What to do, what to do?

[3/4 ton randy]

Hi all, newbie here. I have a 96 C2500 with the 5.7 L31. It has been very reliable truck from the get go. Recently though it has developed a loud valve train noise when first started for the day. It will stop after about a minute. Lifter bleeding down? Time for rebuild? I am the original owner and have changed oil and filter every 3000 miles. I would like to keep it for a long time so I don't mind putting some money into it. I have never had the motor apart yet. Any suggestions?

[WARLOCK]

When in doubt yank it out. jk

Are you wanting to keep the 5.7 or modernize it with a 5.3 or 6.0?

[RedHeartbeat]

verify the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge. If the oil pressure is fine then swap the lifters out, they've been in there a long time.

[3/4 ton randy]

Thanks for the prompt replies. I was going to keep the 5.7 just because. How much would you think I would gain by going to a 6.0, given a budget of $5000? One thing I don't have to worry about with a 3/4 ton is emissions - I don't even get tested.

[WARLOCK]

For $5000 you could have a nice setup.

6.0 will have alot more power than the tired 350

$700-$1000 for a 6.0
$650 for harness from Nelson Performance
$300 Tune from Np
$500 for cam, springs, Pushrods

$5000 will take you a long way.

[PEARL JAM]

Thanks for the prompt replies. I was going to keep the 5.7 just because. How much would you think I would gain by going to a 6.0, given a budget of $5000? One thing I don't have to worry about with a 3/4 ton is emissions - I don't even get tested.

Is that because of the vehicle weight or does Texas not test emissions? Just curious.

[farmtruc]

GM Performance parts also has a nice 383 Vortec for that year model.
Supposed to be a direct swap, but will need tuning.
I think it has 400tq as well, that would be a nice upgrade and still under budget.

[3/4 ton randy]

Texas does have emissions testing for vehicles, so I guess I'm not tested because of the gross vehicle weight. Also, vehicles older than 25? years are exempt.

[txarkitekt]

Welcome to the site! I would honestly not even waste money on trying to rebuilt or modify that motor. Invest the money into something that will give you a worthwhile result--like a 6.0L.