I spun a rod bearing in my 420a motor and I probably either bent a rod or wore the crank too much. I replaced the bearing twice.. once w/ a standard size bearing, and once w/ an undersize bearing.. but, just as I thought, it started to knock again after 20-30 miles. Anyway, I just want to get it running again and I was thinking about a bottom end kit or stroker kit. I haven't seen any pricing or availability info on the stroker kit. Also, I was wondering if you can get the stroker kit without having to bore out the engine since I really don't have the money to have that work done right now. Basically, I just want a new crankshaft, rods, and bearings. I think the pistons should be ok as is, but if the price was right, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get them as well.

Right now I'm trying to decide if I should get new parts and rebuild this engine or get another used engine w/ 30-40K on it. The engine I have now is in a '96 Eclipse GS and already has 120K on it. What do you guys think I should do?

you cant get the stroker without boring out the engine. just go with a bottom end kit and a new crank or just get the stroker and hope that you dont spin another bearing.

any idea what the cost for the stroker kit is? And what exactly is the kit? I know they refinish the crank, but what else do you get from howell? rods, pistons, bearings, etc?

well you have to get the stroker kit from howell. The only thing is that its not available as just a kit anymore you have to get the entire bottom end. It costs about 2200, but it comes with the special crank, eagle rods, JE pistons, I think its already bored over and will come assembled, balanced and blueprinted.

You can't buy the stroker as a kit yet. The sell prebuilt shortblocks stroked to 2.2L, but you have to send them your core. I would call Gary at Howell Automotive (1 (304) 788-5391) and see if he will take a damaged engine as a core.

So should i go with the stroker (wondering how a 120K engine will hold up) or just get a used 30-40K engine for $1000? I was considering getting a hahn stage I turbo later on when i have the cash.... which would be the better investment u think?

when you buy the howell stroked shortblock the whole bottom half of your engine gets replaced, so basically you have half a new engine and it should hold up for more than another 120,000 miles. The stroker would definitely be the better investment if you plan on going turbo down the road. All you would need in addition to the stage 1 is an intercooler, SAFC, and bigger injectors and you would be able to push 15psi daily on pump gas. And if you decide to go with an EIC (extra injector controller) setup from corbin you should be able to push atleast 18lbs of boost or more when tuned properly

"when tuned properly" key word there bud ;) haha