to engine swap or not to engine swap, that is the question

[brrrnntsshhhh]

Watsup guys, I drive a 95 Eagle Talon Tsi (Fwd) with 200K+ miles on the motor. I bought the car with 180k miles. The previous owner said it was rebuilt a while back but I have no clue what they did. I am figuring that since it has lasted this long should I just go ahead and upgrade it and hope that I don't get struck down with crankwalk or if I should build up a 6-bolt and drop it in. I know I would rather do the 6-bolt swap but I don't really see the need to do one if my motor has lasted me this long and runs flawlessly. So what should i do?

 

[ddavisaf]

I think you should still go ahead and grab a 6 bolt, build it up until your current motor dies on ya, then swap 'em out.

 

[tyler094]

I would definitely do the 6 bolt swap. You may not have any problems with your current engine right now but I am willing to bet the older it gets the more likely it has a chance to walk on you. 6 Bolts are much better and that is definitely the way to go if you don't mind doing the swap

 

[SethA]

I would run the 7 bolt until it gives you problems. Replacing a perfectly good motor seems like a waste at your level of modification. From your profile it looks there are a bunch of mods you could perform to the 7 bolt that would be usable on a 6 bolt in the future if necessary. Go ahead and do a turbo, logger & fuel control (or dsmlink), fuel injectors, front mount, etc. If your current motor dies move all that stuff to your new engine.

With that said, it sure wouldn't hurt to have money ready for the new engine if your current engine gives up. If this is a daily driver and you plan to keep it for a while, maybe start the 6 bolt buildup and have it ready.

Seth

 

[Spoolin4Ever]

Well you have to weigh the pros and cons both ways, and look at your budget also.


How is the compression on your current engine? Has the timing belt been done and all that jazz? If so, when?

If it was coming up to have a Tbelt, and you were going to pay someone else to do it, that would be a good time to swap it.

If it is good compression, and doesn't need the tbelt or any of that stuff done, then I would say go ahead with the mods. Assuming you are in it for the long hall, which implies you would pay to replace the engine if needed when needed anyway, milk the 7 bolt for all it's worth, mod away, and hope for the best.

The upgrades will be there for the next engine if you must replace it.