Rebuilding engine in Virginia?

[Absath]

Hey guys.

I've got a 92GS 1.8 V6. I absolutely love my car, but at 12 years now, she's getting pretty old and starting to have problems, like stalling out on occasion. I would rather keep this car on the road for a few more years than buy a new car.

I'm thinking that maybe having the engine and transmission rebuilt would be the way to go? What do you think? That way I would know that everything is running well. Do you think it's a good idea, or should I just tackle problems as they arise? Her current problems are probably nothing too serious, but my desire is to have the car running like new again. May as well take care of any potential problems at once, right?

I haven't spoken to any mechanics yet. I currently live in Fredericksburg, VA, and I don't know any good mechanics in the area. What are the chances that someone here knows someone reliable in my area?

And in the same token... about how much would it cost to have an engine rebuilt, barring whatever part replacements she would need. Ballpark figure, from anyone who has had it done, so I know what numbers I'm working with when I start talking to shops.

Thanks in advance =)

[hgallegos915]

Why dont you get a klze engine?? you can order them, I seen them on ebay, It would probably cost the same as an engine rebuild..or get a proge gt's engine. the klde..anything is better than the k8. Or you can wait till i find a probe engine and buy off my k8? lol

[lakersfan1]

Realistically, how much are you looking to put into this rebuild in parts and labor?

[Absath]

I was thinking about possibly doing an engine swap... but then aren't I just paying for a mystery bag of sorts? I mean sure, it's a new, more powerful engine... but I don't know what problems it's coming with, or potential problems it's coming with. Where do I go to order a reliable engine?

And as far as what I want to spend... well, that's why I need to start pricing things. I don't need some insane car. I'm not going to be showing it or racing it. But I do tend to push it on occasion, so I want some power and reliability. I also want to have the body and interior cleaned up a bit, but not until after I know everything under the hood is running well.

I figure anywhere between $4-8,000 is comfortable enough to work with for now. If it starts getting more expensive than that, I'll have to evaluate what I want vs what I really need.

Can you guys give me some numbers to think on?

[lakersfan1]

Well, if we're talking that much, you might be able to do it. First, if you're not that power hungry, but want a tad more, you can get a BRAND NEW KLDE engine for $2,000 including all new sensors, gaskets, timing components, water pump....everything attached to the engine already.

It's at the bottom of the page in green here: http://www.remanufactured.com/Mazda_Engines.htm

Then, you'll need a 93 or 94 engine computer and air flow sensor from a Probe V6 or MX-6 V6. You can probably pick them up for $100 even for the pair. Then, you can sell your ECU and VAF from your existing car to break even.

Then, take your power steering pump, alternator, distributor, CV shafts, and AC compressor out and take them to Autozone and get rebuilt units with lifetime warranties....so that if one ever broke, it'd be replaced for free. That'll probably run you another $1,000.

Then, for the tranny, have it rebuilt with new synchros from an Escort ZX2, and a 5th gear from a 4 cylinder 626 for less RPMs on the freeway. Should run about $1000.

So that's $4,000 right there, and that should give you a few years of worry free operation with 30 more horses and 45 more pounds of torque.
You'd just need to come up with installation costs if you aren't going to do this yourself. I can't imagine a shop would ream you for more than $2,000 for a no-nonsense engine swap.

[Gro Harlem]

Yeah, you might as well get a KLZE & maybe a rebuilt tranny along with it. About 95% of the KLZE's people buy are in awesome condition. Only a few are neglected by their previous owners.

BTW: I'm in the process of rebuilding a tranny of my own. I bought a 626 tranny for taller gearing & am putting some new synchros inside.

I also happen to live pretty close to you over here in MD.

[ssmog]

Damn, why bother rebuilding or even thinking of it. I've rebuilt two K8 motors myself, in my garage at the cost of close to 2000.00 each, When motor number 6 crapped out on me I said piss on it and ordered a brand new one, it was shipped here the next day and a week later I dropped her in the hole, all at a cost of 1376.81, plus 50.00 for gas to pick her up in Toronto.

[Absath]

Well that's just it... I wasn't really sure whether rebuilding would be the route to go or not.

I think now I'm leaning towards finding a KLZE with under 50k miles on it, and trying to find a mechanic nearby that is willing to do the swap.

I'm sure I can find a transmission place that will rebuild that for me, so I'm not too worried there.