I have a 99 DOHC Neon Expresso. It had its head gasket replaced at 50k and now has 100k miles on it. It blew the #3 plug out, stripping the threads and the head was retapped and helicoiled. A compression check yielded 3 cylinders in the 50 psi and one in the 110psi ranges. There isn't any water in the oil, and with 3 cylinders low in compression, I'm guessing that the engine is probably toast. So, a couple of questions:
1. Since it's about 5 1/2 hours of labor to change a head OR replace an engine, should I replace the engine with one warranteed for 2 years?
2. Where's a good place to get a replacement motor?
3. The body is mint and I plan on keeping it for longer than 2 years. Is it worth the money to put a new /rebuilt motor in it?

 

I have a 95 neon that I skipped about a million teeth on my timing. And I bent almost all of my valve and had compression in 1 cylinder. I spent the money to get a new engine. I didn't get a rebuilt though. I found a 95 SOHC engine with 45,000 miles on it and mine previously had 118,000. So i'm pretty happy that I bought a new engine, rather than a new car. I love my 1st gen, and I am planning on buying a newer neon after college. I would say YES! BUY A NEW ENGINE! rebuilt are a little more expensive, you could buy one used and most dealers give you a 90 day warranty, (mine came with a 1 year) Good Luck!