Inframe vs. new crate motor?

[Waterloo]

(04-26-2022 )JMBT Wrote:  Hello all, 2012 CM2250 880,000 miles. Just pondering out loud. Has anyone weighed the pros and cons of an inframe vs. a complete new, not rebuilt, crate motor??

The crate motor seems like a good value with all the included new parts. ECM, turbo, injectors,…etc.

My brother just bought a new CM2250 crate in KS for about $38,000. Of course that is installing it himself.

I don’t know? But I am drawing ever closer to having to do one or the other and I keep hearing horror stories here in the Midwest about parts availability for an inframe. Namely a new head. Talked to a guy that have been waiting since Nov, for a brand new 2250 head??

What do you guys think?

From past experiences here, on this forum, the crate motors are hit and miss. Normally there are liner height issues, and quite honestly, very sloppy rebuilds. Cummins is doing a terrible job with their remans.

Myself, having been down this road pondering the same question, I would take the truck to Mr Hagg and let his crew rebuild it properly and call it a day. The job will be done right, the first time. Been there too... Then have Mr Hagg tune the motor so that you will get the best fuel economy and longevity out of it. You will have a million mile motor, just keep an eye on the fuel pump.

If you need a new turbo for some reason, YTS is right down the street from the shop. Other parts you find needing replacement, Mr Hagg can get those for you, and install them properly. Or, start purchasing those parts now, like say the damper, maybe a new exhaust manifold, ECM, oil pump, those parts that do fail with wear and age... It is going to be apart, buy them prior and install when it is time to do the in frame.

Also, I don't know if Mr Hagg still allows this, you can grab a wrench and save some dollars by helping with the job.

Just my .02