Good price for a fresh KA?

[BadMojo]

Pending the results of one more compression test, I may have a problem with the #2 cylinder on my ~100K mile KA. If I have a bad ring, it doesn't seem to be cost effective to go with an engine rebuild.

A local shop has quoted me ~$1500 to drop in a fresh KA. Here's the thing...they say that they import these engines from China and other parts of Asia. He also said that they're very low mileage KA engines (between 30-40K miles on 'em) and are compression tested.

Is it me or does something sound "not quite right" with this? I didn't know the KA24DE (except in its truck form) was used in other applications around the world. It just seems odd to be importing KA motors.

So, questions are...

1) Would you bother rebuilding a 100,000 mile KA24DE?2) Does the above info on the source of the engines sound "right"?

[:: orion ::]

Don't bother rebuilding...and don't import one.

Search on http://www.car-part.com, and you'll find '97-98 motors or $550, with less than 40k, and you can confirm it. Importers say ALL their motors are "around 30-40k"...that's BS. With a motor from a US junk yard, you can ask for the VIN and run it to see what miles Carfax shows, to confirm.

[ And before someone asks if you can use an S14 motor in an S13, YES. Just use the head and block, retain your stock exhaust mani, intake mani, and accessories. Same goes for a '97-98 motor into a '95-96 ]

Hope that helps - Brian

[BadMojo]

Don't bother rebuilding...and don't import one.

Search on http://www.car-part.com, and you'll find '97-98 motors or $550, with less than 40k, and you can confirm it. Importers say ALL their motors are "around 30-40k"...that's BS. With a motor from a US junk yard, you can ask for the VIN and run it to see what miles Carfax shows, to confirm.

Thanks, Orion. I thought something sounded kinda funky about the whole thing. I'd love to be able to get an engine from a junk yard, put it on a stand and just replace anything that needs to be replaced (water pump, timing chain, seals, etc.)

Thanks for that website too...I've been trying to remember that URL for ages.

[candela]

You may want to rebuild. THough its a little more in depth you can insure its done right and will be a learnign experience as well. If its one ring and the walls are ok, I am sure a simple hone will be sufficient (considering its only 100k). You can do chain/tensioner and even water pump while you are at it if you want. I cannot see that consting more than $400.

However swapping to a s14 motor isnt a bad idea either. My enitre motorset/transmission and everything is going for $500 and its in great shape. These deals are always going around...

Good luck w/e you decide, just dont pay $1500 for a simple swap you can manage for $600 or so and a days work.

[BadMojo]

However swapping to a s14 motor isnt a bad idea either. My enitre motorset/transmission and everything is going for $500 and its in great shape. These deals are always going around...

Good luck w/e you decide, just dont pay $1500 for a simple swap you can manage for $600 or so and a days work.

Yeah, I would love to pick up a low mileage KA. It would be fun to do it myself. I also just saw that Harbor Freight sells engine stands for ~$50 and I'm pretty sure I know a place nearby where I could rent a hoist.

It would be nice to be able to change the timing chains, etc. and water pumps while the engine was on the stand. It would also be an excellent time to get some Nismo engine/transmission mounts.

[I Need $$$]

Yeah I think that you would be better off in a swap than trying to rebuild it yourself. A roll of masking tape can be a good thing for labeling. Good luck man.

[I Need $$$]

Forget my question. Good luck BadMojo.