head gasket blew. 160000mi. quick advice please

[diputz42]

'92 GSX 160000mi.

I bought the car with a busted turbo. The turbo basically drank and spit out all the oil, and with no oil, my car blew its head gasket. This was back in October. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to go.

1. Get a professional rebuild and slap in a new turbo
2. Swap the engine with an imported JDM 4g63t

A guy on eBay selling his rebuilt motor is stating in his ad that his rebuild cost him ~$1500.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7941824209&category=33615
I've been told that for a JDM engine swap, it should cost ~$1300 for the engine and ~$1200 for the labor. But when I called a local shop, they quoted me ~$5500 for parts and labor!!

Which is the best way to go for me? How much do you think each of those should cost? Of course, I'm poor and I need to go with whichever route is the least expensive =p

Thanks everyone!

 

[Tomeek]

the best way is to get all your good mechanic friend together buy some six pack's and do the swap youself, i would go with the rebuild engine, depending on what is in there. and buy a metal headgasket ask him what he has in that engine, and then do a good search if the parts are good enough or right for your future setup

 

[diputz42]

Sorry, but I have no mechanical knowledge or experience of any kind nor do my friends. I know all DSMers always suggest to do things yourself, but with no experience, tools, or knowledge, there's not much I can do but get professional help. I wanted to use this car to help me learn about this stuff so I could learn how to work on cars/engines etc. But there's no way in hell I can start learning about cars through a complicated engine swap.

Any other suggestions, ideas, tips?

Thanks again!

 

[midnght]

Well...you are sort of stuck in a rock-you-hardplace. Did you go or call a DSM shop?

I would also go for a rebuilt engine. It is basically new and you can tell what you are getting. The JDM has given prblems to a few (as I am sure some rebuilds have aswell) but with them you know NOT what you get.



I have a Multi-layered HG for $80 if you want it.

 

[diputz42]

Thanks for the tip. I'll think about that head gasket =)

But for the rebuild, would you suggest me to go to a shop and have my engine rebuilt or would it be better to buy a rebuilt engine from a trusted source and swapping the motors?

Thanks again and again!!

 

[98autogstspyder]

Well you do live in California. From what I understand, I would say at least a quarter of the dsm population the board lives in and around that area. There hasta be someone willing to help you from this board. Just search around, make a thread asking for help and away you go. I would offer some money, because someones time is precious, but i bet you will learn alot more watching a dsmer do it and it will cost you less. plus if u get someone from this board you will be able to watch where as in a shop they usually dont let you watch the process.

Tyler

 

[dsmike]

http://www.roadraceengineering.com/

13022 La Dana Ct.
Santa Fe Springs, Ca. 90670
Tel (562) 777-1522 Fax (562) 777-1562