I have a 1998 Neon DOHC which threw a rod and popped a hole in the block. I almost have the engine out, waiting until the weekend. My question is can I just go down to the junkyard and get a SOHC and use the block,pistons, crank etc without any problems.

From what I have read on this site, the main difference between the 2 is the head. Also what about sensors etc? Is their any difference in the years between the 1st gen?

What do you guys do to check a motor at the junkyard?

 

bumpity bump bump bump

 

6 days and nothing? wow the dakota forums are way better on this site.

BBUUMMPP

 

Sorry, I don't always have to time to visit the forums.

All 95-99 1st Gen Neons have the same short block/bottom end. Only difference were pistons and the timing components. Any sensors that are on the block, I would pull with the block as well. I would try and find a 98-99 block as the sensors were more universal in those years. Avoid the 95 blocks and 2003+ blocks. You can use any 96-2002 block.

I have never purchased a block or engine from a junkyard but I guess if I did, I would rotate the engine and pull the valve cover to start.