94 Sidekick JX w/255,000 miles

[bigbadjx]

Yes I said 255 THOUSAND! and still running well! Engine has never been re-built or re-placed, but now I am wanting to rebuild and clean it, and maybe throwing on some mods to get some more power out of it. I noticed that Calmini carries an Engine Rebuild Kit, as does Ebay, but I would trust Calmini before Ebay. I do have a slight overheating problem, as my car tends to heat up quickly when idle(about 20-30 min of idle after engine is at opeerating temp.) I do have an oil leak at the rear main seal, which is known. I have the seal and can replace it, but it is just such a P.I.T.A. to do, I have been waiting until the time is right to do more than just that. This car looks fabulous, I should post some pics, as it is beyond most peoples expectations. I was offered $2000 cash on the spot not long ago to sell it, but refused it as I felt the car is worth more, even though you see them on ebay for $750-1500.

I keep my car looking nice, it is pretty much stock except for the custom body kit I am working on right now. I have 2004 Scion Xb projector Headlights on it right now, waiting on my front bumper and HID's. I have 1999-2004 Ford Mustang Saleen Side Skirts that I am gonna mod to go on the car, and still haven't found a nice rear bumper to go on it.

The only problems I am dealing with is the engine, my hood which is messed up thanks to Autozone! and my front pass. door which was backed into. Once I finish those things and the body mods I would like to re-paint it the same factory color as I love the color!

Anyways enough with that, NOW TO MY QUESTION!

Is re-building the engine something fairly easy to do with mechanical experience?? My dad and his friend have enough experience combined with this car to pull it off I am sure, as my dad has owned a Samurai and this before me and knows a lot about them, and his friend is a car wiz himself who has built a car from scratch (well with other car parts too you know!) and is in the process of building a hot rod.

Would this be hard between the three of us to pull off?

Also what kind of specialty tools are required?

The reason I ask is because the kit itself is expensive, and I have been quoted by a customer at work just over $3000 for parts and labor included. I really want to try to spend as little as possible to have money for other parts of the car, but also don't want to try to save money and end up spending more in the long run!

What do you guys suggest???

Anyways, here are a few shots of my car, hope you guys think well of them!!!


this is before the projector heads, will get some updated pics soon!


test fitting of the side skirts, I gotta do some things before I start on em.



An interior shot of a custom kick panel I made to house my speakers.


And finally some snaps of what my interior is looking like. And my system.







Well I hope someone can help me, and also that you enjoyed looking at the pics of my car.

Thanks for any help in advance, and thanks for looking!!!

[nascarmaniac]

Very Nice!
To answer you question. It is a very simple rebuild, as long as you are not burning oil,knocking,or ever overheated really bad. I would send the head out for the machine work. Between the three of you. You should be able to geturdun in no time.
Happy rebuilding.

[bigbadjx]

no to those things, the only thing that we think which I am not to sure about anymore was water was disappearing, I took out the thermostat to let it run w/o it and it seemed fine, also semi-cured the over heating. Replaced the hoses while I was at it, and seemed water was still disappearing, so I replaced the water pump on it and new thermostat. Seems to run ok but still not really up to par, and that is the biggest reason that I want to get the engine re-built.

[nascarmaniac]

Ok, It sounds like you are not into rebuilding entire motor. Sounds like the bottom half is in good shape anyway. If you are losing water and you can't see where it is going. Hopefully you just have a bad head gasket. Start there first. I would still send the head out and have it checked for cracks and or warping. Hope this helps.

[bigbadjx]

lol funny how you say that, because somebody else told me that it might just be the head gasket, and to take it off and send it out to be checked. So yea that does help.

Thanks a lot!