At this point, I'm still not sure if I'm up against a need to replace the head gasket or the entire head on this truck. I priced a new head for the thing and an OEM head is +$700.
A vortec head is around $200 from the same dealer (although, I can't run one of each). The Vortec conversion (complete) is right at $1200.
I thought I had heard of crate engines for good prices a while back (around $1500?). Can anyone offer a location or web site on this?
Thanks, Snowman