John M...So would putting a new head on not be a good idea either? I found a place out here that sells remanufactured heads for $950.00. Would the gasket protect the bottom of the engine from anything that had been done previously or that I may have done?

sptt, before deciding whether to buy a reconditioned head or a used engine determine the condition of your existing engine. Pull the head yourself and examine the head gasket, cylinder walls, head and valves. If everything looks OK, except for maybe a blown head gasket at the 2 cylinders that lacked compression, take the head to a reputable indie or a machine shop so it can be checked for flatness, and the valves inspected. Experienced techs will be able to advise you whether to spend the money to recondition the existing head or move on. You may want to have an indie inspect the cylinder walls/block so you have a professional opinion on that also. Be sure to confirm that there is no coolant in the oil.

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Fred Hoelzle

Guys...one other question. If I do swap out the engine, can the transmission friction discs that cause the delayed drive and reverse engagement, be replaced without removing the tranny at that time? Was wondering if I could kill two birds at the same time.

Ferdman...I wish I had the time and resources to do what you suggested but, unfortunately, I'm at time's mercy. Considering all of the issues I've had with this engine since I bought it, am considering just doing the swap. I found a tested, used engine online with 78K. Contemplating it at this time...

That would be super if you can come up with an engine with only 78K on it. You could get some serious service out of that! Where is the transmission at for that motor? Can you get it, as well? That would be an ideal swap if you could all at the same time.

sptt, I agree with Rebe buy the 78k mile engine with the transmission attached and do the swap. If that transmission is not available then rebuild your transmission while it's out of the car.

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Fred Hoelzle

...even better. I found one in Wisconsin today that has 66K on it has been "tested", and comes with a 6 month warranty (can buy a 36 month parts and labor for $300.00...is that worth it?). Free shipping as well. So far, best deal I could find. The shop said if they can rebuild the trans for me while engine is out, they will. That would be worth it since EVERYTHING else is now new in there.

I think I would have to move into the 'replace the engine' camp on this one. As a matter of fact, given some of the input regarding the motor's history, condition and your financial disposition, I wouldn't even waste any more money having it checked any further.

If you do go the new motor route, don't forget to pull the head from the old one, if you get some cash, have it redone at a good machine shop and you'll have it on hand if you need it later. If you move on to another vehicle you could probably easily sell it to someone who needs it here for what you have in it. Also keep the intake with the fuel system and gadgets attached (will the new motor come with it's intake & fuel distributor?). Some other things to save might be the new water pump you just put on, the belt tensioner, wires and dist. cap/rotor (if new), coil, and the fan bearing bracket.

Take lots of photos so you know how to hook everything back up on the new motor.
Good luck