FAAAAHK!! It *is* a rod bearing noise.

gustavohuber · Post by **gustavohuber** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:02 am

Yesterday gnuman and I spent all day replacing the waterpump and timing belt, only to remove a perfectly nice, smooth-spinning waterpump, making it all but certain that the knock noise I've had is infact a spent rod bearing. I don't have a garage or a second car, so I'm pretty well doomed to spending $6-700 in labor plus $4-500 in parts just to replace the "bombproof" bottom end. Pah. I would quit and walk away if I didn't feel plainly compelled to carry this thing out to its bitter end, now that I'm really in the hole. I don't know what to do. Two months' salary (i'm working part time during school) just to fix a car that I initally got because it was affordable is just... too much. I can see why you all love your legacies, but I'll be damned if I don't wish I had my little VW back.

anyone with a short block that I could grab for less than $500 shipped, please give me a holler.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:15 am

You should be able to find an engine for $400 or less in a JY. I did a swap alone in my driveway. A cheap jack for the transmission and an engine lift is all you need. Swap out the manifold and electrical, if needed, and drop it in. If you do the intake, fuel injection, and electrical, just unplug it and remove it in one piece with the manifold. Should be able to do it in an afternoon. Took me a day to do mine and I had to run all over to plug up the extra turbo oil and coolant lines I didn't need.

I'd buy it off you for parts if you wanted to junk it and you were closer.

What VW are you talking about? I'm familiar with them since ~'93 and I've not known any to be remotely reliable, cheap, or easy to work. I don't mean to attack what you like, it's just my fairly extensive experience with them.

Steve

gustavohuber · Post by **gustavohuber** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:24 am

$1200 MKII Golf GTI. 30-35 mpg, gut similar to the EJ22, bought with 60k, now 130k needing only filters, belts and a water pump, still drives great for my dad, but unsmoggable in CA.

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:37 am

Is that one of the '80's ones? That's some low miles! From what I know it wasn't until the early '90s that VW went down hill. A friend of mine has a round headlight Golf that he races. Rides like ass, but goes allright and looks cool. I always liked the Sciroccos.

Check my reply in your other post. I'd send you my engine, but it's all disassembled and I mixed up the rod parts (d'oh!)

Steve

gustavohuber · Post by **gustavohuber** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:49 am

Thanks Steve, its a '90 with the early rectangle headlights.. I think it may well be a diamond in the rough, as many friends with 99+ golfs have had TERRIBLE luck with them. I really just want to find a sporty hatchback/mini wagon that gets 30-35mpg, and has AWD with low miles for under $2500.. is that too much to ask?

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:15 am

My car has truly been rediculously reliable. Fully 70% of what I've spent on it was by choice. Nowhere near that kind of mileage, though and especially not now with the damn low compression.

Steve

THAWA · Post by **THAWA** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 4:02 am

I've got a shortblock you can have for free, but I'm pretty sure it's the last one you would want. Same problem as yours.

scottzg · Post by **scottzg** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:11 am

THAWA wrote:I've got a shortblock you can have for free, but I'm pretty sure it's the last one you would want. Same problem as yours.

Can i have it if he turns it down?

professor · Post by **professor** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:29 pm

how about the time-honored tradition of driving it until it blows up ? You may see many miles with a minor rod knock. Turn up the stereo.

When it blows you'll be no worse off, maybe a head short but a block with heads costs no more, generally.

Matt Monson · Post by **Matt Monson** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 4:58 pm

I have a '98 EJ254 shortblock with 80k mi that I would sell for $300. If you put this engine into your car with your Ej22 heads, it will bump your CR to 11:1 and give you a free power bump from both that and the increase in displacement. It is a totally stock replacement option.

You can do a search on my use of this block with the EJ22E heads. Everything swaps over from your car just as if you are putting in another EJ22 block. The only trick is you use the EJ254 head gasket with it.

Let me know if you are interested...

gustavohuber · Post by **gustavohuber** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:53 pm

Matt, I'm interested, but given that shipping is going to be at least another $100, I don't know if its a feasible plan. Thanks again though.
/G

Matt Monson · Post by **Matt Monson** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 8:16 pm

I have a commercial freight account through my business. How's $325 shipped sound?

tris91ricer · Post by **tris91ricer** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 8:21 pm

Really, Matt, only $300, then maybe another $100 to ship? I may have to consider that.. if it bolts up to the EJ22 AutoTrans. Does it?
I'll keep an eye out in case you sell it before I've got the scrill. I'm watching you.

gustavohuber · Post by **gustavohuber** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 8:30 pm

Matt, I'm going to PM you-- Thanks again.
/G

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FAAAAHK!! It is a rod bearing noise.

FAAAAHK!! It is a rod bearing noise.