I'm having an engine rebuilt, what should I do to it while I can?

So my engine blew, and i'm buying a rebuilt one. While its apart I could have an option to upgrade some parts and fix known issues or increase performance. The frame is good on this truck, newer t case and backup transmission. So I would like to keep this truck for a couple good decades to come. What is recommended? It's mainly a family vehicle, but works as a backup for my work truck (light duty) and light snow plowing. But mainly driving kids to church. What can/should I do while its open and easy to work on?

also, what do you think of adding a turbo, having computer reprogrammed?

There are a ton of options, improved heads, cam swap, stronger internals, about anything you can imagine. What is your idea of a budget? You’ll find our beloved Mopars are NOT cheap. There’s quite a few people running forced induction on their Hemis. You can go small or as crazy as you want.

I am sinking stronger internal components, bearings things like that. I want to build this into a stronger more robust engine that will last longer. I'm basically going to have a brand new engine. If I can put 500 bucks into a few key components and increase the engine life, it seems like an obvious choice.

For $500 you are going to be fairly limited. An upgraded oil pump is about $130, Melling 362. You’ll definitely want to replace that with a bad engine and that many miles on it. 6.1 Hemi Exhaust springs are a good upgrade, they are stronger then the 5.7 springs. You won’t have to worry about the valve train failing. Those are about $200. New timing gear is a good idea, the plastic guide wears out. And if you are actually considering turbos or something the price and Parts list skyrockets from there

chrisp2493 said:

There are a ton of options, improved heads, cam swap, stronger internals, about anything you can imagine. What is your idea of a budget? You’ll find our beloved Mopars are NOT cheap. There’s quite a few people running forced induction on their Hemis. You can go small or as crazy as you want.

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chrisp2493 said:

For $500 you are going to be fairly limited. An upgraded oil pump is about $130, Melling 362. You’ll definitely want to replace that with a bad engine and that many miles on it. 6.1 Hemi Exhaust springs are a good upgrade, they are stronger then the 5.7 springs. You won’t have to worry about the valve train failing. Those are about $200. New timing gear is a good idea, the plastic guide wears out. And if you are actually considering turbos or something the price and Parts list skyrockets from there

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Listen to Chris. This man knows his stuff!

If you had any type of engine damage with metal floating around, this is probably what your oil pump looks like on the inside

If you are taking the pistons apart to change the bearings you need to replace the connecting rod bolts. They are Yield To Torque, which means they can’t be reused. If you need new piston heads, I HIGHLY recommend getting the block a cleanup overbore and bigger pistons. I made that mistake and had major problems. Also have a machine shop install the press fit piston wrist pins, you have to heat the connecting rod to do it. If you overheat the rod you will ruin it. Trust me I know.
Your lifters maybe worn out, look into replacing those. Head bolts need replaced as well.

If you're serious about a turbo, forged internals are money well spent, but that's not within your budget. A 6.1 crank is the same as a 5.7, except it's forged. Wiseco makes a rod and piston set for this application, all forged. Another issue is the heads. They need to have the valve seats improved.

The November '17 Car Craft has a good article to get you started.