Bought my 16 year old son a 1989 Ramcharger a couple of weeks ago. He killed the 318 in less than a week. Overheated on the highway and then developed a wicked knock. Can't necessarily fault him since we have no idea on the actual mileage etc on the truck.

Now, I have to decide to either:

A) rebuild the 318 (been quoted $1500 for rebuild with new pistons, stock sized cam, a valve job, new rings and bearings)

A $1,500 rebuild is... well... a $1,500 rebuild. If the guy who offered it is trusted and experienced may be OK. How about the carb, distributor belts, hoses ect? It may turn out to be a $2,500 rebuild if the basic engine is reasonably OK to start with

B) I have a buddy with a 340 he puled out of a car 20+ years ago that I know for a fact ran really well before he scrapped the car. He has offered me that engine for $1500 "or so" That was 20 years ago... how about today?

C) Find a 318 or 360 Magnum motor to swap in a good option if you can find a good one

D) not really an option due to finances but my son wants to put int a newer 5.7 Hemi A bit of a science project... how is the rest of the truck? Also expensive.

E) scrap the truck and find him something else How is the rest of the truck? May be a good option as well.

Thoughts?