Is this repair worth it?

[Masa]

Hello all, just joined this forum after watching the videos of “theericthecarguy” and saw that he is a reputable mechanic and takes pride in his work. just wanted to have some questions answered in all honesty and those who think as he does.

I bought a 1999 Acura GSR w/ 138k couple months back, and now with 145k on the car it needs a valve replacement as well as head gasket. the shop I took it to quoted me $2000 for valves, valve seals, resurfacing cylinder heads, water pump, oil pump and head gasket, but the shop is going to charge me extra $2000 to replace pisonts, rings, re-boring the cylinder and other work that needs done, basically a complete rebuild would be $4000+tax with OEM acura parts and half a rebuild would be $2000.

So my question is, is this right? I live out in Northern California, and I just want to know if this price is on the ball park or have I just met with another one of those shady mechanics. I just would like an honest answer, because its just very hard to find a reputable and honest mechanic shop around here from my experience.

Topic

[Jared Thomson]

A rebuilt motor is probably right around $2500, plus like 50 for the water pump. After that, you just have to swap some parts over to the new motor. Its alot of work, but still, $4000 seems a bit much to me. Maybe someone who has more experience with these cars could give you a better idea, but I wouldnt pay quite that much, maybe $3500 max.

EDIT: I should specify that by “Rebuilt motor” I mean the motor for your car that has been rebuilt and tested by a factory and is guaranteed for around 3 years.

[Charles]

Does the car still run and drive or is it down and out? Seems pretty old for that kind of investment unless you are in love with that particular style. If you want to keep the car, find a reputable rebuilder like Jasper if you want a new engine. If it just needs a head and valve job, a rebuilt head seems in order. You can look on EBAY for what that would cost. Miles seem a little low to replace rings. My Saturn has 226K and runs great but burns some oil. Oil is pretty cheap compared to a complete rebuild.

[Dustin Hicks]

[quote=”99TegGSR” post=47511]….basically a complete rebuild would be $4000+tax with OEM acura parts and half a rebuild would be $2000.

So my question is, is this right? I live out in Northern California, and I just want to know if this price is on the ball park or have I just met with another one of those shady mechanics. I just would like an honest answer, because its just very hard to find a reputable and honest mechanic shop around here from my experience.[/quote]

The price depends on several items. First – Shop Rate (who’s doing the work?) Backyard DIYer less, independent or specialist more, dealer lots. Next – parts used, OEM or aftermarket? OEM is usually more expensive. Next – Make of vehicle, domestic is less, import is more. Next – demand for that engine, popular is less, not popular is more. Next – rebuild type, short block, long block, crate. Short is least, then long, then crate. Also – warranty. the more covered or longer term, the higher the cost.

Where in N. CA roughly?

Around here (Eastern WA state) $4000 for a complete rebuild with OEM parts installed, running and out the door isn’t unreasonable for an Asian/European make.

Finally, $4000 is a lot of cash. Check with multiple shops, keeping these points in mind.

[Masa]

I live in San Francisco/ Bay Area and the mechanic that quoted me is an independent shop and the parts that are being used for this rebuilt head is Acura OEM. not quite sure of the engine specifics, since I’ve only had the car for couple months, but I believe it is a stock Acura Integra GSR engine only modification that I know of from purchase is an aftermarket adjustable coilovers and a muffler.

Its $2000 for a valve job, head gasket, oil pump and water pump as well as resurfacing the cylinder head. when I asked him that since the engine is being taken apart how much extra is it going to be for a piston and rings replacement. he added $2000 more since he is going to replace the piston, rings and rods and re-bore the cylinders.

I just feel that it is a waste to get rid of this car, since i know these motors can go significant amount of miles if its taken cared of unlike how it was taken care of by previous owner since this is happening. if its rebuilt at 145k miles ( believe i can take it for another 145k. I’m just wondering if all this money on parts and labor is accurate for a reputable shop to work on this type of motor

[Masa]

the shop has told me if I do choose to replace the pistons, rings and rods for $2000 more, he is not going to warranty the parts, because from his knowledge and experience these Acura GSR engines burn oil, because of their high revving nature.

[fredsmythson]

You would have to do all the work yourself in order to save your Acura. It wouldn’t be worth it to pay a shop to do the repairs, unless you bought the car for less than $500.

Also realize that most pro mechanics do not have the skills to do an engine overhaul, so there is a good chance you’ll have additional problems with the engine after the work is done.

So, you have the choice of doing all the work yourself on the car, or just sell the car and cut your losses… My opinion – sell the car and avoid the frustration…

[Dustin Hicks]

Okay. From what you’ve said, at this point I wouldn’t recommend more than a head job, if even that.
Ask yourself this:
What will it be worth when done?
What condition will it be in when done?
How much will it cost to do other needed work?
How long am I realistically apt to keep it?
What is my financial situation? (Can I really afford this?)
Unfortunately, I feel you’ll find replacing the head/engine won’t be worth it if you can’t/don’t do the work yourself.

[Slayinit]

I think the old rule of thumb is that if the repair costs more than the value of the vehicle then it’s time to retire the car. There are exceptions, of course (e.g. – it’s a rare/exotic car, it holds great sentimental value, it’s anything muscle from the late 60s, etc.) but in this case I’m pretty sure your Acura isn’t worth 4 grand in the marketplace.

If you’re really fond of this car you might want to shop around for a replacement ’99 GSR and keep the current one for a parts car. They can’t cost but so much and there’s sure to be plenty in decent condition. Just a thought. Good luck.

[dave]

Here are the three most effective ways to handle your situation:

1. Do the engine overhaul yourself. ($$ most cost effective $$, days/weeks of work)

2. Engine swap using a ‘used’ engine. (affordable, 1 day job)

3. Engine swap using a ‘refurbished’ engine. (lot’s o’ money, 1 day job)

There are many ETCG videos on doing engine swaps. See if it’s something you’d be interested in doing.

[Darren]

[quote=”99TegGSR” post=47550]the shop has told me if I do choose to replace the pistons, rings and rods for $2000 more, he is not going to warranty the parts, because from his knowledge and experience these Acura GSR engines burn oil, because of their high revving nature.[/quote]
If he won’t warranty his work, then don’t do it. I’ve never heard of a stock rebuild not being backed by some sort of warranty. Even if it’s only a 90 day warranty or something. Especially for that kind of money.
Doing the work yourself isn’t that hard. pull the head off, replace the water pump, and send the head to a machine shop to have the head work done. Should be able to get it done for a couple hundred bucks. Why did he say that the bottom end needed to be rebuilt? what’s wrong with the engine? Is it just a burnt valve or something? Why would he be replacing the oil pump and tearing into the bottom end? I didn’t see where you said what brought you into the shop due to a specific problem.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Don’t rebuild the engine. It would cost way more to do it properly. Also, if the shop that’s doing the work doesn’t have experience with Hondas I would pass. That said I see problems with valves in Hondas from time to time. Usually a cracked exhaust valve. They only cost about $20 each. It’s the labor to replace them that can get pricy. Honestly it’s not a bad job and you could probably do it yourself. In fact you could just remove the head and take it somewhere to have the valve(s) replaced for a LOT less money.

I would recommend you just have the valve, head gasket, timing belt and water pump replaced. I think with just that you’ll be fine. You don’t need to spend all that money and as I said I think you’re much better off purchasing a rebuilt engine rather than rebuilding the one you have (or having it rebuilt). I see so many wanabe engine builders out there that just make a mess of things. Also, if you do go that rout keep your core. The B18C’s are going for some money these days so you’re better off eating your core charge and selling it outright.

[Author]

Replies