Remanufactured 2.3 Engines

[Moreflying]

So a while ago I mentioned that my rough Idle turned out to be low compression in 1 and 2. The leak down showed exhaust valves on those two cylinders to be leaking.
I'm trying to figure plan of attack and looking at my options with 220k on the odometer.

Option 1: Have my cylinder head rebuilt/or buy a remanufactured one. (This option takes into consideration that my bottom end still has a lot miles on it and may get another 60k out of it)

Option 2: Have my entire engine rebuilt

Option 3: Buy a remanufactured engine and keep my original engine to rebuild later down the road (insurance policy so to speak if needed)

If I go option 3 I'm a bit nervous now after some reading around about the reliability of a remanufactured engine...spun main bearings, heads going south after a couple thousand miles and pain in the butt warranty claims...ect, ect...

What is the general consensus on remanufactured engines? Are there some places to avoid or go with from anyone’s past experience? What to look for. I'm getting the impression that some of the outlets that sell them get there engines/head from the same plants. Any truth in that?

 

[Moreflying]

Oh well 50+ views and nada. I guess not too many folks dropping in remanufactured engines to know. I think we've got more passer-by visiters to the site than actual dedicated members. Probably expains the high count. No biggie. I'll sort it out.

 

[bo]

you can get a head from a junkyard for around 200

 

[TastySloth]

I just did a shortblock for under $200. I would pick up a JY engine that runs, use the head and re-ring and do some bearings in the bottom end and an oil pump. If you do it right, it gets really cheap... that is if you have the tools.

As far as reman-ed engines go, I don't trust stuff that other people build. I have had bad experiences with Waterhouse in Tacoma, but they are long gone.

Good luck!

 

[rcwc28]

I just did a shortblock for under $200. I would pick up a JY engine that runs, use the head and re-ring and do some bearings in the bottom end and an oil pump. If you do it right, it gets really cheap... that is if you have the tools.

As far as reman-ed engines go, I don't trust stuff that other people build. I have had bad experiences with Waterhouse in Tacoma, but they are long gone.

Good luck!

irkers in fife /tacoma sells jasper engines plus they do good work
its a small hole in the wall shop but good quailty work

 

[Bryan22]

+1 on jasper motors. They will last. if you're willing to dish out the 2k for a rebuilt 10 year old motor. When it comes to buying them remanned you get what you pay for.

I dropped in a motor I found on craigslist for 300 with a trans and it's been good for about 60k so far. No need to waste that extra money on a remanned lima motor. either rebuild yours or gamble on a used one from a private party. That's my opinion.

 

[super91(2.3)]

I picked up a head for $40 from a jy ad didnt mess with that at all. Everything spec'd out after 200k miles on the clock. Whole rebuild was 3 weeks and under $400 from summit and jegs. Rebuild your own, it's worth the hassle. Then you have the pride in your vehicle and the knowledge of what it can mechanically handle. Just my $.02

 

[Moreflying]

Thank you guys! I went with a reman....