'02S 60K Engine go boom - Fix or Not

[BrokenLinkage]

Seems replacing the engine makes the most sense from a time / $ / final outcome stance. Considering there is some risk even with a replacement engine, but you know the rest of the car well.

Now from the perspective of an enthusiast, upgrading the engine will add to the cost and complexity a bit more than it will add to the resale value, but perhaps not so out of proportikn to the entertainment value. Your call.

I have an inherent mistrust for conflict of interest situations, like a mechanic pricing work on a car that they would like to purchase as-is for their own purposes. Both roller value and cost of engine replacement have a lot of variability. I would shop that around if I could.
And if I had the space, I'd dissassemble the blown engine myself for educational purposes.

[Gilles]

I do have a problem with cars as I become emotionally attached to them, therefore I am with you on the intention to fix the car specially since you had been maintaining it for 11 years and it only has 60k miles.

Swapping an engine (for one of the same kind) it's a bit labor intense but not really difficult, if you plan ahead and prepare yourself with the basic tools, you should be all right.

I believe that investing on a table lift will allow you to do the swap in your garage with the car on stands, these table lifts are not really expensive (I got one from HF) that worked very well, and combined with a home made (4x4) wood brace for the top, would allow you to brace the engine from the top for removing the engine and transmission mounts, before lowering both with the table lift, I can share some pics if you want.

There is a pic of one of these tables here:

http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/78118-engine-removal.html

Good luck

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by BrokenLinkage

I have an inherent mistrust for conflict of interest situations, like a mechanic pricing work on a car that they would like to purchase as-is for their own purposes. Both roller value and cost of engine replacement have a lot of variability. I would shop that around if I could.

Bingo!