So my motor is showing signs of needing some hard work and I'm trying to decide whether or not to find a new one or rebuild this one? What do y'all think? I'm looking to spend as little as possible without cutting corners. Help me out guys, I'm open to all advice.

 

So what's the problem with your engine? Specific?

 

Well first things first it has 215978 miles on it. I can barely go 3,000 miles before I start getting some quick flashes from my oil light when I crank the car. Also when it gets close to having to change the oil I can hear lots of noise coming from the timing chain. The magic spot to get this noise is around 1500 Rpms at 42-50 mph. Also in the morning at the first start is noisy until it warms up. And at other times throughout the day it just feels sluggish, and I have to really get on the gas to get it going. Hope this helps.

 

The way I see it is:

1) If you buy a used engine, you don't know how much it will last. You don't know what abuse the engine has gone through.

2) If your current engine gets rebuild by a trustworthy mechanic or yourself, you can feel better that the engine can last up to 300k ....hopefully.

 

So maybe a rebuild is the best way to go unless I can find a really badass motor somewhere but I don't even know where to start when it comes to shopping for a new motor.

 

www.car-part.com

Id go with a used motor low mileage

 

Dude if u get quick flashes from oil light u doing something wrong like not looking at oil levels every few days knowing that our cars have a tendency to leck oil

 

Stroke it

 

Sorry ha but can you elaborate on what you mean by stroke it?

 

A friend of mine had same symptoms timing chain rattle,loud until warm,oil light flash etc thought he needed a motor until we changed the oil and there was barely none he was loosing a lot of all through leaks oil pan ,valve cover never one drip though.changed oil and added Lucas oil stabilizer ,all symptoms are gone been a month now.i would have a mechanic have a very good look before doing a rebuild

 

Thanks man I'll get on that asap

 

Are you periodically checking your oil level, or at least checking it when you get these symptoms?

 

Check this link out if you want power!
http://www.zfever.com/v1/Services-Engine-Builds-VQ35DE/

 

If you are looking at low cost alternative, go with low mileage used engine. Check on prices for parts and labor if rebuilding the engine. It will add up very fast. How do I know? Because I have done it myself.

 

I was thinking that there is a stroker kit available, but it might not be the low cost alternative you are looking for.... You are best replacing the motor. Maybe you can find one out of a Quest or something?

 

I got 276,xxx on my VQ and have much the same symptoms. Buying a used engine might work out better since it's already out of the vehicle. This makes it easier to work on, tear down and so on.