Just got word today my G has a bad cam bearing, and eventually will lead to failure. Mechanic quoted me $2100 to fix it. I have a 2004 Coupe 6mt with 142,000 miles on her. Looking on ebay, I found a few engines with 15-50k miles for $1000-$1500. Instead of paying 2k to fix an engine with 142,000 miles, I'm pretty much set on swapping it with another identical one. My questions are:

1. How hard is it for a capable newbie gearhead to complete an engine swap himself? Is there anything I need to look out for when searching for an engine? Will a donor engine from an auto be compatible with my 6-speed, etc?
2. How much might it cost to have a mechanic swap the engine, assuming I give him the replacement engine (if he will even do it)?
3. How much will it cost to have a mechanic swap the engine if he finds the engine?

Thanks guys,
Josh

 

Im not an expert on the Vq (just yet)

but I assume that as long as the engine is the same year as your car, it should work. (Not an revup if yours isnt a revup now) You will probably need the matching ECU, but your ecu might work provided everything is matched up.

Most mechanics would possibly consider swaping it out for a flat rate. Make an offer, start @ $1000 + a case of beer. If you dont want to find a mechanic, Im sure someone on here would consider taking this on as a weekend job for a grand, and i KNOW there is plenty of people on here that can do this with their eyes closed.

I got someone to install my Momentum Single turbo kit for $1000 cash.

If you do get a shop to do it, they will prob quote book time, which is prob in and around the 20 hour mark.

 

I misspoke before. The mechanic now says it is a broken tensioner on one of the three timing chains, and the cam bearing is fine. So, I would need to replace the timing chain and tensioner. Should I continue to look for a new engine, or try to tackle this? Has anyone before replaced the timing chain on one of these? Special tools, etc?

 

Well it is best to replace the chain before it brakes because it can cause more problems if it brakes during operation. So all in all it will be considerably less than a direct engine swap. But if you would like to get a new lease on life for your G then do the swap if it won't break the bank