Rebuilding my 1990 N/T Laser RS

[Atekk_90RS]

Ok everyone, i got several questions for you all regaurding the rebuild of my non turbo 1990 plymouth laser RS (2.0L DOHC w/5speed) any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated.
i snatched up this car for 300 bucks from a freind cuz the timing belt broke (12 bent valves) i am having a valve job resurface and pressure test done as we speak and i figure while the head is popped off might as well rebuild the whole damn thing since it has 127000 miles on it....this is where my questions come in.

1. i found a rebuild kit for 450 bucks at www.rpmmachine.com this kit is an OEM kit including timing kit and new oil pump, however for an additional 300 bucks i can get forged aluminum pistons..are they worth the extra cash? and....anyone got anything cheaper? http://www.rpmmachine.com/fr_index.html?enginerebuildkitsimportmenu.html

2. i do not plan to turbo this engine for quite some time, would the OEM kit be sufficiant when the time comes. i know MANY other mods are needed beforehand, but are these internals enuff? and is turbo REALLY worth it considering all the work that goes into the swap...not to mention the cost, gas mileage decrease, and insurance hikes.

3. IF the stock internals from a N/T 1g arent enuff....could i simply go use a rebuild kit for a turbo 1G so that when the time comes i would be ready?

4. ive heard many others in this forum speak of replacing their 2.0L with a 2.4L block and slapping the same head on it...is this possible with my 1g model DSM? and would it be worth the cost/effort? or would slapping a turbo be the more logical/cost effective solution

i know that was alot of questions....sorry about that..im just very curious about my new DSM any and all opinions are appreciated.....thanx all
Atekk

 

[top_end95]

If you're not planning on going turbo for quite some time, just save up for the 4G63T.

$750 for the OEM rebuild kit and forged pistons is more than half way there (assuming you're doing the swap yourself).

Trust me, the swap will be worth the cost. You'd be suprised on how much the stock bottom-end of a 4G63T can handle.

 

[Atekk_90RS]

arent they the same exact engine? (the turbo and non turbo model of the 4G63)

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by Atekk_90RS
arent they the same exact engine? (the turbo and non turbo model of the 4G63)

There are some differences, the main item which comes to mind is the factory turbo equipped engines had a special oil gallery which had oil nozzels which directed a stream of oil at the underside of the pistons to assist in keeping them cool from the additional loads pf the trubo. They have caused some problems in the past when they didn't squirt properly and they should be checked if you have the pan off and rebuilding. With that in mind I would stick with the most cost effective method to get the engine running and start the hunt for a complete turbo engine.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by Atekk_90RS
[B...

i figure while the head is popped off might as well rebuild the whole damn thing since it has 127000 miles on it....this is where my questions come in.

1. i found a rebuild kit for 450 bucks at www.rpmmachine.com this kit is an OEM kit including timing kit and new oil pump, however for an additional 300 bucks i can get forged aluminum pistons..are they worth the extra cash? and....anyone got anything cheaper?
...
[/B]

The timing belt is a common problem which results usually from neglected maintenance.
And yes there will be some instances where there was premature failure. Let's face it a lot of these cars are bought because the resale value is next to nothing for they have lived a hard life. When buying a used car which handles well but in the hands of someone who can't afford the repairs things get neglected. The car has reached a point in it's life where it becomes a high maintenance vehicle which will _not_ be the most reliable transportation car you will ever own. Just to make a believer out of you one member has owned 3 TSIs and no longer will venture more than 100 miles from home because when he thinks everything is behaving right something else lets go. While this may be a bit fatalistic view those are his experiences.

I would not invest any more money in the non turbo engine than absolutely needed. Ask your friend if it smoked before the belt broke, just replacing valve stem seals could solve the the immediate needs.

Just remembered you are from Calif., you will have smog license problems for they are considered "gross poluters". However based on income you might qualify for some taxpayer money to help with the repairs to a max of $600?? which ain't something to sneeze at.

The bottom line is to use common sense, don't let your emotions control your wallet. Twenty years from now it might be a collectors item, but ALWAYS have an alternate plan or option "B" as in bail out if it ceases to be cost effective. Buy a bike for commuting in good weather, save the car for special occasions.

Cheers,
GTM