So I've begun searching for an LQ4 longblock, harness etc. to swap into my truck. I've had nothing but issues with this shop rebuilt 350 put in a couple years ago (don't go to a shop before researching it, I wish I had done the work first). I'm confident about doing the swap, what I'm not quite sure about is how to find, check and comfortably purchase an LQ4. I've browsed EBay, and used a website I've found that searches local salvage yards, but I figured I'd ask some of y'all who have done these kind of things before on what to do and what not to do.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

Well all I did was search the local classifieds as well as car-part.com. I did look at a broad spectrum at first looking for "deals" but shipping an engine isn't exactly cheap either, especially any distance. I was buying an LQ9 so I had less choice than you will with an LQ4. I narrowed it down to the 2 lowest mile units I could find. The one with 25000 miles was missing a lot of stuff and the price difference was eaten up in shipping as it was cheaper. I bought one with 40000 miles that I picked up locally. I wish it had more with it as I still need the PCM as well as the DBW/TAC module and E fan harnesses. They didn't have any of those parts anymore from the donor truck ( 2005 Escalade). Mind you that stuff I have found is easily available for cheap on my local buy/sell site and I will get what I need when I need it.

The wrecker I bought from warrants all their stuff and guarantees it is what they say it is, or you can return it. That was kinda nice as buying from Joe Blow it might be all good and fine or it might have a hole in a piston especially if it's already pulled. Even if you do view it running, his 20000 miles might be 200000 or 300000 miles. Just seeing an engine start-up means nothing, and you can clean any engine up to look like new. That said it's always just buyer beware.

 

lkq will get any motor for a good price