Rebuild/Reswap?

[DataXUnknown]

Here is my dilemma that I've been trying to deal with. When my SOHC blew up about 2 years ago, (keep in mind I was about 16 years old at the time) me and my buddies swapped an SR into my car. Being at 16/17 during the time, it was our first swap it was kind of a go with the flow, learn on the way kinda thing. After it was done it seemed so easy, just takes a little bit of time.

Now, I've learned so much from Zilvia and other 240 guru's (major credit to kyle shikuni of UCLA if any of you know him), that I was thinking if I should rebuild my motor or just redo the swap. There is so many things that we decided to "ghetto rig" and just temporary fix, little things that should be done in the future and such.

Here is a list of things that I would need to do:
-Install power steering (I have everything needed)
-Install new intake (rubber one is ripped and taped where unused holes)
-Install HKS Catch Can (been running without any catch can for awhile)
-Figure out and fix why my car is compression surging (with a working BOV)
-Fix Vacuum Leaks and remove Charcoal Canister
-Redo CAS
-Mount the radiator (Currently held by zipties)
-Mount the battery
-Fix Exhaust Leaks
-Install new turbo (current one barely spools up anymore and was whineing before)

So thats the basics of what I need to do. Thats besides all of the luxury things I'd like to do like prep and paint the engine bay, clean up the wiring, degrease the engine etc. I just wanted to get feedback on if it's worth it to just pull the motor out and redo everything, or even rebuild the motor because it has been beaten a bit. I'm definetly on a budget being just about 19 years of age, so any input would be lovely. Oh and it's my daily driver.

[duffman1278]

If you have the tools, I would rebuild the engine because it would basically be a fresh start. You just have to take your time and triple check your work as you go along.

I just recently finished an engine rebuild OEM(1st rebuild) and it wasn't that bad and my engine started right up after fixing some wiring issues. The biggest hassle that I had and was scared about was the piston rings, gapping and making sure they were lined up right.

However don't plan on having the rebuild done right away, it took me some time because things came up as I went on. If you can have a daily beater while you rebuild the car I would suggest rebuilding it.

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by DataXUnknown

-Redo CAS

What does that even mean?

[xplicit240]

i think he meant to re time the car by taking out the crank angle sensor. lolz. thats a good idea to do as well i guess. when you pull the motor try to change everything you havent changed.

[burnsauto]

do a compression and leak down test, see how your numbers are looking. if they look good, and the engine has good oil pressure... no need to rip it apart and rebuild the bottom/top end. Most of that stuff on the list is fixable with the engine still in the car, and there is no need to rip it out and do all that extra work for little things.

[yurisfriendevan]

If you can, rebuild. Just having that knowledge in your head is worth a ton. guaranteed you will learn alot more than you ever thought by rebuilding a motor. I thought i knew about how motors work but after my first rebuild i KNOW how motors work, its an experience you will not regret if you have the time to do it.

first rebuild was a flat 4, then an inline 4, i am going to do a rotary next, then jump in to a V8, it can become addicting.

[Jsal32]

I say stick to what you can afford. What are you working with $$-wise. There's no point in trying to achieve something without having sufficient funds. So I would start there.

1) How much $$ do you have to spend?

2a) How much would a rebuild cost?

2b) How much would a low mileage longblock from a reputable place cost?

3) Don't forget to factor in the cost of the things you want to fix/clean

Good luck.

-Jose

[DataXUnknown]

by "redoing the CAS" i mean, when i got the motor the CAS was totally loose and i randomly just tightened it hoping the position would be good which it was, then i messed with it again and it made it so the car was UBER slow. then i messed with it again and made the car pull very well....so i'd like to make sure i get it right on the dot. when i did a compression test when we swapped the motor it was running nice on all cylinders, all equal and high i forget the exact numbers.

but i guess when it comes down to money, you guys are right. only do what i have money for. i'd love to rebuild the motor even just for knowledge, but i don't believe i have sufficient funds yet (especially because christmas presents).

[ManoNegra]

Rebuild if you have the time/money/space - the experience is well worth it.

Something I've learned through the years of working on these cars: daily driver and project car do not mix.

[jonnybonds84]

i wasn't planning on rebuilding my engine cause it was suppose to be "rebuilt" but it turned out that it wasn't so I just said fuck it. It's been pretty fun but SLOW waiting parts to come in, Im already thinking of doing another engine.