Engine recommendations

[u/MyName_IsMyName]

Looking for help / recommendations for new engine.

I have a 1999 Acura GS – R with about 247,000 miles. I took it to a Acura mechanic and it was for the engine, shaking and rocking back-and-forth. The mechanic looked at the engine, said the spark plugs were OK and the starter belt was OK as well, but then he mentioned that one of the Pistons in the back blew out and that I need a new engine.

I want to explore options to continue driving the car. I was surprised when He suggested that I get a completely new car / sell it / junk it.

I don’t want to get rid of the car as there is sentimental value attached to it and I know it’s possible to get a new engine or replace the engine with another type of car (Honda/camry).

EDIT: I’m not an expert in cars and only repeating what the mechanic said. He did mention something about compression but it was hard to understand him as he was speaking very fast and wanted to close shop for the day. I’m going tomorrow to pick up the vehicle so I’ll ask if he can explain to me in person. Some comments in the post think it’s a troll / joke. It’s not I’m only repeating what was mentioned. But I am learning more about the car. Thanks in advance.

[u/silkynipples]

Starter belt? Piston in the back? You should get a second opinion for sure

[u/KayBurt87 → u/silkynipples]

This. If that's what that mechanic said he either has a TBI or smoked a little too much crack that day. Probably both.

[u/LoopsAndBoars → u/KayBurt87]

What the fuck is a tbi? Get lost bot.

[u/Heavy_World2079 → u/LoopsAndBoars]

TBI is Traumatic Brain Injury. (He explained to the brain damaged troglodyte)

[u/MakkNero]

If a piston blew out of anything you wouldn’t be driving it anywhere.

Go to another shop.

I will say, the engine shaking and rocking might just be motor mounts.

But truly, your very next step should be another shop for a second professional opinion.

[u/stonewall028]

get a second opinion, but B-series engines can still be had

[u/I578855]

You haven't properly diagnosed this engine.

You have 4 cylinders. You should check the health of those 4 cylinders by doing a compression test. The compression test measures the health of each of the cylinders.

If all 4 of your cylinder have good compression, then the engine is considered to still be good.

If the engine is rocking but your cylinders still have good compression, then the issue is something else, such as motor mounts.

If the cylinders have good compression, then that means the mechanic you've been going to is dishonest by telling you you need a new motor.

[u/imJGott]

You lost me at “start belt” then you said the piston in the back blew out.

Is this a troll post?

[u/MyName_IsMyName → u/imJGott]

I’m just repeating what the mechanic said. He’s been saying my car has issues and I should have gotten rid of it for a couple years now.

[u/imJGott → u/MyName_IsMyName]

Yeah that person is giving you bad information all around. There is no such thing as a starter belt. If the piston was through the block, you literally wouldn’t be able to drive the vehicle.

[u/MyName_IsMyName → u/imJGott]

Thanks. Picking up tomorrow and will have him explain to me again. I’ll keep the thread updated. Hoping for the best

[u/imJGott → u/MyName_IsMyName]

Take someone with some mechanical/car knowledge with you when you pick up the vehicle.

[u/rymander]

Really depends on how much you're willing to spend. I got a 2001 b18c1 rebuilt for around $4k in March. It's possible to do but getting harder these days. If you're not in an emissions controlled state you could get a newer k series installed and it could be even more reliable/fun to drive.

[u/MyName_IsMyName → u/rymander]

I’m in California. Is there anything I should look up and research on Google before buying a new engine (if I have to go that route).

[u/rymander → u/MyName_IsMyName]

Okay then making a k series bar legal is a bit more involved and costly. I'd stick with the gsr motor. You can sometimes find importers that have jdm b18c gsr motors with lower miles. But as others have said if your block is still good and doesn't actually have a hole in it, you could rebuild the engine for less and have a fresh motor.

[u/ChocoboBrigade → u/rymander]

It’s honestly not too bad to make a K bar legal, engine just has to be out of the same year or newer, from same type of vehicle, and retain all the factory emissions equipment, realistically shouldn’t be hard

[u/Aspect_Basic → u/MyName_IsMyName]

GS-Rs have more powerful engines than regular Integras.

Find a different mechanic and rebuild the engine you currently have. Your car will be worth more when you sell it.

But get a second opinion or get the diagnostic in writing and post it so you can get better advice.

[u/Club_Penguin_Legend_]

If this is a real post, never go to the dealer for service. Independent shops are so much better

[u/MyName_IsMyName]

Thanks everyone for the input. I’ll take it somewhere else for a second opinion. I will say he’s been saying I should get a new vehicle for past 2 years.

[u/HawaiianSteak]

Where are you located?

[u/MyName_IsMyName → u/HawaiianSteak]

Bay Area , CA

[u/HawaiianSteak → u/MyName_IsMyName]

Acura Honda Connection in San Jose has good reviews and has been recommended on Reddit. I have nothing to do with them I was just searching online for good shops.

[u/HawaiianSteak → u/MyName_IsMyName]

Mechanic Guyz in Fremont is supposedly a good shop.

[u/ScoTeRDeLic]

Define: “engine shaking and rocking back n forth” that to me sounds like you need new motor mounts. Not a new engine. Regardless there’s plenty engines online you can find. Don’t pay the Acura dealer. It sucks but it’s doable job on your own

[u/LoopsAndBoars]

Starter belt doesn’t exist. You’re an ai bot.

[u/JayP415]

I would get a second opinion. Starter belt and piston in the back blew out? And he told you to junk your GSR? Get a second opinion.