Hi all,
 
So my 94 turbo SW20 coupe (hardtop) isn't doing so well. It started blowing black smoke out the oil breather. Got a leak down test and mechanic says I've done a piston or ring.
 
Got quoted in the order of $10k for a complete engine rebuild, as apparently may as well get everything redone if it's getting pulled apart anyway.
 
Is this about right?
 
So I'm not going to do that if that's the price.
 
Ill look at either trying to sell as-is, or find a 3s-gte long motor and get it swapped in, and then sell it.
 
Does anyone have any other ideas as to my options? Any 3s-gtes around for decent price? I'm in the ACT, so can probably get the car to Sydney or parts shipped in from Sydney if need be.
 
I'm just going to buy an FT86 and cut my losses on the MR2. Hoping someone has a need for most of a car. It'd just been serviced and was running great prior to this.
 
Oh and very vague rough ballpark estimates for what it might be worth would be nice to know, too.
 

It depends really. A few thousand can be shaved off that price for the rebuild if you're willing to have the motor rebuilt in Sydney & provide some parts upfront. Alternatively, you'll probably be able to locate a decent long motor & have it fitted for a significantly cheaper price too.
 
Anymore details/pictures of your MR2? Being a Gen3, I'd rather keep that over an 86.

i'd keep a gen3 over an 86 for sure.

it just seems that without my technical skill of my own, all the little things that keep happening to a car of this age end up costing me more and more money.
 
don't have any pics with me, but a basic run down of the mods (mostly minor) are:
 
"stinger" piggy back ECU
pod filter
3" canon exhaust (turbo back)
auxiliary fuel pump
boost controller
boost gauge on steering column
 
stock body kit, single piece spoiler, round tail lights. front lower lip is a red one resprayed black, some small chips in the lower bit showing the red underneath. stock 15" wheels (the two 7" on rear and two 6" on front). stock spacesaver spare. stock "man in dandism" floor mats. a scuff on one rear wheel arch that I never got around to getting buffed out.
 
if this had happened last week, i would have tried to get someone to put the 3vz-fe  V6 out of my vienta in it. except the reason I was driving my MR2 is because I got run into crossing an intersection in the vienta and rammed into a pole. I am not having a good week.

You don't need to spent $10k for a basic rebuild.
Our rebuild package for $1850 (at current rates) delivered to your door includes:
 
CP pistons (to the size you wish)
Eagle Rods
Cometic 87mm HG
ARP main and head studs
ACL bearings (main, rods & thrust)
OEM toyota water pump
OEM Toyota oil pump
OEM Toyota timing belt
 
We can tailor more or less parts as required.
 
All you'd need to do is then find an engine rebuilder to do the machining and the labour, which shouldn't cost you 8k. I'd say you could realistically pay someone $3k to do a good job, meaning a total rebuild outlay of only 1/2 what you've been quoted.

That sounds great, dylmrt. Except I have no idea who a reliable engine rebuilder would be in the ACT (although I have somenoe I could call), nor what parts I'd need to tailor in/out of that kit. I assume the rebuilder would pull the thing apart first and then I'd get them to order off you?
 
But then I'd likely still want to sell the car afterwards....
 
good to know though. I'll make some calls and see what I can work out.

Sydney is only 'up the road' from Canberra. 

Yeah but depending on transport costs, might make the whole exercise not worth it. anyone have any idea what it would cost to get a car transported to Sydney?

salem
But then I'd likely still want to sell the car afterwards....

Why spend money trying to fix it if you're only going to sell it afterwards?
You'd never get that money back when you sell.
Maybe better to sell as is, or part out.

I felt it would be easier to sell if it was working properly.
 
However, I'm not too keen on all that extra effort. Rough guessy figures were sell it for $11k running. But if it'll cost $5k to fix, and I can sell it as is for $6k, then I'd rather save myself all that running around since financially I'd be in the same position either way. I really don't want to do the figures on purchase price plus money I have sunk into it compared to sale price.....I'll just assume the enjoyment of having it for these years will compensate for that loss. The car was a bloody great drive when running.
 
Not keen on parting out, as that also seems like a whole lot of effort for no gain.