Blown headgasket on a QG18DE

[HijackTheLeft]

So my friend's 03 1.8L Sentra was overheating a lot, and before he got it fixed, he blew his headgasket. He's looking to just get a whole new engine. a.) Is that the best idea? He's got the means to do so. He's not rich, and if there's another way, that'd be preferable, but if getting a whole new engine would be his best bet, he's willing to do so.b.) If that is the best idea, where is the best place to get a new engine for it? And, does anybody have any tips or anything to watch out for when doing this swap?

p.s. He's not looking for any upgrades, just a direct swap.

Thanks.

[nametakennow]

Direct swap, his best option is a junkyard. There are probably plenty of totaled QG Sentras with fairly low miles. Shouldn't be any major issues.

IMO the HG is going to be easier than replacing the whole thing, but if it was overheating that much, it may have problems down the road, too.

[HijackTheLeft]

IMO the HG is going to be easier than replacing the whole thing, but if it was overheating that much, it may have problems down the road, too.

That's what we were thinking. We've got a mechanic friend and enough knowledge to be helpful, so we'll be good on the labor part of things. You really think they'll be useful 2003 motors in the junkyard?

Also, are all the QG18DE motors compatible with the 03 model?

[nametakennow]

Any 00-06 QG18 will do.

[HijackTheLeft]

He found one for $650 including shipping for one with low miles and a 6 month warranty on ebay. Does that seem like a decent deal? I don't know all the particulars on it, but I found some as low as $250, and others as much as $4000.

[nametakennow]

Seems pretty cheap. Google the vendor and check up on them (read their feedback too), all the usual stuff.