Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Piers cam/ head/ rebuild questions

[cluckmaster]

Truck broke down and won't start, and it looks pretty bad. I have about 1/4"-3/8" valve gap, and I haven't had time to pull the timing cover yet, but something apparently bent the valves, so assuming I need to replace the valves, lifters, cam, and timing gears, are there any great upgrades I should be making? Has anyone bought a Piers cam? The dealer wants $845. 90 for their cam alone, and Piers is less for the cam and lifter set. What about head stud kit and o-ringed head? I don't want to dump a ton of money cuz I'm poor as hell and hunting season's coming up, but just parts from Dodge look like they're going to be around $2200!!! I wonder if I should just look into getting a new head from Piers and what the price difference would be from buying the parts and putting it all together??? Any comments would be great.



97 SLT 4x4 2500/ 252,000 mi/ auto/ #8 plate/ straight piped/ 35" MT Claws/ lukes linked

 

[wildmanben]

if something bent the valves you may want to see what it did to the pistons and walls too...

 

[cluckmaster]

yeah, you're right- I just haven't had the time to pull everything apart yet and see exactly what has happened. I'm trying to get some options lined up ahead of time so I don't have to scramble around after I figure things out.



97 SLT 4x4 2500/ 252,000 mi/ auto/ #8 plate/ straight piped/ 35" MT Claws/ lukes linked

 

[FDavid]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodg...ryZ33617QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[thekidfan]

If you don't know what happened you sure don't know what you need. Anticipate a complete long block ported, o-ringed, studded, and lots more then just hope you don't need it.