OK everyone, I am coming to you on one of the worst days I can remember. I bought a 1997 LX 450 today (170k miles) in socal. Long story short, 30 miles from pickup location the engine threw a rod (or rod bearing maybe). I had it towed home and am now desperately trying to figure out what to do here. I do not want to go into details of the seller/transaction at all given the circumstances but what I would truly appreciate is this forum's advice on what my options with the truck are.
I paid a market price for a clean and working truck so it is hard to feel like I did not just throw 100% of it down the drain (which I may have). This is my dream car and I had many plans with it so if there is a reasonable way to make this work I would be willing to potentially pursue such paths - but if better to cut losses and sell to someone with the thrown rod I would like to know that too. I posted this on the FB Group 80 Series USA as well but both of these communities have been extremely helpful in the past and I hope you can help me out with your advice once again here. I truly appreciate any feedback you can spare.
As of now I think the below are my options/questions for you all. For reference I am on a budget and can't throw $10k or near that for the options below (unfortunately).
1.) Replace Stock Engine - How much would this cost for engine and install? I am in socal if that helps (I have no mechanic friends or connections so have been getting insane quotes from people that don't know cruisers). Any mechanic references would be appreciated.
2.) V8 Swap - How much for engine and install? Which engine would be best? Is this possible in CA with smog emissions?
3.) Sell with thrown rod - thoughts on price? I am not comfortable sharing pictures publicly but may be in private message. Facts are this: 1997 LX450; 170k miles;clean title/carfax; CA car its entire life, Grey/Brown/silver exterior color (too stressed to lookup color code rn); brown interior; truly one of the best condition interiors I have seen in 2 years of looking at 80's; needs paint on roof, hood, tailgate (no rust though); had HG done by PO but that obviously doesn't matter anymore ha.
Lastly, as a reminder, I would appreciate keeping it to cruiser knowledge and not get into any opinions on my options legally or otherwise (for now).
EDIT: Video of engine and why I think it is a rod.
EDIT2: I remembered as I woke up that when I pulled off the freeway the red light above the volt meter came on. I understand this to mean the alternator went out. I will leave speculation to the experts here though.
I paid a market price for a clean and working truck so it is hard to feel like I did not just throw 100% of it down the drain (which I may have). This is my dream car and I had many plans with it so if there is a reasonable way to make this work I would be willing to potentially pursue such paths - but if better to cut losses and sell to someone with the thrown rod I would like to know that too. I posted this on the FB Group 80 Series USA as well but both of these communities have been extremely helpful in the past and I hope you can help me out with your advice once again here. I truly appreciate any feedback you can spare.
As of now I think the below are my options/questions for you all. For reference I am on a budget and can't throw $10k or near that for the options below (unfortunately).
1.) Replace Stock Engine - How much would this cost for engine and install? I am in socal if that helps (I have no mechanic friends or connections so have been getting insane quotes from people that don't know cruisers). Any mechanic references would be appreciated.
2.) V8 Swap - How much for engine and install? Which engine would be best? Is this possible in CA with smog emissions?
3.) Sell with thrown rod - thoughts on price? I am not comfortable sharing pictures publicly but may be in private message. Facts are this: 1997 LX450; 170k miles;clean title/carfax; CA car its entire life, Grey/Brown/silver exterior color (too stressed to lookup color code rn); brown interior; truly one of the best condition interiors I have seen in 2 years of looking at 80's; needs paint on roof, hood, tailgate (no rust though); had HG done by PO but that obviously doesn't matter anymore ha.
Lastly, as a reminder, I would appreciate keeping it to cruiser knowledge and not get into any opinions on my options legally or otherwise (for now).
EDIT: Video of engine and why I think it is a rod.
EDIT2: I remembered as I woke up that when I pulled off the freeway the red light above the volt meter came on. I understand this to mean the alternator went out. I will leave speculation to the experts here though.
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