I'm picking up a full long block from a guy I know from a 91 w/ ~170k miles, thing burns oil like a champ but runs fairly well. Also has a 1.8 5speed I might grab too.

Is there any harm in tearing this motor apart and doing a 'mild' build vs using my 130k mile motor? I'm picking the whole thing up for $70, intake manifold to oil pan. So worst comes to worst, I can part it out. I jumped on the GB for rods so thats taken care of and I'm following samnavy's thread on building a motor. And I have an extra head to play around with.

As long as the crank isn't messed up (not sure if its the short nose or long nose?) and the car runs fairly well..., ie, no overheating...**** blown up. Is there anything that could be wrong that can't be fixed by a machine shop?

EDIT: My power goals once I finally actually turbo are mid 200s...say 250-260. But have some room to grow. I'd like to do a little bit of headwork, but nothing crazy expensive. Comments welcome on what you might think will be needed in the motor.


On a side note, I about have my GTI road worthy so the miata can come off of DD duty...yay

Just figured I'd share that I finally did something productive.

 

do it. if the motor runs, then the oil issues will be resolved in the rebuild. a leak down test won't hurt though, and could help show where the oil control problem is. i'd guess piston rings. even if the block has a 4" crack in it from one side to the other, it's still a great deal at $70. keep your current motor in the car, and when the new motor is built, swap it in and sell your old motor to the next guy.

 

Thats what I was thinking...or just store the old one in case of...something..?

I really spend to much money on this thing...lol.