I have a 99 cummins with the block cracked. I keep reading about the lock n stich method for fixing. But I also keep reading that it wont hold for ever so my thought would be to replace it with a good block and build a motor. Just wondering what you guys would do and any ideals on a ground up build I do a lot of hauling with the truck mainly a bobcat or a mini excavator. my thought would be 5 or 600 hp. How much do you all think would be good for this kind of hauling. Also I know im going to have some money in it but just wondering if you all have any estimated guesses on how much it would cost me.

 

don't bother trying to repair it unless you plan on selling it right away and letting the next sucker find out down the road you sold them a truck with a cracked block.

replace the block. it is the only permanent fix. lock and stick is a bandaid and like all bandaids they don't last forever.


500hp is fine for a rig that tows...

600hp is going to haze and smoke more.

my truck hazes almost constantly in the winter time and lightly smokes every time I touch the throttle.

not the most ideal for towing, but it can tow just fine.


500hp isn't going to haze with quality injectors, and shouldn't smoke much either.

cost depends on if you do the work yourself or not, and if you go with budget or name brand parts...

also single or twins.... (twins will be better for towing at that power level and for daily driving)