hey guys, i got a few problems with my 96 gsr. first, it misfires in cylinders 1,2, and 4. next, it burns ALOT of oil. and last, when you pull the spark plug out of cyl 2 when its running, there is no change in the engine. so i believe that cylinder 2 does not work at all. so my question is that ive been told that it would be alot better to buy a jdm motor and swap it in because i would have new motor with relatively less mileage. then, i have been told it would be cheaper and better to just fix these problems. if you were in my shoes, would you buy a new motor or fix these problems?? im not sure of what would be a better choice. if anyone has a good idea, please let me know thanks! Rob

 

Burning a lot oil and misfires in three cylinders is a motor that needs a rebuild. The cost is going to be labor rate. It all comes down to the total cost. If you can rebuild it yourself and willing to get dirty, then go for a rebuild. If not, buying a used longblock will probably be a better option and make sure you get warranty. Other questions to ask yourself that can help you decide are; how long are you going to keep the car in your possession? Are you planning to modify your car with after market parts? If your not planing to keep it for long then just by a used longblock. If your planning to modify the motor then now is the time to do it. Good luck.

 

well i do plan on keeping it for a long time and i do plan on putting aftermarket parts in it like new valves, springs, retainers, cams, etc. so you think i should rebuild it or buy a longblock??

 

in the end the choice is up to you.... im not sure how car savvy you are but a direct swap wouldn't be nearly as difficult as rebuilding the guts of the engine. I would suggest taking it to a local mechanic and see if you can get a quote from him.... then price that against a few engines you come across.. then make up your mind.

+side is if your doing the rebuild.... and you wanted to build a proper beast, you can, just take your time and do everything right.

are you throwing any codes?

 

well im throwing codes for a misfire in cyls 1,2, and 4. also, cyl 2 does not work. ive had alot of people tell me that its probably just a bent valve. so i was gonna upgrade the valves, springs, retainers, camshafts, cam gears, etc. but i wanna get this figured out first

 

how many miles are you at now.... have you done any work to the engine itself... have you done anything that may have caused a bent valve?.... do you still even HAVE a timing belt? lol

 

i am at 98,xxx miles...i havent done any engine work as of yet, i bought in august of 05 with 96,xxx miles on it...i wouldnt say that i beat on my car bought i dont exactly drive like a old person either, i think the kid before me who had it beat the shit out of her...and yes, the timing belt is still there...

 

You desperately need a tuneup. Do that and your problem will probably go away. 98k miles on a Honda motor isn't even broken in yet.

 

Schmoo, what do you mean by tuneup?? ive already done spark plugs and wires and all the basic shit

 

Cap? Rotor? Fuel filter? Timing belt? Fluid flushes?

What plugs are you using?

Your misfires are a problem with the ignition system, so you need to double check and make sure that everything is functioning correctly.

You shouldn't be having problems like you are since the motor has relatively low mileage. A neglected motor will die...an abused but taken care of motor will live for a long time.