Time for a rebuild

Rebuilds that don't last must be either a bad build or improper engineering.

If done right it should be if nothing else reliable.

But the fact of the matter is yes it seems expensive. Then again, if you threw in some forged internals, work the head, do the cams etc then the cost quickly go to R30k.

Same with a RB. R10k is the motor. But do do a complete conversion properly I think you'll be looking at R50k min.

Right now I'm contemplating just dropping in an import. R6500 and I get to have a complete spare motor that is still functioning just fine.

How many have used import motors and what have your experiences been? Please do list how much you paid for it and which engine importer you bought it from.

veecee wrote:

rat wrote:

but it will last another 300000kms

thats what so many people say, and it really isnt true.

i know so many people who've rebuilt motors and they dont last 50 000km's!!!

hahaha - i know some people who couldn't even finish the run-in period!!! 😉 😉

if you hammer it around a track it wont 😀

even if you hammer it around a track, it should last.

then its built right.

you hammer yours around the street right, its safer to do it on a track YO!

my right foot is a hammer unless it is raining then it turns into a soft piece of cotton wool

DoctorG wrote:

Rebuilds that don't last must be either a bad build or improper engineering.

If done right it should be if nothing else reliable.

But the fact of the matter is yes it seems expensive. Then again, if you threw in some forged internals, work the head, do the cams etc then the cost quickly go to R30k.

Same with a RB. R10k is the motor. But do do a complete conversion properly I think you'll be looking at R50k min.

Right now I'm contemplating just dropping in an import. R6500 and I get to have a complete spare motor that is still functioning just fine.

How many have used import motors and what have your experiences been? Please do list how much you paid for it and which engine importer you bought it from.

i guess it depends on the motor - i got a great deal on mine, but it definitely needed a rebuild. you saw the condition of the thing, and the number of missing parts.

hey G - call me. i know of a great deal on an SR20det and gearbox. very close to the price i paid for mine, and the dude says its in running condition.

you see - i got confused already!!!

damn you doctors!!!

i thought i was talking to the dude with the awesome red sx in his avatar!

ACTUALLY - i just thought about it.

G got hold of me today saying that his account had been deactivated for some reason.

he must've reregistered with a similar name, and therefore i reckon its the same dude, K?.

K!

k kool

How many have used import motors and what have your experiences been? Please do list how much you paid for it and which engine importer you bought it from.

I did, Paid R5750 at the time from...er..TV2 in PTA i tink, cant remember
Did i minor refresh, basically only crank seals and a new water pump.
It worked *perfectly for 27 000km, then my rad blocked and my numb nut friend said it was the HG and did a piss poor HG swap...twice. Its not so perfect now, but i blame the wanabe mechanic.

*3 coils from the import motor did die

Aha. Daniel that's what I suspected.

I reckon a decent import motor with <100k on it is probably a good buy.

My current logic is to drop in an import as:

• it's cost effective
  it's a straight swap
  no need for aftermarket EMS
  get to have a spare motor

Then run it for say a year while I take the time to rebuild the original motor properly with forged internals and all the proper bits and bobs to make a reliable 250wkw all day long.

Then, swap back the oem motor, and keep the import for spares 😂

So you're going to re-register your car twice to make it legal?

Depends. If the timeline for the proper build isn't that long I may consider driving around with the import motor unregistered. (I don't drive the sx that often as I commute by bike daily)

But, re-registration is not such a big deal to be honest. I've done it twice before and if you have your documentation in order and you show up early then it's not that painful.

There are also places that do it for you at a fee.

If you keep the recepit for the new motor with you then you should be okay in the event of a roadblock.

Also, if the engine number of the CA is in the same place as the SR (at the joint between the block and gearbox) then no cop is gonna be able to check it at a roadblock in the first place..?

Blah blah smartass 😛 Dont worry I'm was planning the same at some stage, but the cars not a daily drive to it can afford to be out of action for a few weeks for a rebuild.

I bought a motor for transplant - my car is only a weekend drive. Had to do oil pump and bearings immediately August 2006... its done less than 2000kms and its in for the real deal, because of smoking.

But I think its a lucky packet type of thing buying an import engine...you either accept the risk or you don't. You can't be sure that you are going to get a motor that is in proper working order and won't give you crap for at least a year.

And yes, my engine number is a little bit below the exhaust manifold, which I am sure most CA are - with the turbo being there as well, I think its pretty rough for a metro to stick his head in there and check the numbers to the plate in the bay or even the lisence disc.

Besides they are after easy bucks...

Oh and I don't think that R10 000 sounds expensive... after a couple of rebuilds, one realises how much things cost...even if its not original parts.

I'd say rather rebuild your current motor Doc - 5750 - 6500 for an import is 60% of the rebuild Gary talked about...

I'd say rather rebuild your current motor Doc - 5750 - 6500 for an import is 60% of the rebuild Gary talked about...

At last someone is getting it 8) .

I do get what you're saying Gary. I know R10k is not an astronomical figure when it comes to a rebuild. Especially considering it's a turbo motor with spares as scares and uncommon as a CA.

My NA build cost far more than 10k. Without even trying hard.

If I had to do a BSIC rebuild on my motor with forged pistons ONLY. I would be around teh R14k mark and that is with me doing the labour!!!

I personally think the 2 guys that got the rebuilds done at R10k they got a decent price. Those motor WILL last another 200 000km no problem if they are looked after and respected.

I was told 1 racing mile is like 1000 street miles. Yes the figures arent a science but the principle is the same. Race a motor that was not built to race and it WILL break prematurely.

you would probably think i was lying if you ever found out the cost of my rebuild!!!

but the proof will be on the drift track i suppose!!!

veecee wrote:

you would probably think i was lying if you ever found out the cost of my rebuild!!!

but the proof will be on the drift track i suppose!!!

So spill tha beenz!