Buy a 90 Laser? Thrown Rod

[bennyhaha00]

I found a 90 Plymouth Laser RS near my friend's house. They want $500 for it. The interior looks nice, the exterior is pretty good too. But it has a thrown rod. I'm still learning a lot about DSM's, but I have a friend's dad (a mechanic) would probably help me fix it. My question is: Is the car worth it, and if so, how much $ are we talking about, and what would have to be done? I assume rebuilding the bottom end, but then again I'm still learning, so feel free to make any suggestions. Thanks in advance!

 

[sonicnofadz]

You will probably end up rebuilding the engine (at least the block). If you are going to be fixing a destroyed rod/piston/crank you are not just fixing that one destroyed part, but you will be replacing A LOT of things. If you pull apart a block that has miles on it, and only fix a broken rod/bearing but nothing else, you are asking for serious trouble. So bottom line, your going to probably be spending anywhere from $500-2000 on rebuilding the bottom end or buying a new block altogther. Anything major like a thrown rod is going to take a lot of work to properly fix, and will require the use of a machine shop (resurfacing, checking crank, bearings, magnafluxing, hot tanking, pressing the wrist pins) so make sure you have a shop you trust at the ready. You may be able to do most of the work (like the assembely of the block itself) but if you or that mechanic you are talking about are not familar with how to do this, do NOT attempt to do it without the assistance of a professional machinist. You will destroy your engine all over again. If you do not have this type of money to spend on a rebuild, you could always maybe look for a used short block (make damn sure its a 6 bolt!!!) on ebay or maybe even a junkyard and just pray it hasn't suffered a similar fate to your old motor =) Good luck.

Oh yeah, and in my opinion, I would definitely NOT buy the car. Save up your money and look around for an AWD talon or eclipse. They are rare cars but they are out there somewhere, and you could probably find one cheaper than it would be to spend $500 + the rebuild cost. Check autotrader.com for DSMs for sale in your area. I ended up settling for a front wheel drive car and now I'm really kicking myself in the ass for not searching for a better deal on an AWD DSM. Anyways, its just a matter of opinion. If you choose to take the laser, just keep in mind that not only will you be spending tons of cash, but your going to be spending a whole lot of time as well. You may learn alot, whether you like it or not.

 

[bennyhaha00]

OK I think I will wait then, I thought it might be too much of a hassle, but I wanted to make sure. The car was for my friend anyways, he can't decide between a MkIII Supra or an older DSM. Thanks for the help.