Well, I'll cut straight to the point. I'm looking at dropping in a new(er) engine over the winter when I buy a new car. My 2.5 with 148k is at the end of its life, the head gasket is leaking oil, it sounds rough, fluctuating idle, as a cylinder bank 1 misfire every so often, you know... falling apart.
In my opinion, the engine needs a rebuild so I was just going to pull it and and drop a 3.4, 3.6, or 3.8 in it and swap out the tip tranny for a 6spd manual. As I said, the WHOLE winter.
I can go one of two options, I found a 3.6 short block, complete but only the block, pistons, and rods for $1000. The block and cylinders are completely undamaged but it will need a complete rebuild and the addition of parts.
Or I can buy a used 3.4 engine for around $4,000.
Which route would you go and why?
