For those of you that have followed my woes, the final word on my engine was a hole in the block and the shop wanted $11k to rebuild the engine.

So, since I want this truck to be a powerhouse, I am guessing this is the time to make the engine exactly the way I want it, and I got to figure that I can come in well below the $11k they quoted me if I do most of the work myself... I am eager to learn and have the room and most of the tools required to do this, and can shop out whatever needs to be done.

So in this vein I am needing to put together a complete list of what all I need to do to this engine to get the most out of her that I can. What do I need to do to this engine to ensure that she produces all that she can without damaging herself in the near future? I know that I need to find a non-53 block to start with...

I will be documenting this entire project and creating a website showing everything, so hopefully this will be a valuable resource to others out there that are having to take on similar projects... I will definitely be relying on all of the valuable experience and knowledge that you have, and hopefully will continue, imparted upon me.

 

You can get a reman 12v motor for something like 5k or 6k I think (?).
If you did get a reman you could take the head off and do all your mods with the motor out and easy to work on. Would be nice for doing the cam thats for sure.
Anything thats holed the block probably isnt worth much as a basis for a project.
How the heck did it damage the block anyhow? Snapped rod?

 

Lack of oil pressure due to blown turbo...

 

ViperSBT:

I just went through a complete rebuild with the engine in my 1996 Dodge CTD.
However, I did not do the work myself but let my friends at Scheid Diesel do all the work for me.

I see in your post you want the engine to be a "powerhouse." With that in mind, I would recommend the following parts/performance upgrades to hit your goal:

1.) New Cummins Block
2.) New Cummins or Aftermarket (Arias) Pistons
3.) 14mm studs and firerings
4.) 14mm studs for the main caps
5.) Girdled Block
6.) Twin Turbos
7.) High Flow 12 valve Injectors
8.) Good aftermarket Fuel System such as 150-180GPH FASS, Glacier or Aeromotive A-1000 Fuel Pump
9.) Aftermarket Cam and heavier valve springs
10.) Aftermarket Transmission with billet internals

Good luck to you.

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John_P