'96 engine rebuild

tony-bobs · #1 07-21-2009, 04:13 PM

I aquired a 96 neon with the DOHC engine that a kid had let run out of oil. I was thinking I would rebuild the engine and let my wife use the car for running around town and what-not. No need for tons of performance parts, just a solid running car that will get decent mpg. This will be my first project, but my father-in-law will be able to help me if I get stuck. Where can I start? I don't know much about cars, but I figured I'm going to have to start somewhere and this seems like a perfect opportunity! Some websites or books to help walk me through the rebuild process would be great as well as new parts to look out for/avoid or used parts that I would be able to use instead. I have a friend whose family owns a junkyard, and they have been awesome about letting me grab stuff for cheap. Thanks in advance!

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tony-bobs · #2 07-21-2009, 05:20 PM

I forgot to mention, the engine still turns over, but it knocks badly and has less power than a motorized scooter. The kid I got it from moved the car very short distances a couple of times...

dipsherry · #3 07-21-2009, 06:04 PM

i would suggest just a stock rebuild if you plan on keeping the car "stock" i have seen rebuild kits go for 250+ depends on where you buy from. howellautomotive.com has a rebuild kit for $260. if you ever have questions just post up on here almost always someone will be able to answer.

sabin420 · #4 07-21-2009, 09:04 PM

it's usually cheaper and easier to just get an engine from a junkyard. Unless you got the time and know how.

tony-bobs · #5 07-23-2009, 02:26 PM

so far all I have found are sohc engines, what would it take for me to do a swap?

dipsherry · #6 07-23-2009, 08:03 PM

if you just wanna do a bottom end they are the same for sohc and dohc motors...so all you would have to do is switch your head from the old motor to the new

tony-bobs · #7 07-25-2009, 04:46 PM

So I could get the sohc motor and a dohc rebuild kit, "slap 'em together" and I would have a decent running car right?

dipsherry · #8 07-25-2009, 06:53 PM

sure can the bottom ends are the same so if you find a sohc block you can just rebuild it and put your head on it

dipsherry · #9 07-25-2009, 07:25 PM

double post

tony-bobs · #10 07-27-2009, 03:14 PM

Thanks! Is there any sort of tutorial or anything on doing that? Or would it be just as beneficial for me to get a haynes/chiltan's manual?