I agree with the diagnosis, as to which bearing finally went....heck...doesn't matter. That'* lower end (crank/rod) either way.

Around my parts (CT) a motor can be had around the same prices as those listed for LKQ. I also fully agree with Jr'* timeline. One solid day can swap our motors.

All -

Thanks so much for the tips/info. I've submitted a number of internet inquiries; so far the lowest price is $500, including shipping, which I'm guessing is going to be around $300 or thereabouts no matter where I buy from, perhaps I'll get lucky and find an engine locally.

(Havn't heard from LKQ yet, but will be calling them soon).

One question: The motor listed above has 88,000 miles on it, and a 60 day warranty. Given that I'm likely going to have to pay the shipping (I'm not overly hopeful of finding the motor locally), and also assuming that the fewer miles on the motor, the higher the cost - is there a mileage number I really don't want to go over? I guess what I'm saying is that I'm thinking it'* better to fork over more money to to get something with lower mileage.

I suppose the root of my question is: What'* the highest mileage used engine you folks would even consider putting in, if you were in my situation?

Thanks
Matt

Matt...labor and costs are a factor.

In my case, my time is the only labor cost I'd have. I assume you'll be paying someone to put this in for you?

Yep. A friend of a friend quoted me $500 to put it in. He'* a mechanic at a dealership; and does side work as well. $500 seems reasonable to me; I don't have any other contacts to do this type of work.

$500 is a good price. Very good actually.

With that in mind, it gives you a good idea what is left to spend on the motor. Under 100K is probably where I would aim for.

Cool -

Thanks much for the advice/info; I thought $500 was more than fair as well. I'll let ya'll know what I finally end up with and total costs.

Thx again -

Matt

Well....

Prices and mileage combos are all over the place. LKQ wants $650, 81K miles, and that'* even with me picking it up locally.

Highest price was around $1200 (fully rebuilt), lowest was $400, including shipping, on a motor with 83K and 6 month warranty..

I'm thinking I'm going with the $400 option; the outfit is Becks http://www.becksautoparts.com

More updates to follow....

Thx
Matt

Well, just bought a motor with 51K for $745, including shipping. Almost went with the $400 motor, but decided that for a motor with 35K fewer miles on it, the extra $345 was a good investment. Also they've done cyl comp checks, oil pressure checks, leak tests, and cleaned it + 180 day warranty.

Will be here in 7-10 days, will let ya all know how the install goes.

I got it from midwest auto recycking www.midwestautorecycling.com

Also, for anyone else in this situation, www.uneedapart.com is pretty damn good.... fill out one form and the next day you'll have offers from at least 20 salvage yards.

Thanks
Matt

Hello again -

Still waiting on the motor, found out Friday it'* was just being pulled from the car that day, so probably will ship Monday or Tue.

A question occured to me - is there anything else I should think about replacing while the motor is out (i.e. things that are likely to fail around 125K that you can't get to without pulling the motor)?

I once overhauled a motor way back in the 80'*, I'm sure the guy swapping this one out will replace all the standard stuff (motor mounts, engine filters, thermostat, hoses, etc) that are on/relate to the motor itself; just wondering if there is any potential future pain I can avoid while the motor is out. For example, perhaps it wouldn't be a bad time to also pull the radiator and have it replaced (or tested/overhauled if there is such a service)?

I don't have many $$ left in my budget, but if I can save some money later by investing now, I'm thinking it'* a good move.

Thanks much for any tips -

Matt

Well, the motor just arrived. Looks good. Costs so far:

Tow: $75.00 (which I never mentioned... it died precisely at mile marker 66.6)
Used Motor, 51K Miles: $500
Freight: $320.00 (Includes a $75.00 residential delivery fee)

I'll make one last Post Sunday with the final bill.