Hey guys, I'm looking for a new motor for my '95 Del Sol. Current motor has 168k D15B7 and it has begun burning coolant two days ago. Likely the result of a leaking head gasket caused by some excessively hard driving I subjected the poor thing to over the weekend.

I live in Ames Iowa and I don't have the proper tools or means to work on the internals of my engine, but I'm comfortable doing anything else. I recently put a bunch of money into the suspension, Eibach pro-touring kit (springs, shocks, and bars), Energy Suspension Black Poly bushings everywhere, and new ball joints in front. My radiator is relatively new, new CV axles a month ago, and I have no issues with the clutch or transmission or anywhere else in the car. It has not overheated yet, I check coolant daily, no coolant in the oil or oil in coolant, doesn't burn oil, it just burns antifreeze. Two mechanics quoted me ~$1000 to fix a head gasket. I'm thinking just get a new D-series since it'll be close to the same price, keep my old trans, radiator etc. I've got the tools and friends and mechanical skills to swap the engine.

Ping me if you have a D-series, looking for cheap but hopefully less than 120K miles ~$800 price range. If its VTEC I'll need the ECU too.

Thanks!

 

$1000 to fix a head gasket on a d series!!!! That is highway robbery!

 

if you have the tools to swap a motor then you should have the tools to do a head gasket job. fairly easy on a d series. but damn i didnt d series cost that much there. here in ca they go for 300. y8 and z6 go for 500. just my opinion on the option to fix or swap. hope you get it fixed soon bro.

 

As far as engine prices that's what I've seen on websites selling either rebuilt or low mileage JDM/USDM engines with warranty. Where would you guys advise I look for a cheaper option? And yeah the mechanics around here screw ppl because it's a college town, why I'm looking to do it myself!

On the note of equipment, I am hesitant to rip into my engine due to the possibility of needing to machine the block or drill out and retap sheared exhaust manifold screws. I don't have access to a mill. If my engine was younger and had a less rusty exhaust I'd jump on it.

 

i see. thats true too, i forgot that you guys go through snow and rust. well good luck though bro

 

Well it turns out I didn't toast my head gasket. That smell of burning anti-freeze was actually a plastic bag stuck to my catalytic converter.