A place called Adsit located in Muncie, IN sells rebuilt engines with a 1 yr. warranty for $4495 or a used engine for $1950 with a 30-day warranty, plus $800 core charge and S&H. Perhaps others have dealt with Adsit and give some info about their products. Performance Products sells an engine for $5600 with a 3 yr. 36,000 mi. transferable warranty, plus $900 core and S&H (I've dealt with them for years and are very good). Also, both Adsit and PP sell short blocks (no head) for less, like $2,900, $500 core, and S&H with a 12 mon. unlimited mi. warranty.

You will need to do a TDI (tear down & inspection) to find out what is wrong. It could be as simple as a broken piston ring(s), but could be much more making a rebuilt engine the best choice. These engines are built very well and if the overheating was not extreme - the engine may need less repair, perhaps a short block using your old head (if it is in good condition).

Also, some cost can be saved if you do the work - if you can. If not, then plan on adding the technician/mechanic cost. A complete rebuilt engine swap can be done with a min. of mechanical expertise following a good shop manual (like Haynes) and renting an engine hoist or block & cable if you have the facilities/tools.

Others have given you some solid advice.

I will only add that letting the car sit for a year my require other work since some corrosion/rust my have occurred in some systems (brakes, trans., rear end, fuel tank, etc.). The fuel is bad unless you added a stabilizer or drained it. A new battery is a must along with changing both fuel filters, then tires(?), fan belts (?), seats(?), other components(?), etc. Letting the car sit for a year without taking steps to preserve it is something else to consider as you decide what to do - unless you took some steps to prevent deterioration.

Hope this helps.

Tom

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America: Land of the Free!

1977 300D: 300,000+ miles

American Honda: Factory Trained Technician & Honor Grad.
Formerly:
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Technical Advisor to Am. Honda;
Supervisor of Maintenance largest tree care co. in US for offices in Tex.