Need some Engine advice

[sr20newb]

First off i would like to say thank you for taking time to read this.
I have a 1990 nissan 240sx with a 92 sr20det but recently i fried a piston ring on no:1, i have a few different options of things i want to do. I would like to see what you would do if you where in my position or if there are other options available to me, my goal in this is to have my car running for the cheapest price but with some reliability( i know that its hard without a lot of money). Im just looking for some input of more experinced 240 owners,Also im not that mechanically inclined ( not enough to remove an engine etc.) Im also curious if anyone knows how much it would run to have an engine rebuilt to stock specs. My last bit of info is that i live in santa rosa bay area so if anyone knows of any shops let me know.

1) I can save up for a full engine rebuild head gasket,studs,pistons etc. Quoted at $5,000 at a local shop RPM engine/machine shop - i would have to save for a long time. Also would like to know if there are smaller rebuilds that would help me in my situation.

2) I can buy a long block for $900 and have a local shop Black sheep performance drop it in for $800

3) I found someone on this forum that can get an engine and do swap for around $1500 but the bad thing is i have to have my car towed 65 miles which will cost around 250

Thank you so much again for your time and input, please no flammers im bummed enough as it is that i have to go through this.

Thank you and drive safe

[mjjstang]

its hard not to flame you i was going to ask if your parents still choose what you wear in the morining but I thought it would be mean, just do what works for you, id chose number one if i had the money, but who am i to tell you that is the best for your situation.

btw sign up for AAA thing, free tows.

[swwifty]

Originally Posted by mjjstang

its hard not to flame you i was going to ask if your parents still choose what you wear in the morining but I thought it would be mean, just do what works for you, id chose number one if i had the money, but who am i to tell you that is the best for your situation.

btw sign up for AAA thing, free tows.

damn. It's hard not to flame you

Did you pass 8th grade English?

Anywho, I'd just replace the longblock if that is the only thing wrong with the engine. Figure out what cause the problem in the first place and make sure it doesn't happen again. Get the car on a dyno to make sure all is well with the engine and A/F ratio. Also, try to crank up on the boost

Also, it wouldn't hurt to try and get some mechanical experience by working on your car yourself.

[fastforward]

what swwifty said, you could change these engines in your yard in like 7 hours man. rent the tools, and engine hoist from a local parts store and have a blast. the reward of doing your own work is unmatched !!!!!!!!!!

[sr20newb]

yah i recently have been reading up on how to do it and such, i would love to do it myself for the knowledge and etc. i just wouldnt know where to began, also thank you swwifty and fastfoward i greatly appreciate your response. still open to others thanks again

[drifter808]

well it seems like a new long block is a better deal. Also the cylinder wall in #1 could be damaged. Its also not that hard to do the swap but you do need to know about engines. I just did a long block/rebuild swap in one really long day. but its really up to how much you want to spend.

[sr20newb]

yah i dont think im knowligeable enough, im also thinking about just selling it and buying something else =/, even though i would love to get this thing running again. Whats the average price for long blocks