1st gen 3sgte..is it reliable?, yes, no, maybe, depends? Options

[Valo666]

So, ive been thinkin about doing a swap for awhile now...but at the same time..im on a bit of budget. Any ways...ive found a place that has a bunch of 1st gen 3sgtes in stock with like 50xxxKM on them..for like $500 or so..no harness, or ecu..but i can get both easily from a buddy of mine. Any ways, are 1st gen 3s' reliable??...i know any thing can be reliable...but i mean under like..say...13psi daily driven...would the car be ok?? my motor in the car now has been acting up a bit..and im thinking of doing this swap soon. as for I/C piping..bov etc..i have every thing at my work for cheap. Any ways...yes?? or no??

[lagos]

its like a 20yr old motor from the 80s thats sitting in a junk yard..what are the compression numbers?

they are not as well build as the 2nd or 3rd gens. if you try to cut costs on your motor and get something as cheap as possible, youll probably end up paying more later on having to fix it to keep it running. i would say wait, save up, and get at least a 2nd gen, thats in the best shape you can find.

[Valo666]

its like a 20yr old motor from the 80s thats sitting in a junk yard..what are the compression numbers?

they are not as well build as the 2nd or 3rd gens. if you try to cut costs on your motor and get something as cheap as possible, youll probably end up paying more later on having to fix it to keep it running. i would say wait, save up, and get at least a 2nd gen, thats in the best shape you can find.

no, the ones ive found are sittin at used engine places around town. They are stored inside in a heated wear house. I know they arent as well built as second and 3rd gens, but could you throw 2nd or 3rd gen internals into the block? I can get 2nd gen pistons for like $20 at my work. Pretty much i can get full lower end internals from my work (all OE style), for like $250 w/o a crank.