Thrown engine rod...?

Question

My brother's '97 Ford Escort threw a rod yesterday...straight through the engine, oil pan, etc...so the engine is completely busted. The car had 150,000 miles on it. He would like to just get a replacement engine, but the shop said it would cost $2,300 just for an engine (he was hoping to get a new transmission as well, as it is getting pretty worn out). Would it be worth it to look elsewhere for a more reasonably priced engine+tranny swap (if so, where?) or should he just give up and buy a used car with 70-100K miles on it. Problem is that he only has a couple thousand dollars to spare. Thanks.

Answer 1

Sit down with yer local yellar pages & call all the wrecking yards near you. You may find a deal on a engine/trans.

Answer 2

I agree with Dennis. The car doesnt really have much value to take on such a large job with such a cost. I threw a rod in my 87 Toyota Pickup, and that was that. It was much more beneficial for me to move on to the next vehicle. Which just so happened to have been a 12 year old Honda Accord for $2000. I think you are better off finding a good deal on a used car, they do exist. I bought the 87 Toyota PU for $1200, the Honda for $2000, a 94 Buick Century for $1500. These vehicles were over the span of many years, lasted multiple years, and all under 100K miles when I got them. Search out and find a quality used car with the funds, I really think thats the best bet.

Answer 3

A re-manufactured engine is around 1200 a re-manufactured transmission is around 1100 if you do the repair yourself you can save a little money. Its not a hard job but will take inexperienced person three days or so to do but worth it in the long run. You will get to learn how its made. Get a Book. Good Luck and GOD Bless

Answer 4

There is not enough value left in car to justify such a large investment. Best to scrap it and use cash for down payment for a car of equall or better than his was before rod was thrown.
A good escort can be had for $800 down and $60 a week and paid off in less than a year...

Answer 5

You may be able to find another Escort with a good drive train and bad body , and you may be able to to the transplant and you may be able to come out ahead, but the reality is that this car is just scrap iron now and your brother is going to get tired of walking. If he puts his money into fixing it, it is not going to be worth as much as the engine, I'd say look for another one

Answer 6

depends if it was new or used engine n tranny. in most cases dealers will ask first look around and get prices. there is a limited warentee on it. or they will just go and replace it brand new and of course its way more then 2300.00. in this case given the mileage on it most mechanics would say swap it or get a used car. you swap it your pressing your luck on if the block is cracked or not. if he knows what he is doing and can fix it himself or with help that would be the cheaper way to go but still your looking at a few bucks there. where as most used cars now come with a limited warrentee on them. personally i would go check things out then compare prices to a used vehicle.

Answer 7

Take the car to the salvage yard and take the title with you. Sell it to them and then get another car that's running. You almost hate to put the money into an economy car that is 10 or 11 years old. good luck.

Answer 8

YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIND A LOW MILEAGE ENGINE AND TRANS FROM A SALVAGE YARD FOR ABOUT 1200 DOLLARS OR FIND A REASONABLY PRICED CAR EITHER WAY GOOD LUCK HOPE THIS HELPS

Answer 9

local junk yard may have warranties.that you can hear run.
you may find a better deal at an impound yard. running in good cond. .
there's always the machine shop .

Answer 10

junk yard dude...i'm sure u can find an engine/tranny for much less than 2k....especially if you are willing topull it yourself.