Where to buy a long block?

[Huw Powell]

> Where should I buy a long block for my 186k miled, 1988 5kcstq?  I am looking
> for something cheaper and quicker than waiting a machine shop to do my motor.
> ANd not having to worry about a new whatever, "cause yours was smoked" etc.
>
> I am in Vermont, and would appreciate any hot tips.

seems like there are four things one can do...

1. new long block from factory (I suspect too much money for you)
2. pull your engine and get it rebuilt (too much down time, and what is
wrong with it anyway?)
3a. get another engine from your friendly Audi dismantler (I'd suggest
Chris Semple at Force Five) and get it freshened by an experienced
engine rebuilder.  Spend what you want, go in as far as you think
necessary.  roughly $300 to $3000, not including labor to swap.
3b. get a "running" engine and swap it in dirty.  Cheapest, but downside
of unknown internals...

If your car is dead, and you in a hurry, and you can do the swap
yourself, 3b would be OK.

If your car still limps along, I'd recommend 3a and spend what you think
you can, wherever you can, on the new engine.  get and engine stand and
do as much disassembly/reassembly as you can yourself.  have the pros
clean the block and head up for you.

The swap itself can be done in a weekend, if you have a helper or two
and can borrow an engine hoist.  Or a strong tree branch...

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/rebuild.htm

http://www.humanthoughts.org/