need opinions on lq4 swap

[TXProject6.0]

I have a question about a couple things I'm currently doing a swap. A lq4 6.0 I know there's a couple other threads on the same thing and I do use those for info but mine a little different as in I bought the whole truck 2002 Chevy 2500hd for 1300 the only problem it had was it started and ran but NO POWER AT ALL couldn't stay running in reverse and a couple things have been replaced but with no difference in the only things left to do is change the intake gaskets which is the only thing that hasn't been done with out having to tear engine apart I guess my biggest question is should I tewr it all down and rebuild or change intake gaskets see if it runs and go from there or last just start pulling it apart for complete rebuild.... The only problem with that is I don't have any kind of budget and would have to sell a couple things off truck to make money for build..
If I had the money I would completely tear it down but money issues is a bitch so any ways your opinions would be very appreciated

 

[MadOgre]

Well Im guessing there was a reason that you were able to pick it up for $1300 ???

 

[350runner]

seeing as the engine came out of a work truck and most likely was beet down while in service. .. I think a compression test is in order. if the intake is leaking that would raise the question has this engine been over heated?

Sent from the dust in front of you!

 

[TXProject6.0]

Thanks for the input well I didn't actually purchase it for 1300 I paid 2100 with delivery but sold the utility bed it had for 700 and thus I have $1300 in it ....... But the guy who sold it to me said a compression test was done and it had 120 across all cylinders is that still decent compression for the motor for it having 300k and it does give me a code when I hook up my scanner p0300 which is random missfire and he did change injectors around coil packs etc.... And nothing the only thing left for it acting this way would be a vacuum leak in the intake is my assumption..... There's no ticking no knocking of any kind and there's no smoke of any kind coming out exhaust I hate to tear down a decent motor with a minor fix and only since I'm on a super tight budget is the only thing stopping me from just pulling it and rebuilding... Your opinions are very appreciated

 

[Georgeb]

What are you putting it into?

 

[TXProject6.0]

84 short bed half ton silverado

 

[Georgeb]

It sounds to me like you have already run into stuff that will put you over budget. Not sure if putting a 300,000 mile engine in is somthing thats worth the work involved. At the very least it would have to run flawlessly before it should even be considered. you can build a lot of small block power for the kind of money you already have invested. Just my two cents. Take it or leave it.

 

[TXProject6.0]

Yeah I thought that before I made this purchase just that rebuilding a older block would need more money if I would want say 400 HP where this stock 6.0 already comes with 345 without doing anything to it and getting to 400 HP is easier to attain even just using stock GM parts then a older SBC plus for 1300 I also got a decent transmission where the older block rebuild will be just for motor nothing else

 

[Georgeb]

400 hp is hard to reach without some budget either way. I doupt a 300,000 mile engine is going to get you there on the cheap either. I suppose try to get it to run correctly for now and look for more HP once you have a bigger budget.....

 

[TXProject6.0]

Yeah and thats the plan since there's no weird noises coming from the engine 6.0 that would indicate that there's major internal damage or silverly worn out parts so thats the reason for buying this truck so hopefully its the gaskets that's causing my p0300 thanks for the .02 much appreciated

 

[TXProject6.0]

Change of plans just gonna go ahead and clean up the bottom end and do a cheap turbo build on it.... Don't want to get to deep into trouble shooting so just gonna start today in unbolting and prepping for clean up and gonna try to copy a YouTube guy who got a junkyard 4.8 and retained everything nothing new just cleaned up that and I found another forum where guy had same problem and supposedly it was a rust spot in the cam shaft hole that didn't let it align perfect thus creating a bigger gap which caused it to have random misfire.... So time to get wrenching