420A Just getting Started

[Mishi_mind]

Hello,

I bought a 98 Eclipse manual non turbo, about two years ago. My wife drove it while I was out of town working and forgot to have fluids checked regularly. I now have an engine knock and the car has been sitting for about 6months now. I drained the oil there is no metal shavings or anything in it. It starts and drives, but can’t go over like 20mph. I had move recently and it was two blocks from my previous home so I drove it here. It knocks while running but does drive.

I would like to either rebuild the engine and keep it as is for now or engine swap it to at least get her running again. Eventually I would like to build her up and get around 400-500 horse power. I’m mechanically inclined to a point. I have never rebuilt an engine or swapped one before. I have worked on almost everything else under a hood.

What would be the best / cheapest option to get her running again until I’m ready to start dumping money to build her?

Any tips or tricks are helpful!

 

[CKOPOCT]

Posting a video that clearly "shows" us the knock would be helpful. Just going off what you've said, I wouldn't start or drive it at all. If the engine is damaged internally, it's a time bomb. Better to swap in a known good 420A for now.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

It takes some waiting and hunting to find a good 420A at the junkyard, but that's what I'd go with for now. I usually get them accessorized for $225 or just long block for $165. Obviously your price will vary by the yard but that's been my rate for a few years at the place I use, and either way that's very cheap for a good engine. I've pulled multiple good engines from wrecked cars or autos with transmission issues. Depending on your location, I have some things that could get you started. I won't ship an engine block though.

Now, building to handle 400-500hp will require a total engine teardown and preparation for high boost. So decide if you want to have the engine out once or multiple times. You won't build a capable engine while installed in the car, so you may consider building one before installation to save some time and effort. If you just need the car running for now that's one thing, but I wouldn't aim for such a power level in something that needs to be driven often.