Well my engine puked oil into my coolant reservoir today. I noticed the oil spilling out of the coolant reservor while I was checking the oil. I guess this can mean a few things are wrong with my engine - none of which are any good. I could have a cracked block or damaged head gasket I suppose. I have no coolant in my oil but I suppose this is because the oil pressure is generally higher than the coolant pressure so oil is forced into the cooling system. All of this means is I have to spend money on a new motor.
My car is 5 ys old and has been well maintained from day one. I have 250000Km of hard driving and have replaced alot of stuff on this car. I have gone thru 3 timing belt and water pump changes and have parts for the next change when I need it. I have changed all four wheel bearings and the rotors at least as many times. I still have the original exhaust and I live in salty Canada for christ sakes.
The car was repainted 2 yrs ago after I was hit in the right rear at an intersection and people are constantly asking me if the car is new.
This car still has a lot of life left in it and I intend to get my money's worth out of it.
I am going to have a new motor installed by an experienced mechanic. At the time of this writing I haven't talked much to my mechanic but I was given some good referrals by others who have had work done by him. I thought I might post a letter and have some third party input.
The mechanic says he is getting a Japanese "spec" motor. He said something about the japanese having to pull their motors at 50000KM (or Miles ?) so they have a ton of used low KM motors. Says they also have a higher HP output than the motors we get here in Canada. Can anyone direct me to a URL somewhere?
Also I was wondering if there is anything relatively (?) inexpensive I can do to the motor while it is on the bench that might give me say another 20HP out of this engine or am I just messing with a good thing? I know the engines are great just as they are and I really don't want to mess with a good running engine but is there anything simple that can be suggested?
I also understand that the other components on this car are 5 yrs old. I should replace all the belts and hoses? Any other items that the experienced can tell me about?

 

check out http://www.totaljdm.com good list of engines and specs. All japanese engines are "retired" around 35 to 40k miles due to emissions laws. Check out e-bay as well. Some companies sell entire front clips of vehicles which is best when doing a swap (everything you need is right in front of you).