How Much Longer?
 

Okay my coolant seals are gone, I already know that, but is my oil supposed to smell more like coolant than the coolant itself?? It only puffs white smoke on startup sometimes, and it has trouble starting alot. I havent done a compression test yet, mainly because Im not sure how, but how long can I expect this engine to last me, and how much will a new one/rebuild cost, and would you guys recommend a 17 year old with intermediate automotive knowledge to do the rebuild alone?

rebuild alone, no, get the atkins video i hear its really good, get a nice work space with a work bench, table, and engine stand, i would suggest getting a TV and DVD/VCR player down where you will be working and get all of the tools that the video suggests, then go to town

about $1000 for a complete rebuild kit, assuming all the main components are good. You can buy a rebuild how to video or the rebuild books...

If you have good tool knowledge and have the ability to follow instructions (per what the video/books tell you) then you should be fine.

I would say do it just for the knowledge, experience and all that good jazz. Also do some searches there are many good threads with tips and info on rebuilding, and the FAQ sticky is a good place to look for info (you should try reading a large portion of it just for knowledge sakes).

Good luck I hope the 7 roars again.

:)

And if I am wrong about any of it I am sure someone will let me know

I have it, its not the best I have heard there are better ones. The worst problem with the atkins one is that its kinda like a fast forward through the rebuild, and I would suggest something a little more thorough.

DIY 13B

I prefer the turrentine video, I have both. Bruces is better produced and more technical in depth

I've heard good things about DIY-13B. I'm going to order it when I get a few bucks. Then it'll be like six months before I can actually afford the rebuild kit, so I'll have it memorized lol. Now if I can just find where to buy one!

id just buy a jspec motor for 1k and be done with it

Then after it blows (give it 1000 miles), rebuild IT and be done with it.

whats the diff from the jspecs?

Nothing major, but you gotta remind youself this if you want to order one: Theres gotta be some reason this high-powered rear drive sports car wound up in a junk yard. That motor, while it may be low mileage, has probably spent most of its life over 5k rpms.