Is this worth it

[edgephoto]

I am always concerned about someone else's engine modifications.

A friend in Idaho bought this old Ford truck (77-79 ish) with a supposedly all done up LS motor. His kid paid all the money. Engine developed a loud tick not long after buying it. Long story but the short version is, the engine had to be totally redone.

Be careful buying someone else's project.

 

[CheemsK1500]

I am always concerned about someone else's engine modifications.

A friend in Idaho bought this old Ford truck (77-79 ish) with a supposedly all done up LS motor. His kid paid all the money. Engine developed a loud tick not long after buying it. Long story but the short version is, the engine had to be totally redone.

Be careful buying someone else's project.

My logic for buying stuff like that, is buy one for the sum of parts and not the vehicle itself or the story tied to it and make offers accordingly.

Another important thing to remember is that some people are either ignorant or liars when it comes to selling stuff. The “383 stroker” that is claimed to be in the listed truck that the OP shared could very well just be a dressed up junk yard 305 for all we know. Always inspect close when it comes to drive train stuff.

 

[Fat 454]

I would NEVER buy anything other than an OEM engine. There is just too much work in building something "properly". Even the running in process needs to be followed honestly.
Have built a number of engines and just the machining is getting to the point of not being affordable these days. Looking at buying a crate now, only because the parts work out cheaper, and "should" all match.
Even then the first job will be to tear it down, clean and measure everything to spec. Might still need machining to spec the block. And then there is the issue of "new" parts quality v. factory OEM from 70's/80's ( metallurgy, machining quality etc. ).
Then replace all seals, gaskets and potentially bearings, depending on condition. - But then we have all the tools, workspace, time, money, experience etc. etc.
I'm not sure how good a one off garage engine build would be, however have seen a number of friends buy "built" or re-conditioned engines only to have them spin a bearing or overheat within a few weeks of purchase.
Only buy from a shop front store, that has a quality guarantee, and a long term reputation to uphold....

 

[Whisper6691]

Was gonna say. That's a $2500-3k truck here and they're all over the place

where is here? lol gotta be better then that truck

 

[BigT]

Worth it? Not to me, it's not.

 

[TotalyHucked]

where is here? lol gotta be better then that truck

Here in the southeast, those kinds of trucks are everywhere and cheap for a reason

 

[hack_man]

Here in the southeast, those kinds of trucks are everywhere and cheap for a reason

Around here in MA, square bodies are rarer than an uncooked steak.
I guess when I finally get to my retirement project, I'll be looking down south for the cab/bed.

 

[liam]

Not much mudding up here in wa but we have a lot of logging roads and most of the squares are jacked up yo the moon

 

[Whisper6691]

lol Yeah got two from the south I am in Texas lol 81' C20 and 85 GMC Sierra