Rattle and bang!

[jcbellco]

Yesterday while merging onto the freeway at about 60 mph, I heard a rattle, followed by a bang, followed by a cloud of black smoke, followed by all of my oil and coolant falling out of my oil pan. Three huge holes blown out the bottom of the pan. So, I pretty much know that my truck threw a rod and destroyed the block (And I just put $3,000 into new tires and all new front end components last week!)

I just towed it into the local GM dealer to have the damage assessed and repairs estimated. The pain is still raw and I'm still undecided if I should replace the motor or scrap the truck.

My problem is, the truck had pretty much everything I ever wanted in a 6.5, short of a gear splitter. I'm not sure if the dealer can even replace what I had with a good aftermarket long block or if they can even replace it at all.

If I can get it replaced, any suggestions on engine supplier, warnings or advice on getting this work done, anything? I'm at a lost and sooo bummed.

[Robyn]

If the truck is good, I would look at an AMG optimizer 6500
Direct drop in and its got all the updates in the block and heads.

Use your accessories, IP, injectors, manifolds etc.

The aftermarket is sketchy


Missy

[jcbellco]

Cool. Thanks Missy. The truck is awesome. Super clean and no problems until yesterday. It's been my baby.

Can I order one direct from AMG (American General, I assume?)? Any suggestions on where/who to have do the removal/install? The truck is at a dealership now ... seems like they should be able to handle it.

Since I get a fresh start, is it safe to assume that 18:1, no vacuum, no EGR, etc is still the way to go?

[scottm]

The factory gm replacement engine the dealer would put in will be an amg optimizer. Part of the deal when gm sold the 6.5 to amg was they had to supply replacement engines. It will be pretty expensive getting it done though the dealership. Another option would be a used optimizer from Ted's trucks, and swap it in yourself.

[jcbellco]

Well the stealership wants $16,000 to replace the engine. They won't do just a long block though, they will only do it if I replace the injection pump and turbo with it. The local diesel performance shop will install a long block for $4000 labor plus parts. Looks like the AMG long block is about $8000 so I'm looking at $12k!

Are reman engines worth it? Is a long block worth it? The truck is so nice I hate to scrap it but it's not worth the $12k either ...

[Kennedy]

We deal with AMG long blocks and are considerably less than $8k. I wouldn't trust much of anything else.