looking for an average cost

[callofktulu35]

I have to change my water pump/timing belt on my 1996 420a but was thinking to rebuild the motor instead. (for piece of mind). I live in Milwaukee, WI and was wondering if since im going to spend 500ish to get that done would it be worth it if the cost is right to just have the motor rebuilt. Mainly because it burn a little oil and i have no clue if the head gasket has been replaced or not. odometer has 140,XXX miles on it. If it helps, here are some pictures of the motor. It is completely stock besides the cold air intake. At least its stock to the best of my knowledge. She is running a little flat too, especially when i have a passenger. Dont seem to have all the power it should. So my main question is, Is there an average price to get a 420A rebuilt or are there other options.

 

[clipto]

Sell it and find low mile gst even stock it be faster then your car and just get maintnance checked out on it should be good. Better to dump money into something you will be happier with. those 420a's will take all your money for nothing.

 

[talon2gbuyer]

DIY man.. plenty of info and vfaq's on how to do it. especially on a N/A motor, don't have to worry about boost leaks and the like.

 

[callofktulu35]

So to do a rebuild is a simple DIY huh. The only reason i might sell it is to get a 5spd. Not really concerned about getting a turbo for it. I bought it as a project to begin with.

 

[WES_393]

Unless your looking to rebuild it for performance, then it's not worth it. Stick to regular maintenance and repairs. I wouldn't rebuild anything until I had to. Headgaskets don't wear out like a timing belt or water pump so you really don't stand to gain anything. You could likely get back a bit of power just from a good tune-up.

In all honesty, is a $2,000 car worth a $1,500 rebuild? Especially if you'll gain no performance from it?

 

[T3xasSpawn]

i have a 98 eclipse n/t with the 420A. ppl have been discouraging me with sell it, or other non-sense but from what i have researched there is some signifigant mods to be done even with the 420a. i'm considering find a wrecked gsx for the awd mechanics. not afraid of turning wrenches.

 

[callofktulu35]

I've already put NGK Platinum plug and duralast wires. unless there is more that i can do to regain its power. i at least want it back to what it should be. Im no where near ready to start putting performance stuff in it. That will be my project next spring after i get all the maintenance done