Cost effective new motor

[TURB0]

Well, it appears as if my 91gsx has chucked a rod. The head that is on it is also out of a higher mileage dsm. I am now looking at my options as to rebuilding or replacing. With a rebuilt kit, I can do the labor myself with a friend, however after calling around it seems just the machining of the block is going to cost what they charge for "low-mileage" 4g63 complete motors. I was also able to locate some freshly rebuilt motors for a little over 1k. Has anyone else gone through this and found the best and for your buck with replacing a blown motor?

 

[Defiant]

Welcome to the world of old sports cars. You're about to be inundated with more tales than Hans Christian Andersen ever dreamed up.
Yes, there is a best way to go about building up the best racer motor evar. Many "best" ways. You're already seeing what costs are involved in rebuilding, and where they're generated. Guess which ones are skipped over by a cheap rebuild?
The best overall, simple answer is probably an imported used engine that had been put together by the factory, who did thousands of them. Of course, then you always have to hope the specific one you get had been in the "right" hands for its life before it got to you. Luckily, modern motors and the fluids used in them make for a level of durability higher than any point in history, and even the most neglected engine is still "good". I would re-do crank, cam, and valve stem seals while the engine was out, and re-do the timing belts as a matter of course.

Your most "cost-effective" new motor comes in a brand-new chassis, in a brand-new car. Sadly, those of us who have driven an AWD DSM don't have an alternative available, regardless the cost.

 

[jonseclipsegs]

Welcome to the world of old sports cars. You're about to be inundated with more tales than Hans Christian Andersen ever dreamed up.
Yes, there is a best way to go about building up the best racer motor evar. Many "best" ways. You're already seeing what costs are involved in rebuilding, and where they're generated. Guess which ones are skipped over by a cheap rebuild?
The best overall, simple answer is probably an imported used engine that had been put together by the factory, who did thousands of them. Of course, then you always have to hope the specific one you get had been in the "right" hands for its life before it got to you. Luckily, modern motors and the fluids used in them make for a level of durability higher than any point in history, and even the most neglected engine is still "good". I would re-do crank, cam, and valve stem seals while the engine was out, and re-do the timing belts as a matter of course.

Your most "cost-effective" new motor comes in a brand-new chassis, in a brand-new car. Sadly, those of us who have driven an AWD DSM don't have an alternative available, regardless the cost.

Very well put.