Newbie - should I keep it or part it out??

Apr 17th, 2003, 06:48 AM

Hi all - Newbie here. I could use some advice. I'm trying to decide whether to replace my BELOVED 93 Sentra SE-R 5 spd and part it out, or drop a new engine in it. I know almost nothing about cars, so maybe you experts can help me think this thru??

Mileage: 185k, mostly highway (this is my commuter buzz car - drives 130 miles/day). Body is in great shape, no rust exterior & only a little underneath. New: stock clutch; water pump; brakes/rotors; belts; alternator; starter. It has never, ever, ever suffered 5th-gear popout. Ever. (Single-owner car.)

Downsides: I think I have a fuel injection problem, the exhaust could use replacing, and the A/C is not presently working (compressor replaced last year, it worked then, just tried it for the first time this spring and it does not work now, dunno why.)

Engine began knocking after starter was replaced by a not very good garage - my bad entirely I think for going there. Took it to the GOOD garage & they said it would cost about $2000 to put a new engine in it and (their opinion) not really worth it.

What do you all think??

Also, just 'cause I'm curious - why do ppl replace the 5-spd w/ auto?? Surely the extra control/power you get w/ a 5-spd is what it's all about??

Thanks!
Liz

XtremE · Apr 17th, 2003, 10:05 AM

hummm u can get new(used) engine from around 250$+
check out www.sr20deforum.com

toolapcfan · Apr 17th, 2003, 01:05 PM

I've never heard of anyone replacing a 5 speed with an auto, not to mention all the work that would take, having to add the computer, all the wiring, yikes, what a nightmare. I'm curious, if you don't know much about cars, how were you going to part it out? I would just put it up for sale at www.se-r.net and on the forums here and see what happens. You can expect to get $1K for it given it's knocking problems. I wouldn't spend the $2K to put an engine in it. Like Xtreme said, you can get a nice japanese engine for cheap, but the install is what's going to cost you. If you knew someone who could put the engine in cheap then it might be worth it.

Apr 18th, 2003, 07:27 AM

Thanks for the advice y'all. Yeah I really *wish* I could get a new engine put in for less than $2k. I did already know the price on the engine. Guess you'll be seeing it posted here fairly soon.

I should have clarified about the automatic thing - when I first got here I did a search for keywords "replace engine" & found a thread where ppl were talking about replacing 5spd trans w/ auto - not meant to be a slam on anyone, I was just curious why anyone would want to do that! It's the *last* thing I'd do, but then I like the xtra control w/ 5 spds...

Thanks again guys

Apr 19th, 2003, 12:44 AM

If you are in the northeast, I will buy the car.

Apr 19th, 2003, 06:19 AM

Dang, Setz, wish I were - I'm in GA.

HATEnFATE · Apr 19th, 2003, 07:59 AM

You could get an engine for about nothing and find a shop to put it in for just a little more. Shop around. DON'T SELL THE CAR!!!!!!!!

Apr 19th, 2003, 08:37 AM

Hmmm thanks Jay, you give me new hope! I will ask around. I'm pretty fond of this li'l car.

Don't suppose anyone knows of someone good in the ATL area? (Hey, it never hurts to ask!)

PM me if you do...

91SR20DE · Apr 21st, 2003, 10:53 AM

Yeah, buy a JDM engine, SOKO has them for 450 + shipping, or there's a place in Canada also, you can definitly have one installed for far cheaper than 2000. Keep the car!

HATEnFATE · Apr 21st, 2003, 01:46 PM

In all reality. If it's not something your in a hurry to get done, then do the swap yourself. It'd be fun and you'd learn more about your car then you ever thought possible and have a blast doing it. it really isn't as hard as you would think it is.
I had never torn down an engine before and I hydrolocked a piston rod. After a little minor frustration of finding bolts I actually got it all apart in no time. just get a chiltons or better buy the manuals from the nissan dealership. If you lived closer to Iowa I would drive to help but you don't so I can't.

Check out what you would need and I bet you could do it for the price of a cherry picker and a few manuals (plus the new engine of course).

And remember the most Important thing. The Forum is ALWAYS here to Help.
Any other question E-mail me.

HATEnFATE@aol.com