Looking for info and recommendations on H2 Engine Replacement

[kevin4288]

Hi folks. I've got a 2006 H2 that I refuse to part with but might be facing an engine rebuild or replacement due to some worn rings and valves. Original engine has 198K. If possible I'd like to hear from those that have undertaken this and start doing some due diligence on what is involved, what to expect and any thoughts on a rebuild of existing vs. replace. This is the best vehicle I've ever owned and it is in great shape otherwise...so want to keep her around and maybe improve her while doing the needed repairs. Any and all thoughts are appreciated. Thanks much!!!

 

[Scarsman]

It's going to be said, so I guess I'll just be first:

DURAMAX!!!!!! [emoji41]

Really though, kind of depends on your budget. Obviously, on the high end is the ultimate with the Duramax swap.

On the low end is finding a used 6.0 from a junkyard truck and just swapping it in there.

In between would be having it rebuilt and doing a nice cam and some head work while you're at it.

Personally, when my day comes, if I can't afford $25,000 for a Duramax swap, I'll go the rebuild with mods route.

 

[Big2dabank]

Not sure I could ever justify the Dmax swap, so a full rebuild with appropriate mods would be in my future as well. Mine is running strong and steady even at 187,000 so its sad to think my day may be coming soon, I was hoping to get closer to 250,000, but we will see how it goes.

 

[kevin4288]

Thanks. The Duramax is going to be out of my range...but it does sound interesting. Any thoughts on what mods I should be looking at when I do the rebuild? Thanks

 

[Scarsman]

I would look for a good low-mid range torque cam, and work the heads and add some good long tube headers. You could also do a stroke build.

Another option is to build it for a blower.

 

[kevin4288]

Thanks. I'll do some research on those.

 

[MaxPF]

Best bet is a new original replacement long block FROM GM! Not sure what they run, but I would guess around 3-4 grand? R&Ring the engine is pretty simple as long as you have the room and tools. Obviously you want to use new intake and exhaust gaskets, and i would spring for new injectors. You can buy the same Delphi or better Bosch replacement injectors from numerous places for less than what a GM dealer gets for them. When the replacement engine is installed you will need to use a Tech II, EFI Live, HP Tuners, or other suitable scan tool to do a CASE relearn.

FWIW, GM usually gives a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty on new replacement engines, and IIRC they will extend it to 3 years/36,000 miles if they install it.

EDIT: Most folks don't bother doing rebuilds anymore because GOOD machine shops with GOOD machinists are few and far between these days, and it's usually as cheap or cheaper to get a new replacement crate motor.

 

[Renagade132]

Wow, $25 grand... Does that bring the value up on the truck the whole additional $25 grand? lol

 

[skeptic]

No clue what it would take to swap in the 6.2 from an '08/'09, perhaps just long block and computer? This would be my first choice as long as the cost isn't unreasonable. For that matter, I'd look into going a step farther and swapping in the newer tranny at the same time. The cheapest and easiest is going to be to rebuild what you have if you do it yourself and/or find a shop to do what you can't or don't want to do. Worn rings and valves (not sure what specifically) are not going to require full engine replacement, but you could use it as an excuse.

 

[twinmill28]

Newer 6.2 must involve more than block and computer as I understand. The hood is supposed to be slightly taller on the newer trucks or some weird body thing to accomodate new engine requirements. It's been a while since I read an article on the differences but there are some.

 

[Renagade132]

D U R A M A X... D U R A M A X!!! lol

 

[skeptic]

I'd be willing to spring for a new hood if that was all that was keeping me from the newer engine/tranny. An extra 70hp and better mpg - yes please.

 

[Big2dabank]

Here are a couple of articles I keep in my archives that details using the L92 heads and a GM hot cam on the LQ4. I have a friend here in Orlando going through the exact same thing on his H2. Engine is roughly $3,500 and the heads are about $400 a piece, so less than $5k gets you back in the game with some added ponies.

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/project-cars/sucp-0806-budget-ls-engine-buildup/#__federated=1

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/ccrp-0705-chevrolet-ls2-l92-cylinder-heads/

 

[High Five H2]

duramax or nothing! come one, do it!

 

[Cyouincourt007]

Hi folks. I've got a 2006 H2 that I refuse to part with but might be facing an engine rebuild or replacement due to some worn rings and valves. Original engine has 198K. If possible I'd like to hear from those that have undertaken this and start doing some due diligence on what is involved, what to expect and any thoughts on a rebuild of existing vs. replace. This is the best vehicle I've ever owned and it is in great shape otherwise...so want to keep her around and maybe improve her while doing the needed repairs. Any and all thoughts are appreciated. Thanks much!!!

any update? I bought an engine off a crashed car once and swapped it in my crown Vic with a buddy. Any low mileage mall crawlers wrecked near you?
Or a rebuild like mentioned and since not spending 25k in a dura max can do a solid rebuild and replace all types of other stuff while your in there neck deep anyways.

 

[kevin4288]

No update yet. Still doing some research and looking for that "mall crawler"

 

[Synthetickiller]

Any updates?

If not...
You can't just drop the 6.2L into the 2007s & earlier, at least not easily. It's not a plug & play operation, from what I've read. You're going to be dealing with a different wiring harness, fuse box & compatibility fixes. It's doable, don't get me wrong, but it's not a straight swap. Your cluster won't work (if the 08/09 clusters fit, that would be more of a benefit).
Also, would you be mating it with the 6 speed over the stock 4 speed? If you go with the 6 speed, make sure it fits. The frame on the 08/09s, I believe, is slightly different than the 2007 and earlier, so that could force some fabrication.

I'd think the 6.2L would be out of the question. For that options, I'd really price out what everything is going to cost if you do a rebuild vs new vs Duramax. I think stock Duramax conversions are 25kish+ (depends on where you go). It's entirely possible that when all is said and done, you're not saving as much as you'd like if you want the 6.2L.

I think rebuilding the 6.0L should be doable. There's a lot of data on that engine, especially in the modding community. You can easily get 400hp+ out of that engine (at least match the 6.2L output). The only thing I'd be worried about is the tranny. Not sure if you can easily move to a 6 speed, but upgrading the 4L65 to at least a 4L70e (not ideal) or a 4L80e.

 

[Kyle]

what is you budget for the build? are you happy with the power of the 6.0?

 

[fnfal308]

8.1 liter 496 c.i. from a suburban 3/4 ton 4x4 along with the 4l85e trans.