in the future. I have watched videos to see if i can fix the timing chain but it appears to be easier to just swap the engine, since i could easily screw up the timing chain installation. My question for you guys is 1. is the timing chain installation as daunting as it appears? and 2. where can i trust buying a remanufactured/crate engine that has a loyal warranty and won't scam me. i've looked into fraser, bestuseautoparts, and a couple on ebay, but i just can't decide because $4000 on an online gamble is a hard pill to swallow. I've also looked into the 5.3 swap, but most people say that it is too much of a pain and it's worth selling the truck and looking for a colorado that already has the 5.3. thank you guys if you read this far and i appreciate any input.
 
#2 ·
I agree that the 5.3 swap probably isn't worth the effort. It seems a Jasper 3.7 crate engine would set you back some $4500 - $5000 and would come with a no cost 3 year warranty. So, it all depends on the overall condition of your truck but for the amounts I listed where can you get a reliable truck in that price range? Good luck with your decision.
 
#3 ·
My trucks got 190,000 on it, so getting real high up there. but everything else works great and it's been a great vehicle for me. my current opinion is that if i swap it myself, i would make more money on the resell because with this check engine light, i doubt i will make over 4k for the truck. with the engine swap, im willing to bet that it could go for $10k. i want to eventually upgrade to the 5.3 so the goal is to make my truck as resell able as possible. bought it for 8k and ive put about 8k into it
 
#6 ·
Okay, let's talk some reality here. I'm a former car salesman, unless that truck is in pristine condition, and I mean pristine condition you won't get $10k for it. A used vehicle price is based mostly on unused miles even though it would have a relatively new engine you won't see that price. Based on your last post IMO you need to find a buyer that has a good running truck that has a rusted-out frame. They could then swap their engine into your truck, and you find a 5.3 truck which is what you really desire. You would be surprised how trucks with solid frames are coveted.
 
#7 ·
understandable. i paid 8k for my truck with 175,000 miles on it and i was fighting people to get to it first. with everything ive done to it to clean it up and a new engine, i dont feel like it is out of reality to expect $10k. i know a few high schoolers who would buy this truck because its already built. On the other hand, its hard to tell how the market will go and if i will find the right buyer so i understand that point of view. I can't sell it as is though, because i know how much money i am losing out on. if i want to go budget i might just buy a junkyard engine for $1500 and run it till i want to sell it.