Originally, I thought I was going to put a JDM engine in it. It seems easy enough to do. If I go that route, what else is recommended to do at the same time? I read the timing belt for sure. What about the head gaskets? If there is no sign of a leak, is it smart to replace the gaskets, or just leave well enough alone? My son lives overseas so I won’t be able to help him if he has any problems along the way. I think I’d do the water pump too, since I always do that with the timing belts. I think I read about the oil pump as well. I’ve never had to replace an oil pump on an engine before. is this a weak point in these engines?
So the engine starts but knocks so I think I have a rotated rod bearing. Is an engine rebuild worth considering? I doubt it’s worth paying someone to do it, but I’m in no rush and can do it myself once I clear out some shop space.
I can also get a used American engine, but they all seem to have higher mileage and cost more. The JDM motors seem to be around $1500 (I’ve read of people getting them for under $1k, but I can’t find anything close to that price).
I would like to get the really strong car for my son. He lives off the grid and 5 miles from the nearest sidewalk and 20 from the nearest town. He currently has an old Chevy truck, but no backup vehicle, so when it breaks down, he’s really stuck. he has to hitchhike into town to attend, etc, and even getting a tow from his property is a huge hassle. It also doesn’t have any safe place to take a vehicle to work on it, so an HG repair can’t be done for it.
I will replace any worn out damping components and put new shocks/structures on the car as well as replace any broken linings etc. oil quite often).
Thanks for the advice.
