engine overhaul vs replacement

Famouspork · #1 04-20-2009, 06:32 PM

Dudes
I'm wondering if I should have my car stripped to rebuild the motor, or just find one with less mileage and a warranty. My bud is into subies a lot and has offered to rebuild the engine for 15$ an hour ( I trust him).
If I had tons of cash, I would also make it manual.Might as well do it while the engine is out...What is my cheapest option?

1986nate · #2 04-20-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Famouspork

Dudes
I'm wondering if I should have my car stripped to rebuild the motor, or just find one with less mileage and a warranty. My bud is into subies a lot and has offered to rebuild the engine for 15$ an hour ( I trust him).
If I had tons of cash, I would also make it manual.Might as well do it while the engine is out...What is my cheapest option?

At that price I would just suggest overhauling the engine. The SVX engines are very solid and so going used wouldn't be a bad idea but if you've got the engine out, you're going to want to replace all of the seals/gaskets, timing belt/idlers etc, oil pump, water pump, thermostat, etc. That right there will cost quite a bit anyway.

If you can get everything machined and new bearings and basically have a brand new motor and have the money to go that route, I definitely would.

bheinen74 · #3 04-20-2009, 08:17 PM

i would rebuild if i were you, spending on new seals everywhere.

drivemusicnow · #4 04-20-2009, 09:09 PM

unless your "bud" actually knows what he is doing, buy a used one.

Knowing what he is doing would be: rebuilt engines before. that actually run... for extended periods of time. And not just one engine, several. It's not all that difficult to do a full rebuild, but at the same time, it's really really easy to take a decent core and turn it into an expensive boat anchor.

I would have different advice if you were doing it yourself and wanting to learn, because I think everyone should dive into their own projects. BUT at a pace that they're comfortable with.

Famouspork · #5 04-20-2009, 10:42 PM

My friend knows exactly what he is doing when it comes to build fast and reliable subaru's. He could turbo it if I wanted him to.(which is probably going to be the case)

My question was related to the cost of a low mileage used motor versus rebuilding my own. I've heard EG33's are bulletproof, but I want to make sure my car will last a long time, given that the whole car is solid.
But right now, it needs a little attention and care in the engine bay...

I've owned a 1986 Z31 turbo and a '65 Acadian Canso and both gave me good times.The svx is one hell of a pleasant car to drive and to look at, and this time, I want to keep it, not sell it like I did with my other cars.

Crazy_pilot · #6 04-20-2009, 11:47 PM

The EG33 is bulletproof, but no idiotproof. One option is to pick up a used motor and swap it in while you're rebuilding/building up your original one.

scottsvx · #7 04-21-2009, 12:30 AM

Well IMO, the cheapest and quickest way would be to get another engine. I decided to reseal mine so that I could learn about the car and stop the oil leaks. While I was doing this I made a really costly mistake and also found that a lot of parts needed replacing... This ended up costing a whole lot more than it would of if I had just bought a new engine. But I don't regret doing the reseal because I learned a lot and now I know that everything is in good shape. So personally, i'd do the rebuild but just a little warning: things add up really quick with this car... In summary: cheapest and fastest=replacement, thorough (less likely to break down in the near future)=rebuild

Famouspork · #8 04-21-2009, 08:15 AM

It's not easy to find a motor in canada though, but I'll keep looking

dcarrb · #9 04-21-2009, 10:50 AM

If you plan on keeping the car for awhile and have a trusted mechanic do the work, I think a rebuild is the only way to go. No way to really know what you're getting with a used engine, unless it's some sort of factory reman with a crazy warranty.

On a budget, I think I'd bag the idea of a transmission swap unless the existing tranny's shot.

dcb

Famouspork · #10 04-21-2009, 10:59 AM

as long as the transmission works, I might keep it, but sometimes the 3rd gear is slow to engage, or slips a little when driving at a steady pace on full auto. manual mode doesn't do that, which is quite intriguing..brake band adjustment?I'm going to have to spend 4 times as much as the cost of the car to get it running perfectly!It's worth it, but I hate downtime

Crazy_pilot · #11 04-21-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Famouspork

It's not easy to find a motor in canada though, but I'll keep looking

In Montreal? Try the JDM importing shops. Are you part of the Montreal Subaru Club?

Famouspork · #12 04-21-2009, 01:22 PM

I'm not part of the montreal subaru club, but I might just pay for the membership if it's worth it.
I tried osaka motors, but they did not even mention the EG33 in the subaru section..but I work at the auction around here, so I might get in touch with someone whjo carries them

Crazy_pilot · #13 04-21-2009, 02:03 PM

The club guys should know places that can get you a JDM motor.

Famouspork · #14 04-21-2009, 02:07 PM

excellent!
I once paid 500$ for a VG30et with the tranny, and it was working perfectly.How much can I expet to pay for an EG33? 700$ or so?

1986nate · #15 04-21-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Famouspork

excellent!
I once paid 500$ for a VG30et with the tranny, and it was working perfectly.How much can I expet to pay for an EG33? 700$ or so?

Should be able to find one for around $500 US