Buying a 1g engine

[Cool09]

Hello DSMers, I've been lurking a while and have just registered.

I like the idea of a solid 1g engine in a sexy 2gb chassis. While shopping around for a good deal on a 1997-1998 Talon I came across a 1g engine for $200, from a guy who lives 5 minutes away from me.

This brings me to my questions: He doesn't know if it's from a turbo or naturally aspirated car. How can I tell just from looking at it? Also are there any other things I should check specifically before buying it? I know I won't really know the condition of the engine without tearing it down and taking a micrometer to it, but any simple tips would be helpful.

Thanks!

UPDATE:

I went and picked up the engine. As you can see it's quite rusty. What do you wisemen think? Nothing a good machine shop couldn't clean up? Also what is the blue dome on the flywheel and how do I remove it?

This is how I got it. Yes that is my cluttered garage.. it will be cleaned out this week to make room for this project.

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No rust under here... inside the head looks great. Everything is still oiled up.

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Not sure what this blue dome is, could anyone help a newbie out?

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Here it is right now... I've removed the cut off coolant hoses and the wiring harness. This shot lets you really appreciate the RUST.

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[Clutch450]

Is it a 6 or 7 bolt? No point in wasting the money for a 1g 7 bolt when you already have a 7 bolt in your car now.

 

[Cool09]

Is it a 6 or 7 bolt? No point in wasting the money for a 1g 7 bolt when you already have a 7 bolt in your car now.

It's a 6 bolt. I'm thinking of getting a clean 2g chassis for cheap and dropping in this 1g engine.

I'm just not sure what to look for in a visual inspection. Also does it matter if it's from a turbo or naturally aspirated car? I'll of course be running it with a turbo

 

[BogusSVO]

For $200 for a 6 bolt it dosnt matter if it is a turbo block or na block... Just get it.

If you can put a ratchet on the hbal bolt and spin it over.. get it.


The turbo blocks have a oil squriter under the pistons, NA do not

Also the turbo oil return is in the block IIRC.

If it is a NA, you will need to do a build any how.. NA pistons seem to fail with boost.

 

[Ronny Cordova]

Yeah, $200 is a pretty good price for a complete 4G63 regardless just for parts. You could easily get that back parting it out.

 

[Cool09]

Updated the OP with pictures.

What do you wisemen think of my purchase?

A feasible project? Next step would be to take it completely apart, take a mic to it and send it off to a machine shop.

 

[finesse49ers]

The "blue dome" is the torque converter, apparently this engine was attached to an automatic transmission.

 

[And_44]

Turbo oil return bolts to the oil pan. If you don't have the oil return holes on pan it's non turbo.

 

[gotclutch23]

Seeing how.theres no coolant drain off.the coolant pipe to go to the turbo im going.to have to say its a non.turbo motor. 200 is still worth it you got.yourself a nice.valve cover if there's no cracks