If its been going on that long and got louder its eating the cam lobe, plan on a camshaft, dod delete and probably cam bearings... Dont want to be the bearer or bad news but you have made matters worse by letting it go that long!!!

 

Your right, however, we knew that I was getting out of the military and we were trying to pay off debt before I got out. Wife wouldn't let me buy the parts then so we are paying for it now. I tried to explain to her what was going to happen if we let it go. Good news is that truck is paid off.

 

At least its paid off....

 

And now I have a reason to upgrade the camshaft

 

Yeah with all this noise and length of time plus a previous failure I am betting your crank rod and main bearing journals are pretty wasted... it sucks but it's life. I wouldn't do anything without taking a look first. Mind you I suppose really.... just run it and see how long it actually lasts lol.

 

My experience with lifter failers is you are absolutely right, especially this being the repeat repair for the same issue i would strong urge the oil pan at least be pulled and check the rods and mains to be on safe side and if the cam gives any resisitance coming out, replace the cam bearings as well because they are probably toast too... Id actually put money on it needing cam bearings!!!

 

So I'm thinking after worrying about the actual health of the engine I want to upgrade to a 5.3. Should I try to save money by going the junk yard route or buying a long block from a reputable company. Either way, the engines will get a dod/afm delete and upgraded cam shaft.

 

If youre going through all that and what they want for gen iv engines, why not just go 6.0 or 6.2 and be done with it??

Not entirely sold on lc9 or lmg being an upgrade....

 

LS3 Long Block 6.2L 480 HP Assembly - Turn Key Engine Supply

This looks like a good candidate.....