So I'm buying a '94 GT hatchback with a blown motor. Apparently the rod blew through the bottom, and out the oil pan. I'm a computer guy, not much of a mechanic (right now), but have always wanted to tear an engine down and rebuild it. I have the room for the job and can take all the time I need to do it, as this is just a side-project for me. Good times!!

So my questions are:

- When a rod leaves the engine unexpectedly out the bottom, does it generally destroy anything along the way that would completely ruin the block?
- What would I need to look for?
- What would you guys do?

I got this car for almost nothing, and would like to get this on the road for under $1k. I plan to do all the labor myself, and hoping I don't destroy it. The guy who owns it said he was driving it on the interstate and it suddenly started sounding weird, make a big noise, then stopped running. Said there was no knocking or anything prior to this happening. It's not seized, as it still turns over.

I plan to buy OEM parts for the rebuild kit, and will take the head out for machine work. What else should I consider?

Any thoughts, guidance, advice, would be appreciated!

typically the cylinder is destroyed so most cases the block is scrap, however it might be able to be sleeved and saved. the crankshaft might be ok, you have to take it apart to be sure.

The head is probably ok.

Blew a rod....

That out of the way, I'd just look for another project. Unless you're buying it just for the shell and transmission to swap in a different engine, then go for it.

Since you already have the platform, I would advise to just get either a replacement 5S-FE, or swap in a V6 like the 1MZ. It is most likely the engine trashed something else from the failure.

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LOL - I didn't even notice. Pervert.. I was thinking 'threw a rod/blew the engine' when I posted. At least it got you to look.. hehe

Ya, I bought it with the intention of going a 3sgte swap from a GT-4. I just started thinking that maybe I could rebuild the 5sfe and be able to drive it for a while until I got the GT-4 clip. Then I could pull the working 5sfe, and sell it for more fun-money!

Oh well. I have plenty of time to explore options. Will likely tear it down just to see what engine guts really look like. Not something I've done before, and pretty anxious to give it a whirl.

Thanks all!

Just think, you can't make it any worse than what it already is.

If you're local to CT, I have a 5S block, pistons, rods, and pan in good shape. Crank shot though. Make me a fair offer if so. Have the head too.

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Someone apparently overestimates my mechanical skills...

I do HOPE that's the case, but ya never know!

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I am in UT, just moved out here from KY. Dang.. I will know soon what the deal with the current engine is. Will PM if it looks like a new block and such is needed. Thanks for the offer!