I have an 09 5.3 that the lifter started ticking. Well I parked the truck as soon as it started. I bought another 5.3 from a buddy to put in truck. Is there a way I can delete the AFM from the new engine without spending the 800-1000 or more for the kit.
I'm with
@swathdiver on replacing the whole engine. There's no need unless the one you bought from your buddy is in (known) much better shape, lower miles, etc. It's been a long time since I've added it up and my AFM delete snowballed, so I can't say for sure on the cost. But, going off your numbers, deleting AFM is gonna cost that $800-$1,000 whether it's in your current engine or the one you just bought. The one out of the engine bay would just be easier due to the access. I pulled mine to do the delete to make resealing it easier.
If your engine is in otherwise great shape and it's honestly just a ticking lifter, not turned, scrubbed, etc., then you can replace that one lifter or all on that bank. This would be your cheapest option and replacing more parts will cost more on up to a full delete. Yeah, there's a trick to smack the lifter to unstick it without removing the head. But, I don't feel that's a permanent fix.
@Cajunboy- you a fellow Louisianian?