ok so i just bought a '98 neon with 96k on it from my neighbor for.... $100. lol. 2.0 SOHC auto 4dr. it has a blown head gasket which it literally spews oil all over the place out of, and a knock which i very strongly do not believe to be a rod or main bearing. my neighbor says he thinks its a cam bearing? idk i cant find any info on cam bearings on these what all would be associated with that as far as head/cam damage? also, im having a hard time deciding whether i want to just find a parts car and replace the whole motor or just keep this engine and replace only what has gone bad on it. i mean overall its a good motor and good car, but i want to put this car back on the road as cheaply as i possibly can as i am not sure if i want to keep or sell it yet but either way i want it back on the road cheaply lol. suggestions? ideas? all are welcome please.

thanks,
Nick

 

Do you have a place, the skills, the tools, and the time it will take to rebuild a motor? Depending on what you end up replacing or reworking, it may cost you up to $1K to do what needs to be done.

That is what you need to ask yourself. If the answer is no to any of these, you may want to reconsider doing any of it yourself.

Yes, you can buy a crate motor or used engine from a junkyard, and bolt it right in using your external parts. Not the cheapest way to go, but certainly easier in many ways, and usually includes a warranty too.

My friend gave me his broken car, and so far, I have put about $1500 into it total. This includes new tires, new mirrors, and some other cosmetic parts as well as all the stuff I did under the hood.

 

yeahh i suppose i shoulda intro'd myself a lil better- i have a large and well equipped shop for doin it in and am experienced with engine building. i am somewhat known in the chevy truck enthusiast world- i've built quite a few highly modified 4x4 chevy trucks and done everything myself from monster smallblocks with custom efi systems to custom suspension fabrication. so i am plenty well equipped lol just puttin off tearin into this lil guy til i got some more info on it. this is my first real venture into the world of dodges other than my '94 cummins lol. but thanks. im thinkin i may try to find a parts car cheaply this weekend/coming week and if not i will rebuild the existing motor maybe next weekend.

 

Well then, you should rebuild the engine. Parts are very cheap compared to some cars I have rebuilt. Its actually a fun little car to work on and its relatively easy to yank the engine and tranny, do all the work, then sock it back in. I really enjoyed working on mine.