[Knarly]

2002 GMC Sonoma Ext Cab. 4.3 Vortec, automatic transmission
Well around a week or so ago, my truck overheated really badly. I blew both head gaskets, melted a fuel injector poppet, broke #1?? (unsure) piston, scratched wall of said piston. I also intend on getting a timing job done.
What else should i do while i have everything dismantled? Or should i just get a new engine and swap it what would be the most cost effective? Also the person I had dismantle the top end disappeared and never finished the job. The only parts that are labeled are the lifter rods(?) and spark plugs.
(Also if anyone on this forum would wanna help in person I reside near the westside of Atlanta.)
I just need general tips and tricks, and advice on what the best course of action is, anything works. Thank you for the help!

 

[thebadwrench]

By the sounds of it, your best bet would be to hit the junkyard and find a used engine. Junkyards around here only charge around $200 for an engine if you pull it yourself so it's pretty cost effective. That's what I would do.

 

[daredevil95]

I went through **** buying a used $500 engine of FB marketplace, 2 cylinders full of water. Guy swore it was stored in the garage on a engine stand. After threatening to destroy him LOL I finally got money back after 3 weeks but, I did get to keep the motor for a winter rebuild. I find people are shady when it comes to money. I bought a $500 engine from a reputable junk yard and $50 bucks on a 1 year warranty. I might be lucky, this motor appears to be rebuilt recently so, we'll see how it goes. If you have time, you could rebuild it or buy a crate motor. I almost bought a goodwrench engine for $2200 but, thought twice when I thought about a new the CC bill be due for payment! lol

 

[oldeerslayer]

If you buy your parts on FB marketplace expect to get ripped off.
A reputable junkyard or pick and pull that's been around awhile will value their reputation enough to stand by what they sell.
Too bad the OP's so far away. I have 2 good 4.3's that would work.Both were replaced with something bigger.

 

[67Truckin]

Your best bet would be to buy a crate engine with warranty and just swap it. Rebuilding an engine is time consuming and best if you know what you are doing and have experience. Parts, labor, machine work all add up pretty quickly.

 

[bk2life]

shoot, buy another S10.. i know of a couple in az that are practically free to someone.
the other thing, is a 99 year vortec style V8 is a near bolt in/drop in job. If thats a route you want to take, and depending on the year of your s10