5.3 with cam bearing dammage worth anything?

[LaserSVT]

Buddy of mine came to town from Amarillo and did the run 3 quarts low on his 2009 Sierra with the 5.3 and truck was making a strange noise when he got to my shop. I added the correct oil in hopes it would help, it did not. We took the belts off (stupid GM, have to cut off the AC one) and even took out the torque converter bolts to make sure it was engine noise. It was. He could not afford to have the truck down to tear the engine apart to see what was wrong so I scored him a new engine on the cheap and since hes a buddy we are just slapping it in for him (with his help).
At any rate the engine has a $325 core but I was thinking it would be worth more on craigslist. Anyone have an idea on value? Oil pressure shows good, runs great, starts right up but hes scared of it dying on him. Engine has 75K on it. It is the aluminum head version.

Here is a video of the sound:

[LaserSVT]

I should note we just assume its cam bearing damage. I spoke to a couple LS friends and explained what happened and showed them the video and that was the consensus.

[71chevellejohn]

I've got a buddy who is a parts guy at the local chevy house. He said normally one of the lifters will turn and the roller eats the cam/bearings. When it does that, it makes a clicking/chirping noise. Not sure if your noise qualifies for that, but that is what I have been told.

My brother's dealership just put $5k(P+L) in an 09 Avalanche because the cam bearings were shot from a lifter turning. It was sludged up pretty bad also and losing oil pressure because of it.

[whitetrash]

Whatever scrap goes for. 5.3s can be had in good shape for 300 and less

[SS Junk]

Did you confirm it wasn't an accessory pulley by running engine w/out belts? If it is engine related that sounds a lot like a noisy roller on a cam lobe.

[LaserSVT]

Did you confirm it wasn't an accessory pulley by running engine w/out belts? If it is engine related that sounds a lot like a noisy roller on a cam lobe.

First post. Third sentence.

[Thehead]

Did you get the replacement from the Q?

[NoClassic]

If that is one of the AFM motors I would suspect lifters before any bearing damage.

[SS Junk]

First post. Third sentence.

I read first and last sentence and make my own generalizations...

[orphan Shelby]

Cant see vid but lifters are pretty common. Dont see a lifter messing up cam bearings at all without an oil pressure issue. Just as much work doing cam and lifter swap as changing motor. Is there a steel headed LS motor im not aware of?

[snacksnack]

How complete was the motor and how much did it cost? I wanna build one on the side.

[LaserSVT]

Complete long block. 3 year warranty. $2600. I forgot the name of the place but can check tomorrow. Came from Dallas.
And yes, earlier truck engines had iron heads.

The noise is a chirping noise. Video does not convey it well.

[Thehead]

Atk?

[LaserSVT]

Enginesdirect

[LaserSVT]

This was the place i found it. It was $100 less to buy direct from them. Ordered it at 10am yesterday and it showed up at 11am today. Will be dressing it in the morning as the old engine is out already. Was well packed and looks great. Guy was very helpful too.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/271614559024?_mwBanner=1