Cost of rebuild/replace?

[Midshipman]

I have a 98 gst that has some major knocking in the bottom end, no power and dies when I try to move it. I'm curious what a rebuild or replace is gonna run me. I don't want a lot of power, I would like to use the car as a dd and for short trips. Anyone in the Birmingham Alabama area that knows a good shop or can do the rebuild for me let me know. I have a good 6 bolt laying around if that's a cheaper route.

 

[xander061]

The cost could vary widely, if you do it yourself a few hundred but at a shop it could be close to $1g for parts and labor. Its smart if you have to replace one rod might as well do all 4 so you dont have to repay a shop or spend the time taking the motor apart a 2nd time.

 

[WIKDGSX619]

For the cost of a rebuild you can probably find a good running motor on here or from lkq.id definitely scour craigslist and the tuners for sale section !

 

[valencia1510]

I actually had this problem/dilemma when my motor started to go on my 1g tsi..after researching my initial plan of jus doing a stock rebuild..estimates from various shops ranged for parts and labor around 1k-1.2k... i then shopped around craigslist and tuners from vendors official and non official for some used stock blocks in good running condition for around 500-750.. i ended up finding a couple people on tuners who buy dsm's and part em out.. all the parts are generally in excellent condition..i ended up trading for a 2.3L built stroked short block and my stock rebuild has become a track car build .. its good to research your area first for the credibility of the shops ud wna rebuild your block...and/or also good to research any ready to drop in blocks from some people that are parting em out.. 9 outta 10 u can get a good value block if u thoroughly research around ..

if your head is still in working order and also if you can do the work in pulling out your motor nd doing the labor urself u can save a shit ton of $.. best of luck

 

[danielbo91]

Man I couldn't understand what you freaking wrote valencia1510 please use proper grammar this is not pre k or getto writing skills.
Op good luck finding a used block used they usually go from 400-2000+ and make sure you check if you buy it used.
I'm in the process doing 6 bolt swap on my gsx wich is going to be a strocker 2.3 just in machining the and everything having it balanced and assemble by machinist is 1400 plus pistons, rods,2.4 crank a complete engine rebuild is going to anywhere from 1500-2500+

 

[1Badvan]

If you need help let me know, I live in Athens, Al. and could probably help out some on the weekends.

I would offer to do it in my garage but your far away and I'm finishing up my own 4G64/4G63 build, so my garage is currently being used.

Also DsMWookie is from Birmingham, AL. and very knowledgeable about DSM's.

 

[cliffkemp]

Provided you have not spun a rod bearing or anything like that, you can do it yourself and it will be around 1k if you do it right. You will need to get new head bolts/studs (recommend the L19s as you can reuse them several times if needed).

You will need a seal kit for top and bottom end and will run around 200 at the most.

You will need a new headgasket. With L19s, can do composite or MLS and have a long life HG but, get your head decked so the surface is very flat.

You will need to inspect your oil pump and get new belts and lots of RTV (black, red, and grey....Black or grey for anything that will see oil)

Replace any semi-stripped bolts/nuts as you will probably get a little frustrated.

If you choose to do it youself (highly recommend it as it is a great learning experience....can take my turbo off in an hour now instead of a day) check the general condition of things in the engine bay so you know what you have. I would recommend changing all the rod bearing/main bearings (sounds like you will have no choice from the noise it makes) Check your pistons and rings. Have the head checked out as well

If you do it youself, you will know what you have and learn a great deal in the process. There are many on here that live near you that will be willing to help out on the weekends. I just rebuilt my motor a few months ago and we had a blast.