I have a 2000 stratus 2.4L dohc and it's up around 200K miles. The engine runs strong, still fast but it's starting to make a slight tick on the left side of the engine, maybe a lifter?

Anyone know the best place to get a crate engine? And also, has anyone paid to have their engine replace before? How much did it cost? What would I be looking at for labor costs?

 

You're at 200k, and just getting a slight tick now? I would say that's absolutely amazing. My 2.5v6 has been ticking for over 40,000mi, no worse, no better.

I'm not sure what kind of "crate engine" you're looking to put in there, but it's a rather small engine bay, and finding a new 2.4l that will fit could be difficult. If you don't get one from a 95-00 strat, you'll be looking at changing wire harness, ecu, possibly transmission.

My personal recommendation would be to keep on driving it like you have been, keep the oil changes coming (and check for accelerated usage, burn off, leaks, etc), and see how far that will get you.

Ultimately the choice is yours if you want to fix it (or keep rolling like it is, like I do) or trade/junk it. Call some garages in your area, as the prices will vary from shop to shop, look up reviews and recommendations from other friends/family about who they go to for engine work on their own vehicles.