Why rebuild?
 

Excuse me for my inadequate knowledge of FD's, but why whenever I search for a FD3 for sale does everyone rebuild their engine when the clock isn't even past 100k mi? Does the 1.3 break down shortly after 50k miles or is it out of your own hearts for the engine to be refreshed? Is it a pretty expensive job? Past $5k?

Please fill me in as I will be looking into an FD3 R1/R2 shortly. Thank you all for the consideration of my questions. :)

Our engines break often. A properly maintained and bone stock FD can last around 100k miles, but that is almost never the case. Typically the first engine in these cars tend to let go at around 60-80k miles. Then the rebuilt or remanufactured engines usually last anywhere between 1k - 50k miles depending on mods and such. The full cost to have the motor rebuilt and installed is usually around 5k depending whether you want it ported or want 3mm seals, etc. If you do the install yourself, you can usually get a reman motor for around 2500 shipped and the install is up to you. Good luck with your search...

Adam

The **average** life expectancy for these cars, even in stock form is 50-60k. Some have only made it 25k, others have made it 100k, but average is 50-60. When you modify, you make more power, but you generally decrease longevity, because you are more apt to use that power, and power stresses the engine more. So some cars last far shorter than the average. I get a lot of remans in to rebuild with 20-35k on them. I am currently working on a fairly low mile (70-80k, I think) car with it's 2nd engine, which is getting rebuilt.

This thread right here has helped me make up my mind.....i'm saving for an ls1 swap.

These motors aren't too reliable....$5,000 per rebuild if you want a good quality one, hell... thats an ls1 swap right there.

Ah, bullshit. I do the job for less than half that all the time.

this is my opinion but.. i think putting in a motor that wasnt meant to be would just cause more problems. plus, american motors dont last too long either