Rebuild or replace?

[leavmeb]

Please keep in mind I am a builder not a mechanic.

I have just been told I have a cylinder that is loosing compression.


I brought the truck to a mechanic I checked out with friends and ref. and I trust him to use me right. I brought it to him to install the new 4bbl,intake,headers, etc.
Thought there might be a bad valve seal, as it started to smoke.
He checked the compression and found one leaking by.

From what little I have been able to find out so far it is the original 283 with 70,000 on the odometer??

My question is do I rebuild the engine I have or buy a crate engine?

not looking to go fast, just cruise around 50-65??

Trans is a TH 350.

Have not owned it long and have hardly driven it.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[dvalentine]

Ask your mechanic about doing a valve job on the heads if the compression leakage is the result of upper end valve train wear and tear.
Lower end, pistons, rings, crank bearings are the area you might consider a rebuild or replacement.

dv