rebuild or replace?

[bubbajb]

greetings all.

114,000 miles and it looks like the rings are gone on a couple cylinders so a decision must be made.

Is it better to rebuild the existing engine or go the long block replacement route?

What are the pro's/con's either way?

Thanks.

[carrotman]

Time versus money. Cheaper to rebuild, and you can pick out the parts yourself, like from Summit or PAW for example. You just need to find a good rebuilder. It will take time. If you have more money than time, get the long block.

[billyj7175]

You also have to consider that most long blocks will come with some sort of warranty, where as a home-rebuild won't. Make sure that the warranty covers the removal and replacement of the engine, if something goes bad. I had a buddy who got duped, by them wanting to charge him labor for pulling the bad, warrantied engine...
That being said, I have done several homebuilds, simply because I enjoy doing it, and take pride in the end result, but I would recommend a good amount of downtime to do so. Just waiting on the machine shop to tank, bore, hone, and install cam bearings will set you back a week or two. Same goes for getting the heads done.