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!

 

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...

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

double post

 

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?