My Talon engine might be done and I may need a new lower end. I'm weighing the costs of rebuilding vs. new/used engine because I'll be having a mechanic do this.

I can get a full '98 Neon RT shortblock in great condition from a friend for cheap. It is to my knowledge that this is the same engine (420A) except with different facing engine heads. Would this shortblock work with my existing engine head? If not what would need to be done?

If this won't work at all, can anyone point me in the right direction for a good place/website that sells used talon/eclipse 420A's. There isn't any motors available at the local auto salvages.

Also, what would be a good price for a used engine with like 80k on it?

It'll work just fine. DOHC shortblocks are identical, and SOHC shortblocks just had lower compression pistons. I believe '95 SOHC shorblocks had a funky PCV system cast into them, but with this bloc, you should be alright.


-http://www.symtechlabs.com/-

Deej sold me his used longblock for 700 about a year and a half ago, for a shorty i'd say maybe 500

Same block, different pistons.

^ is that going to be a problem?

I believe DOHC pistons are the same. SOHC pistons do not have valve reliefs and would be a problem.

Originally posted by DarkOne
I believe DOHC pistons are the same. SOHC pistons do not have valve reliefs and would be a problem.

It'll work with the SOHC pistons, but you may lose a little compression. Also, you can't play with valve timing as much (if you have adjustable cam gears) or install higher lift cams.

There was a member that installed the SOHC short block with the DOHC head without any issues.

Could you flycut the pistons? I know we did that on my LS1 car to allow me to mill the heads farther.

Originally posted by N4cer
Could you flycut the pistons? I know we did that on my LS1 car to allow me to mill the heads farther.

Why? Use the right ones to begin with.

No need for attitude, bro. You're just misunderstanding, and I'm not making myself clear. I'm talking about when having the heads off of a stock shortblock. Not rebuilt. I thought that's what we were talking about here. Using a stock shortblock.

Originally posted by N4cer
No need for attitude, bro. You're just misunderstanding, and I'm not making myself clear. I'm talking about when having the heads off of a stock shortblock. Not rebuilt. I thought that's what we were talking about here. Using a stock shortblock.

Oh, no, no. The OP was asking about using a Neon shortblock in a 2GNT, and the Neon SOHC pistons don't have valve reliefs. All I was saying is that if he picks up a SOHC Neon shortblock, he should get some 2GNT or Neon DOHC pistons for it. I'm not sure you'd want to flycut a stock SOHC piston, though.. they're fairly thin.

yes, the Neon shortblock is a DOHC.

Originally posted by hfriend
yes, the Neon shortblock is a DOHC.

Then you shouldbe fine. IIRC (but don't quote me on this) the Neon DOHC pistons are the same as a 2GNT piston. Anyone know for sure?

Thanks for that, man. It's not very often that a misunderstanding like that gets resolved so smoothly. I like it here. Thanks again.

Oh and I didn't realize how thin they are. The GM ones I'm arbitrarily referring to are hypereutectic (junk), and are about 0.250" thick. Cutting 0.70-0.80" from them hurts nothing. Even on a 100 shot so far. Will be upped to a 150 shot as soon as the auto swap and slicks go on.

Originally posted by N4cer
The GM ones I'm arbitrarily referring to are hypereutectic (junk)

So are stock 420A pistons. I do not know the piston deck thickness offhand, though.

I thought the factory mahle pistons were just a standard aluminum/alloy cast piston and not hypereutectic.

I don't believe hypereutectic is junk, though, but more of a middle ground between standard cast and forged. I run Keith Black hypereutectic pistons in my cougar at 11.5:1 (possibly more now after blow head gaskets and milled heads) and haven't had a single issue with them. I think they're about to enter they're 4th racing season without a blemish.