Engine replacement

Keith Scott · Post by **Keith Scott** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:47 pm

I have a 1982 2000FI that, I just found out, has a "blown" head gasket

. With 182,000+ miles, its likely time to replace the engine

. What is my best resource - - I live near Palm Springs, CA.

Keith Scott · Post by **Keith Scott** » Tue May 01, 2007 10:32 am

I may have found an engine - - has anyone done business with World Auto Parts out of Florida? They claim to have used, new and remanufactured engines.

brad131a4 · Post by **brad131a4** » Tue May 01, 2007 3:02 pm

never heard of them. I'd check out Vick's , International motors or a couple of other vendors that are more common. International has brand new motors for a fairly good price. There might be a builder that could rebuild your motor for a good price just as easily localy.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue May 01, 2007 3:29 pm

total rebuilds have gotten more expensive in the past year as pistons are harder to come by and machinist rates have increased

Keith Scott · Post by **Keith Scott** » Tue May 01, 2007 5:35 pm

Guys - -

Thanx for the input. The mechanic I use locally (admittedly not a Fiat expert - - not many in this area) thought it would be less expensive to replace the engine rather than rebuild it. I don't have the facilities or expertise to do the work myself, so...

I checked out Vick's and International; both have short blocks for about $1700 - - was hoping I could do better than that cost plus labor, shipping and whatever other parts are needed to finish.

Is there any sense in replacing with a non-Fiat engine. The rest of the car isn't close to pristine, so would consider other options that might not cost as much - - and would perform as well or better. What experience is there with alternatives?

brad131a4 · Post by **brad131a4** » Wed May 02, 2007 2:11 am

Well Keith there have been some discussions on engine swaps . I would have to say that by the time you get everything swapped and together running properly the $1700 short block and freight will look like a bargain. I would just put another head gasket on it and run it as is as long as the head isn't warped or something else has happened if your worried about the price of a new motor right now. Start looking around for other fiat owners in your area and see if they might be willing to help you with a motor rebuild or replacement . I've rebuild two front ends , crossmember and welding of the frame bolts and other thing for people I've met on this sight that were local and didn't have the skill or money to pay for the repairs that were needed ,for some swaybars and front end parts for my car.I'm not in it to make money just to help out fellow fiatist to enjoy what they have.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed May 02, 2007 3:22 am

I would agree about repairing the engine unless it's completely worn out or damaged. How did the engine run before the head gasket failed? Did it overheat severely when the gasket failed?
I'd pull the head and inspect the cyls for damage, and if none is found, repair the head.
Since you say the car is less than pristine, it may not be a wise investment to buy a new engine

Keith Scott · Post by **Keith Scott** » Wed May 02, 2007 7:22 am

Fortunately the engine was still running. It has a tendency to heat up at idle, but never "boiled over". So guess I'm fortunate in that sense. Mark, if I were able to bring it into your shop, what might it cost to replace the head gasket? And how long might it take?

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed May 02, 2007 10:12 am

private message sent