Head gasket fix or new engine?

[Deafwolf]

Hello everyone, i'm new to this forum and looking for a little help. I have a 1990 300zx 2+2 and after about 200k the head gasket went and now im faced with the conflict of either fixing just that or dropping in a newer n/a motor. I know the headgasket is a tough job and the motor basically has to come out anyway. I'm not mechanically inclined enough to do this myself so what would be the more reasonable option? also what can I expect in terms of cost for both possibilities? (I'm not selling the car or dropping in a different engine) unless someone has a couple rb26's lying around

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[EzioWolf]

Since you are not able to do the job yourself and the motor is at 200k, I personally would decide to drop a new motor in it. I will post price differences in the next comment.

[EzioWolf]

Here are all the different options Z1 Motorsports offer for an engine on a Z32---http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... ts_id=1862

Here are all the Different options from ConceptZPerformance for a Z32 engine---https://conceptzperformance.com/Cart/it ... =300&CA=79

And here is the stock option for a Z32 engine---https://www.google.com/search?q=VG30DE& ... 5173012133

[EzioWolf]

It will be cheaper In the long run to get the engine swap.

[NolimitZ32]

Best and cheapest in the long run option is to get a fully rebuilt OE spec engine and pay a knowledgeable mechanic to drop it in (your old one will go as the core). Do understand that no matter what you end up doing you will likely end up replacing some ancillary parts that will no doubt break during the swap process. Also look at having your clutch/fw and EFI harness replaced while the engine is out.

Your second and definitely cheapest up front option is to have the HG job done (again by someone who knows these cars). The HG job can be done with the engine in the car.

[Deafwolf]

Yeah i've been leaning towards swapping the engine more. Biggest problem right now is finding a local shop that has experience with these and doesnt try to beat me up on price. Thanks for the help everyone