dasMafia

just found out my "baby" ('92 integra) is DOA... snapped timing belt. so, its gonna be at least $450 to fix the belt, plus god knows how much for the rest of the ****ed-up engine. I can't decide if I should fix it or scrap it or just get a new engine for it?

if anyone can point me to a nice used benz... i'd appreciate it, (sporty is good)... if not, I may end up back in an RSX... damnit, if the damn thing had waited 3-months... I'd be fine!

gab

I dont know how much to rebuild the engine + timing belt fix but the labor itself is surely more than swapping a new engine in.

I think dropping in a new engine labor will cost around 1K

You can find the 1.6 Civic SOHC VTEC engine for cheap - like $500-$1000 depends on mileage

early model of 1.6 DOHC VTEC 160hp can be found for $1000-$2000

vadim

Is the engine interference of non-interference? If non-, you'll just put a new timing belt and keep on cruising...

todd

I'm really confused, I had the same thing happen on a... what was it, I think 86 or 87 Integra.

The belt snapped coming down an offramp off the freeway.


The engine wouldn't run unless I gassed it to over 3K RPM. How that even worked I don't know.

Well I thought the same thing, here goes the valves into the pistons.

Turns out the valves never descend far enough to hit the pistons, timed or not.

Was like 80 bucks to fit and time a new belt, no biggy?

Are you sure your engine is scrapped?

vadim

This is what non-interference engine is: it is designed so that the pistons would never meet the valves should the timing belt/chain get broken

Flashman

Sadly, Honda/Acura engines are interference engines. So engine damage is common when timing belt breaks. I would scrap it.

If you are considering buying an RSX to replace it ($23-24K), you might consider spending an extra 2-3K and getting the C230 Sports Coupe. That's with C7 (17" Sports Wheels) Package, true RWD, and several features the RSX does not have (traction control, anti-slip control, dual-zone AC, usable rear seat, 4-year service under warranty, really cool forum of fellow MB users, etc.).

If you lease it, due to high resale value, you find actually find the C230 leases for less than an RSX.

Rick

o2bsurreal

Like Todd, I've experienced this before. It happened on my first car - an '89 Civic DX with the 16-valve 1.5L engine. The belt broke, and I assumed it was a goner. I took it to the dealer who put a new belt on it. To my surprise it ran fine afterwards. I sold it to a guy here locally when it had 175,000 miles on it about 5 years ago, and I just saw it in front of the post office this morning.

dasMafia

uh, no, a new Type-S leases in the LOW $300s, last time i priced an optioned C230, it was $415...

anywho, I would love to get the C230, and was planning on it, but was looking at a mid-march timetable, not a NEXT WEEK timetable. but, I may be able to borrow a car from my rents or in-laws for a while, which would help (now to choose: MDX, 9-3, or Cherokee???) in that case, i gotta decide if i want a C230 or a 325Ci again... still confused.

re: the integra, yes it is an "interference-type" engine, and a new engine is $800 plus shipping (could be a couple hundred unless I find one locally) and the mechanic is a friend and can work on the car in his "off" time for "reduced" rates. so he thinks he can get the thing saleable for less than $1000. the 1.6L civic motors won't fit and will be pretty obvious since it has 1.8L to start...

gab

are you sure you can find a brand new 1.8 engine for 800?

All Honda and Acura's 1.6L 1.8L are interchangeable and bolt right on

Flashman

I dunno about low 300's. Here are some comparison numbers. A 2002 Acura RSX-S (added wing and fog lights to match MB better) lease followed by a similar MB lease (I added C7 sports wheel package).

Flashman

MB lease:

Flashman

Interesting to note, the Acura RSX-S has a better residual value after four years than the C230 Sports Coupe (when compared to new purchase price).

Rick