johnbot123

well friends, im at a crossroads. on thanksgiving my headgasket blew. now, i dont know if i should rebuild it or swap in a low mielage motor from a member on the forum? the rebuild might cost me about 600 bucks plus labor for the mechanic to install. where as the donor engine is 200 bucks plus instalation but i have to pick it up (another 100 bucks to drive to MD) and then i might as well put a new clutch in since the motor and trans will be out (100 bucks for a seco clutch kit). the donor engine has 88k on it where as my bottom end has 300,xxx miles on it but will have a fresh head and head gasket. My motor wasnt smoking or knocking, so im assuming the bottom end is still good. Im on a TIGHT budget because of the holidays and paying for school. any help guys?

Kaydee

swap...I've heard plenty of horror stories with rebuilt engines

IS_250

iTrader: (2)

why do you need to rebuild? just swap the head gasket and call it a day.

johnbot123

the quality isnt the issue, i have worked with this particular machine shop many times and they have built me several 500hp 7mgte and 2jzgte daily drivers. my concern is what is most cost effective

YeA 2jZ

iTrader: (15)

Just swap in the used one and rebuild the old one with TT internals and get it ready for NA-T

johnbot123

i thought about just laying down an new head gasket as well, but im afraid if i pull the head off, it could have gotten warped

RX7 RAGE

iTrader: (18)

i say drop in a 2jz-gte