yhzramprat

Hi there.I was wondering what everyones opinion is about my 2004 mazda 3 sport gt. 2.3.I have a bottom end knock.When it started i literally parked the car and had it flatbedded home!The engine hasnt ran like this for any more than a minute total!I had a mechanic come out and look at it and told me to replace the engine!Now heres the problem, I live in Nova Scotia, Canada(not that it matters)but the closest 2.3 used is half the country away(Quebec)and 2500 CAD plus shipping plus core return.Now i have a guy whos willing to tear down and rebuild the bottom end for 20 bucks an hour!Parts.....150 to resurface the crank and 100 for the bearings and rods.It just troubles me why alot of mechanics just want to swap engines?Doesnt anyone rebuild anymore?Its an exspensive engine just to scrap!!!OH and theres nothing burning out the pipe or leaks anywhere!The engine is as clean as new!Thanks for any input!!!!!!!

Carl

that sucks, i feel sorry for you man.

I live in calgary, theres mazda3s everywhere you look.

gron

anytime the engine comes out of your car, it only makes sense (financially, and otherwise) to put something worthwhile back in - a rebuild, not a chance. same engine, brand new - only if you get a good deal on parts/labour etc....IMO, get your hands on a japan spec powertrain (theyre cheap and low km/s cause of strict emission laws.) when my 3 cacks out, itll be paid for, so i plan to keep it a project car, and just go by something else. if youre not really a tuner, just but another car. shitty deals though, sorry mang.....

djs2571

I agree with gron - if the engine needs to come out for the repair, replace the whole thing if it's financially feasable.
Figure out why it failed, if it's just mileage or ran out of oil, something definite, replace it. If you drive it hard cause you wish it was faster, good time to upgrade the engine & trans sike gron suggested.
Another concideration is if you're going to keep the car another number of years, or will soon upgrade to something newer / more powerful. This could drive getting a brand new engine vs one from a car that got rear-ended or something that would possibly be cheaper. Though look at the difference in price vs how long the engine AND car will last. If there's a lot of rust or other wear issues, don't put a lot into it etc...
Whatever your replacement choice, get something that will make you a happy driver.

Good luck.