How to find an engine replacement? Options

[1994whitecelicag...]

Hi everyone! So I'm kinda stuck and not sure what I should do with my car. Basically, the dealer told me that my headgasket blew and probably messed up my whole engine. I'm new to this, so what should I replace it with? Should I go with used, rebuilt, or a new crate motor? What would be the cheapest option? I've been looking around and see some rebuilts for about $750. But I'm not sure if its worth it. I have the 2.2 5SFE motor. Thanks everyone

[blackliftback]

Rebuilt motors are risky depending on who rebuilt them. It may have new parts but are the bolts torqued to specs?
Used... It is also hit miss. They claim low miles but who really knows.

Really, it sounds like the dealer might be pulling your leg. You never know. A friend of mine took his 6gc to a dealer and they said it has a hg blown. He took it in for overheating issues. As i looked on the invoice on what they tested, i noticed they never checked the thermostat. In the end, it was a sticky thermostat. From experience, they like to start on the most expensive fix before anything else.


Enough telling stories... I say buy used. Its cheaper and i would trust it more than somebody "rebuilt" the motor. Unless from a reputable person.
But first make sure it is in fact a headgasket and that the head and/or block isnt warped.

[1994whitecelicag...]

Thanks for all of the advice. Yeah, I kinda feel like the dealership is trying to pull a fast one.

I've already pulled out the thermostat. My guess is that its the head gasket. I'll try to take it apart to see if the engine is warped or not.

But thank you! If it is, I'll go look for a used engine. Thanks again!

[blackliftback]

Do a compression test on the cylinders to see if there is low compression first. Usually a good sign of hg blown is at least two cylinders low compression

[Smaay]

a rebuild will be cheaper, its the labor that will be a killer. Sacramento is a little far from me and i dont know how long you can go without the car, but im going to be a lot cheaper then any mechanic or dealer.

[blackliftback]

a rebuild will be cheaper, its the labor that will be a killer. Sacramento is a little far from me and i dont know how long you can go without the car, but im going to be a lot cheaper then any mechanic or dealer.

I agree with smaay. I dont know his prices on rebuilds but the labor is very expensive.

[1994whitecelicag...]

a rebuild will be cheaper, its the labor that will be a killer. Sacramento is a little far from me and i dont know how long you can go without the car, but im going to be a lot cheaper then any mechanic or dealer.

Hey Smaay,

I'll message you. How much are you willing to do a rebuild? I'd be willing to do all the transportation. It's not in a rush either since I have spare car.

Do a compression test on the cylinders to see if there is low compression first. Usually a good sign of hg blown is at least two cylinders low compression

I've been don a engine rebuild, but I have replaces head gaskets. So what are some ways to check whether or not my cylinders are warped? Or if there is more damage other than the head gasket?

[blackliftback]

With the head off the block, take a leveler or a true and straight metal ruler and put it on top of block. Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap in between the straight object and the engine block. I don't know the exact clearance spec for it atm. Do the same with the head.