03-31-2015, 09:45 AM
I'm honestly not sure what the best option is for you, this is something that you should really dive into and extensively researching while you're saving up money to decide what the best option for you is. I think there are pros and cons to both a full motor swap and a HG job.
Pros for HG job:
1.) You know your motor, what gaskets and sensors have been replaced, and what has happened to it in the past. Purchasing a used motor is always a bit of a gamble
2.) We (Jake, DJ and I) own all of the required tools for the job
3.) If you *just* do the HG, it should cost a little less than a motor swap
4.) Doesn't require a hoist, and the front clip doesn't have to come off
Pros for Swap:
1.) Can be done in a weekend, whereas a HG job would have to be done over 2 so the head could go out to be decked and tanked
2.) You could end up with a motor that has significantly lower mileage
3.) The job is less precise, you're basically ripping the front of the car off and sucking the drivetrain right out through the nose, whereas just about everything on the motor seems to have a very precise torque spec
4.) Assuming you found a good deal on a solid motor from a trustworthy seller, it's less likely that we'd encounter "while you're in there" issues that add to the cost of the project, like broken timing chain guides.
5.) I'm not sure what a blown 2.8L is worth, but I'm sure someone would buy it as a starting point for a build and help offset the cost.
Ultimately it's up to you, I'd just crunch the numbers and see what makes the most sense.
Pros for HG job:
1.) You know your motor, what gaskets and sensors have been replaced, and what has happened to it in the past. Purchasing a used motor is always a bit of a gamble
2.) We (Jake, DJ and I) own all of the required tools for the job
3.) If you *just* do the HG, it should cost a little less than a motor swap
4.) Doesn't require a hoist, and the front clip doesn't have to come off
Pros for Swap:
1.) Can be done in a weekend, whereas a HG job would have to be done over 2 so the head could go out to be decked and tanked
2.) You could end up with a motor that has significantly lower mileage
3.) The job is less precise, you're basically ripping the front of the car off and sucking the drivetrain right out through the nose, whereas just about everything on the motor seems to have a very precise torque spec
4.) Assuming you found a good deal on a solid motor from a trustworthy seller, it's less likely that we'd encounter "while you're in there" issues that add to the cost of the project, like broken timing chain guides.
5.) I'm not sure what a blown 2.8L is worth, but I'm sure someone would buy it as a starting point for a build and help offset the cost.
Ultimately it's up to you, I'd just crunch the numbers and see what makes the most sense.
Now: 07 Porsche Cayman S | 18 VW Tiguan
Then: 18 VW GTI Autobahn | 95 BMW M3 | 15 VW GTI SE | 12 Kia Optima SX | 2009 VW GTI | 00 BMW 540i Sport | 90 Mazda Miata | 94 Yamaha FZR600R | 1993 Suzuki GS500E | 2003 BMW 325i | 95 Saab 900S