420a rebuild need advice

[ARMAGEDDON]

I have 99 eclipse with a stock 420a that is burning some oil, with that said I am looking to do a rebuild on the cheap but reliable and possible power upgrade.
I have plenty of parts to choose from my local junk yard has over 100 dsm cars to pull from.

Opt1:

I could prob get a cheap 420a engine and have it rebuilt then have a shop drop it in.

Opt2: I could buy a complete rebuild from ??? for around 2000 and have a shop put it in.

Opt3: I could have a shop take my engine and have it rebuilt.

Opt4: i could get a 420a turbo and have it rebuilt and have a shop put it in.


Opt5: advice on best way to go I live in charlotte NC. The cheapest engine I have found rebuilt is around 1400 plus shipping and core. Any links would be appreciated.

 

[firstdsm2g]

Save yourself some coin rebuild it your self and put t in yourself.

 

[whiteclaw95]

I will have to agree with firstdsm2g. You should do it yourself so you can save money and get to know your engine and all the sensors, wiring and bolts. Ask some friends for help. Thats how alot of us get our things done friends and family.

 

[ARMAGEDDON]

I live in a condo and i need my garage for my truck.

 

[dsmcrzy]

My advice if you are going to buy a rebuilt one check the vendor reviews on this site.

 

[ARMAGEDDON]

any sites that you trust or have heard of others buying good long blocks?

 

[jayson427]

What Is your budget? And is this your only daily driver? If you buy a fresh long block it will cost more than your whole car is worth. Keep researching don't go buy anything on a whim.

 

[dsmcrzy]

any sites that you trust or have heard of others buying good long blocks?

I built my engine after I bought a 'professionally' rebuilt engine from Kar King that died after 4 miles and then it was warrantied and that engine went for 2000 miles before the rod bearings spun.

Also stay away from DSM graveyard.

Honestly for a daily that you aren't turboing just find a healthy used engine.

You say your in NC so check out miller import parts. He's on here as stangmurdura. He has a ton of stuff he's a good guy too.

 

[Spooled420a]

to save yourself some headche just replace the valve stems seals. thats what usually goes in the 420a's. but would do a compression test first. seal are $15 max and just put them in yourslef.

 

[Fotowntalon]

if you are rebuilding, get ahold of me I can source you name brand parts at a good price

 

[ARMAGEDDON]

Miller imports I am picking up a front lip and hood in the morning was thinking about getting a long block from Steve at Miller imports. I let you know how it goes. is 150 to much to pay for a front lip and hood in good shape?

 

[TSicktalon]

+1 for Miller. 420a's are everywhere, so you should be able to find one in good shape. I don't know if I would waste the money paying to have one rebuilt. Also, keep in mind if you want to go n/a-t, you still have to pass OBD inspection which may not be too fun unless you know your Inspector.

NC brah checkin in.

 

[dsmcrzy]

Miller imports I am picking up a front lip and hood in the morning was thinking about getting a long block from Steve at Miller imports. I let you know how it goes. is 150 to much to pay for a front lip and hood in good shape?

Depends on the lip really.

 

[ARMAGEDDON]

if you want to go n/a-t??

Not sure what this means, front lip is stock good shape and matches the color of my rs.

Also my engine does idle a bit rough and is now throwing a p302 code.

not to worried about my engine costing more than the car i only paid 1400 for the car, and it is worth the money to have a reliable DSM it is my wifes favorite car and it is def growing on me.

 

[dsmcrzy]

He meant non-turbo to turbo.

 

[jayson427]

If it's worth it to you then go for it. Just do some good research on everything before you buy stuff. It's best to get a junk yard block and rebuild what's necessary so you can still drive your car till its finished. A machine shop can reuse alot of things and recondition them. So get the parts you want to upgrade like pistons, header, bigger throttle body, under drive pulley ect. Then get it all put in and there you go brand new motor for under the price of buying a built long block from any site. I would get in touch with fotowntalon and throw some ideas around with him and see where you end up.

 

[ARMAGEDDON]

Yeah I think that is the route i am going to go I can pick up a long block from Miller and just put some quality parts in it. Now if i can get that used long block from miller for a song I will be livin la vida loca.

ANY BODY WITH QUALITY PARTS FOR A 420A HIT ME UP.


Oh by the way the front lip and hood i picked up from miller look fabulous on my fast and furious 99.

 

[mrmadsm]

i would honestly try changing the valve stem seals first. you can change them without pulling apart the motor and that might fix 95% of your oil burning!! please do that first before you waste alot of money on a non turbo that is worth half of a turbo car