'94 6.5 Locked Up, Need Motor or Rebuild

[cjernigan]

So here's what I have.
'94 GMC suburban, 6.5 Turbo obviously with 168k miles or so. Driving it to town a few weeks ago and it locked up. Not sure what the problem was but when the local mechanic listened to me crank it he said it sounded like a broken crank and lost compression on one cylinder.
I live in rural alaska and can't just take this motor to the local machine shop to get it bored to drop in new pistons and a crank.
The best option for me now is to get a new long block or a reman from somewhere.
I have the option of having a shop in Fairbanks(230miles) rebuild it for $3800.
Schucks Autoparts used to carry the longblock for $3200 but they don't stock it anymore.
I'm a total newb at buying and rebuilding diesels as the vehicle is my grandfathers and I've never had anything to do with them.

Could I ask, what would be the best route for me to get another long block and from who?
I've searched my head off and can't find a decent company that sells complete long blocks for a decent price.
Thanks guys, I appreciate it. Sucks being stuck in the frigid north.

[cjernigan]

I've been searching my head off and am not really coming up with much right now. I'll keep trucking along.

[RJ Performance]

There are a couple great companies that I know of up there that can help you out. I would suggest Alaska Diesel Service or Arctic Auto and Truck Service. They would be able to really help out with different options on your truck.

Good Luck,
Jonathon

[tommac95]

cjernigan-

Here are your choices:

>Spend $300-1300 to dismantle and inspect your current block , which may/not be rebuildable. Then ....

> Buy a NEW longblock from , say Peninsular Engines , starting about $8,000??. These are real nice , much superior engine than OEM. Ask to speak to Matt ... http://www.peninsulardiesel.com/vehicles.html

>Call up John Kennedy at Kennedy Diesel , and ask him about the {$5000??}remanufactured "Powrbilt" engines that are warranted, factory remans, newish block castings. http://www.kennedydiesel.com/ (see "6.5 Parts" , then 'engines').

>Contact Ron Schoolcraft , see what he can offer. He does very fine quality remanufacture jobs , on a craft [vs factory] basis, emphasis high performance . {Prices vary , starting above $6000??}. http://www.schoolcraftpowertrain.com/index_files/Premium65Diesel.htm

>Take a really big gamble on an unknown.

Good luck. Maybe search here for similar threads...

[tommac95]

I see a new entry here... [More Power , aka Jim Bigley allows only trusted providers to advertise on the site]:

http://www.rj-performance.com/chevf.html