[VAC] Info On Engines Please

[Alexkensington@xxxxxxx]

Hello Gang-

Alex In Indiana here back from too few weeks in Port O' Call in Melbourne. 
What a wonder place, and found lotsa WBCCI friends old and new. It's really a 
great way of life and I'll spend more on my off season there as I discovered 
how easy it could be accomplished. But I digress-

I am asking about engines today. My tow vehicle gets quite a work out as I am 
a sideshow performer, and work fairs and festivals from Ontario to Florida, 
Nebraska to Virginia, and life full time in my Airsteam from April to 
November, and will winter in Florida next year as the other carnies do. I 
drove 35,000 + tax deducible miles in 2001, and will probably add to that 
considerably this season as my sales are up. 

My Tow Vehicle is a 3/4 ton 1988 GMC Suburban Sierra Classic, in pretty good 
shape. Only a tiny rust spot, never wrecked, sound drive chain, frontend, and 
great interior. I tow a 1966 22' safari quite light and well balanced, and 
will move up to a 26' 1966 Overlander, also very lightly packed. I use the 
original Reese dual Cam set up with very great results as the trailers are 
older and lighter and by today's standard mid sized to short. 

About my engine: I've the 5.7 liter gas engine, working a 3-speed automatic 
(no overdrive) , and I'm at 119,000 actual miles. My mileage is acceptable, 
and things seem strong. I have good pick up with Safari hitched and oil 
consumption is about a quart per 3000 miles. I never let it get below 1/2 
quart. And change every 30K religiously. 
My route requires very little hill climbing, and I don't mind if I get poky 
going over Lookout Mountain, my only serious climb. 

My question: I'm getting some real miles on this power plant! If I am to 
budget engine replacement this year, I need to establish that now for budget 
planning reasons. I am thinking if I do replace an engine this year, do I:

A) get a Crate Engine? or a rebuild? Reliability takes president over cost

B) What the heck is a crate engine? Is it a complete engine, or a block 
bearing & crank set or ... with heads or what? Do I get this from a 
dealership? I am more for replacing more than less.
C) What's a ball park figure I should prepare myself for? And then installed?

And finally, what are some folks' criteria for engine replacement? Oil 
consumption? Compression loss and at what amounts? Other things I am 
omitting. 

Remember I am fine right now, but need to plan for the future, and what to 
start a budget line now for the future.