I'm looking to replace my 1981 Ram 225. It has 125k on it, is losing compression and smokes blue.
I found Checker has a reman short block for $667. Long block is 1100.
Anyone have any experience with these engines? Should I consider having a local mechanic just rebuild mine?

I also found online Precision Engines (http://www.precisionengine.com) offering a 'premium long block' for $719.50, plus shipping, which I'm waiting for a quote on.

I wouldn't trust a kragen (checkers) rebuilt unit. I would find a local shop if I were you. As long as the head doesn't need too much work, maybe just a basic valve job and a bit shaved off to clean up the surface, you could probably have a rebuild done locally for $1k. I've had two slants done so far at a local shop and thats approximately how much it was.

Remember you are going to have to pay core on it if you buy one from a store, and that might get pricey.

I'm leaning towards a local rebuild also. I've dealt with assembly line rebuild items like carbs, and not been too impressed. I'd rather pay a few hundred more to have it done right.
Current engine is running, just tired, so a ring/bearing/valve job should do me right.
Thanks for the input, anyone else?

Wow, it looks like 75 folks so far have read my request and only one had an opinion worth replying.
Don't tell me you guys can't offer some advice on my engine!
Crate or rebuild locally??

Is this your only vehicle? If not, why not rebuild it yourself? It may not be cheaper, but at least you'll know what went inside of it. I did that with a 360 I built. It cost about the same as a crate engine, but I did the work and picked the parts that went in it. Plus, it's balanced, rods are shot peened, has arp studs, Edelbrock heads, etc. Try getting that stuff out of a rebuild. And there are plenty of books to guide you through it if you don't know how. And there's always this group

Good Luck, and let us know what you decide!

Jay

I was hoping someone else would have a source for good crate motors for you. Since you asked (and got one response) I've seen some "factory rebuilt" crate engines that were junk right out of the "crate." So... I'd build it myself.

As Sixgunner said, that way you have control of / know exactly what's in the engine. The advantage is, even if it's a plain vanilla basic rebuild, you know it's got .x0 over pistons and .x0 under bearings and cam _______ from _______ , etc. So, next time (if you're a tinkerer like some of us, there will be a next time : )) you'll know exactly what you're starting with.

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My truck is a Frankenstein creation
Built from the dead carcasses of others
And brought BACK TO LIFE!

Years ago someone told me you were able to get remaned crate /6's from the dealer. That might be a more reputable route then the parts store special motors.

I recently read a thread where some guys had bought a MP Hemi, due to paranoia and how much they paid, they tore it down to spec it, and found that the mains were out of spec by .005, then found some other little details were wrong. The dealership they ordered it from refused to warranty it because they tore it down, they put it back together after some machine work. This has not been an isolated story from the MP crate motor department... I'd bet if I ordered a slant for Withnell Dodge in town, they'd buy one from 'power masters' on Columbia in Portland....

Build it yourself is a good option, if you do buy a crate motor, buy a regasket set and check all the tolerances and measurements. While it's apart if everything looks good, you can always spend a couple of $$$ and put a different cam in it and better timing chain, seal it up and drop it into your truck.

-D.Idiot

MP crates are brand new motors and parts I don't think you can directly compare them to remaned dealer parts.... (wether one is better then the other I couldn't say)

Yes, reman slant 6 crate motors are still available from the dealer. How do I know? I work for the parts department for one....no boo's or hisses please. Best thing about them is that they come with a 3yr/30k mile warranty on them. Might be an option to check out. As far as the quality, I can say we have had almost no problems with the Mopar Reman program warranty-wise. MP crate motors are no worse than GM Performance or Ford Motorsport crate motors. You've got to remember one thing about them....they are still a mass produced item, and are assembled by human beings. Mistakes can be made, even by the local guy at the local shop doing the rebuild for you. I still say the Mopar reman crate motor would be best bet. How long is Joe Rebuilder gonna warranty his rebuild for? Ma Mopar warranties it for 3/36.

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"That thing gotta HEMI in it??"

Curious, what do they go for?

I'd have to check it out again, but if memory serves me right I think they were somewhere between $12-1400 bucks for a longblock assembly. However they are 81-87 hydraulic lifter design, so not all of the tin may work for your particular application.

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"That thing gotta HEMI in it??"

Ahh, no solid lifter engines? Would make sense due to age I suppose.

83Ram150Dude, I'd like to believe the MP remans are decent quality.

My experience is with cheap "factory" remans from autoparts stores and the like. The ones I've seen have been 50/50 good/bad. They're just poorly done. I'll admit, it's usually the end result of someone searching for the cheapest price; then having to deal with the results (got what you paid for).

If you just want to get the car on the road, a 3/36 warranty would be compelling. If you're looking to play with it, I'd build it yourself. It'd depend on what your goals are.

_________________
My truck is a Frankenstein creation
Built from the dead carcasses of others
And brought BACK TO LIFE!

Holy cow. Given the total annihilation of slant-6 support in the last couple of years, I never would have guessed that I could walk in and order an entire motor. As recently as 5 years ago, I could still order all sorts of parts through MP, but almost everything has been discontinued. No surprise, I guess.

What else is available from the factory, regarding slant-6 stuff?

- Erik

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Lots of early Valiants and Barracudas have crossed my path.
Also a handful of other toys for variety now and then.