Hi. I just got an '06 300C RWD from an auction and to my dismay, I've discovered that it has a rod knock. I'd like to know, as an amateur, should I
A. Rebuild it myself and what should I expect to replace, or
B. Pull a 5.7 from a junkyard 300, charger R/T, or RAM 1500 and swap

Thanks in advance. I'll post updates as soon as I start the project.

Here's a video of the engine "running."

 

If you have the tools, fixtures, experience and don't have to rent or buy too much stuff you could go for the DIY rebuild. but never forget, it's always more work than you figured.

Buying used engines from wrecking yards , even if you can find a salvage dude you know and trust, is a very chancy business. Most wreckers have an "all sales are final" policy and even if you find one you trust that will give you a refund on a bad engine, you got a lot of time and effort wasted. The other issue is: modern engines from the same family. unless they come from the exact same car and model. are rarely match ups.

Either way, if you get in over your head and have to get a pro to finish up the job - you are going to get creamed. One more thing - be sure that knock is as serious as you think. Maybe it can be fixed short of a complete rebuild.

Long story short- I can't cast a vote in your poll because there are too many variables.

 

Knock Knock old boy,

Your thread is one of the most interesting to come along in quite some time. I do hope you will hang in there and keep us posted and know that some of us appreciate the time and effort you put into your thread.

I do apologize for the non responsiveness of this forum. It does seem to be a charismatic of the 300 crew as opposed to the Dodge boys and etc. Seems like a case of passiveness but I know a lot of us are interested. Perhaps the average 300 driver is well past the age of getting into engine rebuilding/swapping.

 

For a guy that was a Cummins Diesel engine builder most of his life I would replace, here is why.
Modern engines run very tight clearances and have many more nooks and crannies than in the past. Rebuilding an existing known knocker will likely have fine particles scattered throughout the engine. Finding a good used running engine, that you witness the run, would be my choice. I would then at least open it up and inspect/replace main and rod bearings (as needed), refresh some gaskets and swap it in.
Obviously the condition and other needs of the car would weigh in on the decision.
Let us know your decision.

 

I'm with FIREM's take on swapping out your engine for a known good replacement unit. The main issue is finding an engine that can be demonstrated as good prior to purchase.

Don't neglect to keep us posted on this all works out for you.