Engine Rebuilders....Opinions?

[MSHardeman]

I know of a Rodeo that wasnt really maintained that well but has nearly 300,000 miles on it. Its has had a very hard life but is still ticking.
I really wish I knew if I am going to be one of the lucky ones and my vx engine will last for 200k. Like someone said earlier--its always there in the back of my mind. But, even more aggravating is not knowing what the best solution is once it does blow up. In a perfect world I would choose a 3.2 Rodeo engine with low miles and go that route I guess.

It's really hard to tell what you're going to get with these engines. Some don't burn a drop of oil, and others, like mine, burn a LOT. Since I bought mine seven or eight years ago with 35,000 miles on it, it has burned 3/4 of a quart of oil every 350 miles or so. With that kind of consumption I guess it was really just a matter of time until something happened, but I babied that thing. It rarely ever saw 3500 rpm's, I checked and topped off the oil religiously, had the oil changed at regular intervals, and had the PCV replaced and EGR and throttle body cleaned every other oil change. I guess mine was just destined to do this.

Like you said, I have always driven around with the possibility of the engine letting go in the back of my mind. The radio was always low so I could hear every little noise that was coming from the VX.

It seems to be hit or miss on these things. Like your Rodeo example, some people will hammer on these things and they'll last forever, and others will tip-toe around with them and they'll blow at 60,000 miles.

[IndianaVX]

Just curious. I am ready to call and order my new remanufactured engine from gearhead engines. I am identical to MS. I dont want the uneasyness of driving around with a used engine that i know nothing about, or how it was treated ect. gearhead offers a 3 year, unlimited miles warranty, which also includes paying labor for any shop that has to make a repair. Also, with their warranty, it does not matter what other parts you replace along with the new engine install, and does not matter who you have install it. it could be yourself, or a shop...doesnt matter. And also, many new engines require that all kinds of new pieces (alternator, AC compressor, starter, ect) be installed with the new engine. Not with this motor from gearhead. If i purchase tommorrow, they have a 10% discount, which brings the price to 2879, after the core charge is returned to me....(3389 - 510 core). this also includes free shipping both ways. engine is shipped in a heavy duty sealed plastic cratebox, which is returned with my old engine in it. Talked to the guy a good 15 minutes about the oil burning issue, and the rings and oil return holes in the pistion ring seats, and he told me that he believed that the issue would be taken care of as they update with all the TSBs and any improvements that can be found to produce a bettter than OEM motor. I feel better about this motor from gearhead, than i did with 123engines. so, unless my local racecar engine rebuilder comes back with a better price for rebuilding my existing motor, i will be going with Gearhead.

All that said, What did you finally decide to to MSHardman? I am hoping your reply is that you went with gearhead, and as very happy with your decision!

Thanks!!

[MSHardeman]

The deal from Gearhead engines sounds fantastic! The price is great, the warranty, the free shipping, the fact that you can add whatever you want to the engine, etc., etc., etc. almost sounds too good to be true. I wish that I would have looked into this a little more when I had my engine replaced. I would jump all over this engine if I were you. Heck, I may contact them and see if I can send them my old engine to have them re-build it.

I actually ended up going with a brand new Isuzu crate motor that I bought through Jerry Lemond (he visits here occasionally and is a big presence over on the Planet). He used to work for Isuzu and still has some connections with the warehouses. The engine that I bought has the updated pistons and I have not burned a drop of oil in the two years that the engine has been in the VX. I did document my experiences with the engine swap, but I can't seem to find the thread right now (I'll look and post it later).

Sounds like you found a great option to a $5k Isuzu engine, plus I don't know if you can still find the new engines as when I bought mine there were only 16 left in the country.

Keep us updated because our engines won't last forever and others may be looking for replacement options in the future.