"Short block" means the engine comes without heads, manifolds and other "stuff". It's also known as the "lower end" that you're trying to find.

Your choices are pretty much as already identified:

1) running junkyard engine (complete) - ~$500-1000
2) Japanese import - ~$1500 or so
3) remanufactured long or short block - $1000-2500 (crap shoot - particularly on the long block)
4) buy a junkyard core and rebuild it - core is $300-500 + $1500-2500 to rebuild (if you do most of the work yourself)
5) take your engine apart and see what can be salvaged - still, a minimum of $1500-2000, depending on what's done, who does the work and how many parts you need/want to replace.

Sometimes, it's better to buy another truck unless you're really attached to the one you have.

Frank

I am sorry for your loss...

I cant speak for him, but it sounds like something I saw on ebay. They are out of New York or New Jersry. They sell engines from Japan. Maybe transmissions, I dont remember.Usually at a set price I think.
seemed reasonable, the few I saw

I like to look at their pictures.

plug your motor number into ebay motors search, and after 900 listings of the same darn fuel pump, you might find a motor...

Are these prices including labor? I figured I could do a complete rebuild on mine for less than $500 using quality parts. Is there something really expensive in there I don't know about?

if its a crank and bearing thing, you could easily purchase a refurbished crank with bearings installed for roughly US$240.
Did that and had pros install it (aka Brendan and his buddy) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I think it is Tiger Japanese in Toronto. I have not bought from him. Sunrise in Montreal, I have bought from 3 times.
Then down to Japanese engines inc in Patterson NJ, I have bought from them 3 times also. They have one now for $650 USD.
The engine should cost you no more than $650USD plus shipping. If you can ship into Detroit you are golden and the shipping should not be over $300.
If you look on eBay under 6G72 you will find close to a half dozen 12V engines.
These engines come out of cars so you will need to swap over your external parts.

I didn't realize the import engines were that cheap - looks like the way to go for a low price. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Frank

I have had good luck buying from importers. The first two transmissions I bought used on ebay that were from the US were both trash, noisy bearings and such. I then started buying from importers and so far have not had anything go wrong. Ten purchases of major parts now and many smaller parts, I am sure someday something will go bad.
At this point I would rather buy an imported engine or trans since I can not rebuild one for the prices I have been paying.

Neither can I....... and the remanufacturers certainly don't appear to understand the 6G72. Even with the additional cost of shipping + labor + parts to swap over truck parts, the import choice seems to be the least expensive way to get a running engine in reasonable condition. I suppose the main difference is the question mark with any used equipment - does it have hidden issues and how long will it last? You can also say that of a fresh rebuild, though.

Frank

I wish the JDM 3.5 would come down in price.. Still has me seriously tempted considering how cheap the transmissions are as well... It looks like I will be able to make it through this school year which may mean I get to keep the SR and play with it this summer. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Another thing I was wondering is aren't the cam setups from the cars different than our trucks?

That's what I was wondering too.

I just checked Attarco and they have a SOHC 24v 6G72 from a Mirage for $475. I don't know if it'll work for you though.

For under $500 I'd rather do that than rebuild mine, not that it needs it. I need a transmission though.