THSCC points race #2. OCS April 10.

WalterHouston · **Posted:** Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:16 am

The Laser is dead. It has no compression in the #3 and #4 cylinders. At best it is a head gasket. The worst is probably bent valves.
So, do I do a head job on a 225,000 + mile car that has been rallycrossed a few years. That cost will be at least $500.00. The gasket set and head bolts are $250.00 alone. Plus, I need to find out why it jumped time if it bent valves. The cost will be more if I have to buy valves.
Or, do I buy a JDM engine in Raleigh for $1,300.00 and go pick it up to save shipping? Is it worth $800.00 difference to have a lower mileage (30,000 to 50,000) engine and not worry about what is going to break next?
This afternoon I am going to hook up air to the cylinders and see where it comes out. If it is just between those two cylinders or in the coolant, I might just replace the head gasket and head bolts. If the air comes out my MAF or exhaust, I think I might go the newer engine route.
Opinions?

JohnByers · **Posted:** Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:57 am

cost wise I can see the cheaper of the two being attractive but I would look at the longevity of the old motor and headaches and time spent wrenching versus the ability to drop in a used jdm motor and go (after doing a TB and WP respectively)

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

WalterHouston wrote:

The Laser is dead. It has no compression in the #3 and #4 cylinders. At best it is a head gasket. The worst is probably bent valves.
So, do I do a head job on a 225,000 + mile car that has been rallycrossed a few years. That cost will be at least $500.00. The gasket set and head bolts are $250.00 alone. Plus, I need to find out why it jumped time if it bent valves. The cost will be more if I have to buy valves.
Or, do I buy a JDM engine in Raleigh for $1,300.00 and go pick it up to save shipping? Is it worth $800.00 difference to have a lower mileage (30,000 to 50,000) engine and not worry about what is going to break next?
This afternoon I am going to hook up air to the cylinders and see where it comes out. If it is just between those two cylinders or in the coolant, I might just replace the head gasket and head bolts. If the air comes out my MAF or exhaust, I think I might go the newer engine route.
Opinions?

I'd pull it, disassemble, and see how bad it is. I've resurrected a few honda motors in the last few years on the cheap (these prices are for a honda D16 16-valve motor):

- $80 ebay engine rebuild kit (including HG, bottom end bearings, and rings!)
- $155 CHS rebuild

As long as the crank and pistons are good, I'd go for a cheap head job and rebuild. Bearings only if worn, and rings only if pistons need to be pulled for some reason. Also I've learned it's good to have at least one spare bad/broken head around for parts -- cheap way to get replacement valves. Check ebay for head gasket sets! They are cheap!

WalterHouston · **Posted:** Wed Apr 06, 2011 3:03 pm

Thanks, Mike. That is good advice.

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THSCC points race #2. OCS April 10.

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