Inspecting a SR before u buy...

[SoCalS14]

What should I look for if I was inspecting an SR (s14). Any common signs of obvious abuse? I have a motor lined up and the guy wants me to come down and check it out...I need advice quickly!!!

[pgt892]

Check the common broken or missing parts, ie the CAS, ignitor chip, etc. If you are going to be using the stock sidemount make sure that all the necessary pipes are there. Also, take off the valve cover and check the internals as best you can.

[VitaminT]

If you don't have time to pull the valvecover look in the oil filler hole while someone turns the motor over and you should see a stream of oil. This will ensure that the oilpan is at least not beat all the way in.

I was able to hear my SR run before slapping down the cash. I don't see why anyone else wouldn't be able to do the same if they were really interested in selling you the motor.

[SoCalS14]

Well, I just received the call. The motor is out of a clip, supposedly with all the parts (I had the guy go off the list from Heavy Throttle). Everything there. He also told me they Compression and leak down tested the motor, and all the numbers were good. Its a really good price...he is going to send me some pics...

[240dreams]

white cracks on the exhaust components (manifold and turbo) show overheating.

[Phax]

...He also told me they Compression and leak down tested the motor, and all the numbers were good.

Ask for the numbers. You should have ~170 compression on all of the cylinders.

[robbbby]

170?I had 155 across all 4 and was told that was good compression.

[240dreams]

check the turbo also. i didn't get to check mine when i bought it but when i got it home there was some leakage going on. take off the intake pipe and look for puddles of oil.

[SoCalS14]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help, keep the advice coming. Get this, he is even going to deliver it to my house!

[Onizuka]

where you buying from? Heavythrottle?

[SoCalS14]

I am buying it through a guy that my dad knows here on the west coast. He is picking it up directly from an importer (he has a wholesale license??) And he is basically selling it to me at wholesale price...$2400 for a S14 motor.

[Onizuka]

Wow thats awsome, let us all know how it turns out!

[SoCalS14]

I hope it turns out well (crossing fingers). The guy seems honest and genuinely interested in selling me what I want. He has also refered me to a shop that he says will give me a sweet deal on FMIC/Boost controller/etc....I wil keep you guys posted, if everything goes well, I should have the negine next week. I want to inspect it first!!

[cardinal]

Run testing is the best way. I have been to both Japan and Malaysia to purchase engines. I KNOW the tricks to get good compression tests and to make them look nice. Bottom line is most yards in Japan do not do compression tests. I found this out when I asked to perfrom my tests with my compression tester - this particular guy would not let me do it. Unless you are buying a clip which should be able to be started and run, you know nothing about the bottom end or bearings etc. Doing a compression test on a cold engine is not accurate (read how to do the test in the FSM) not to mention a teaspoon of oil will jump the numbers way up. If you run the motor first, it will burn this off and give you true reading. Leakdown tests can be "doctored" up as well.

Be carefull is the bottom line. With the demand for SRs going way up (like the price) and the number of quality motors going down, there is a TON of junk being passed off. If the price sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

[SoCalS14]

Hmmm...your comments do concern me. I guess I could buy from a reputable dealer. Sucks you can't trust anyone. I felt from the beginning that buying an engine is like a crap shoot. All you can do is make a choice for the best odds (for a good motor) and roll the dice! This blows.

Either way, I haven't paid out a nickle yet...I want to inspect this badboy...Thanks for the cliche cardinal, as some just never loose their utility!

[SoCalS14]

Just got the scoop on the engine. Great price, but a CUT harness...I was pretty bummed. Should I pass it up? I think i should, I suspect you need a complete harness in order for a shop to convert it for ya???

[Onizuka]

Pass, a cut harness is a no-no, because buying a whole used one can easily cost $400 + shipping.

http://www.store.yahoo.com/pha....html

[Gladius]

Try this guy... http://www.fi-r.com He is reliable, but very, very slow. He sells quality motors.

Be sure to contact him by email.

[SoCalS14]

How about this guys...He calls me up and says, "I will knock the price of a hraness off the total price of the engine". I told him that was like $400, and he said thats fine! I think he is trying to sell it a little too hard...

[D Money]

what about 1300 for sr with cut harness , no intercooler red top. is this a little too cheap

[kpxchonnom]

i'm getting one tomorro for 1220 cut wirring, redtop, ecu, transmission

[SoCalS14]

From what I have been told a cut harness is bad news...

[kpxchonnom]

wiring could be fixed but it takes about a day -.-... to redo it or it could be purchased through heavy throttle or many diffrent placesi recommand u to do some reserach on RECYCLERthey are the one with crazy deals

[SoCalS14]

Can you give me the web address??