1.3 litre - 4 cylinder replacement engine

[claypaw]

I have a 1997 Geo Metro I purchased 5 years ago with just 28K miles on it. It developed some problems around 91K miles and now it appears the crank shaft is bent according to my mechanic. The body & interior are near mint condition and Im wondering if it is worth it to get a replacement motor and where best to get one & have it installed. I am in the Virginia Beach area.

[my77stang]

a BENT crankshaft? that seems a little strange, but to answer your question i would say DEFINATELY considering the current gas prices.

[claypaw]

yes I thought so as well. The crankshaft pulley was wobbling & we originally thought the pulley was bent. Id really like to find a mechanic that doesnt regard these cars and engines as disposable. Yes, the gas prices of late are foremost on my mind when considering replacing the engine. I was also curious, is it possible & should I consider, replacing the 1.3 litre 4 cylinder with the 1.0 litre 3 cylinder for better gas mileage?

[my77stang]

i dont know any of the particulars of the swap, im new to these cars myself (just picked up a 91 suzuki swift 1.3 4 cyl.), but i would think you could score a crankshaft from a large machine shop or even maybe an autoparts store.

if the rest of the motor is ok why not just swap cranks?

[akcapmetro]

Have you spoken with the folks at Japanese Auto Masters in Virginia Beach -- they tend to be fairly knowledgable, and though I can't vouch for the specifics, I suspect they might not quite view the 1.3 as a disposable engine.

[CarpetResQ]

Bent crankshaft???? Did the mechanic also tell you it was low on blinker fluid? All kidding aside, that would be a 1 in a million problem. I would get a second opinion for sure.

[Wade S]

Ditto on Japanese Auto Masters in Virginia Beach, and a second opinion! I'm in Norfolk, and I think of Pick-N-Pull as a male amusement park with only a $1 entry fee! It's in Va.Beach out by Oceana NAS. They usually have Swift's and Geo's, 3 and 4 cyls. on the lot. Couldn't hurt to take a look. Buy an engine, overhaul it the way you want it, then swap it out. Here's an interesting site: Suzuki Racing Development.com/ Headers!? Hmmmm??

[claypaw]

the beloved "clown car" was driven to Japanese Auto Masters last evening. Thanks so much to those that provided the lead. As to Pick & Pull, it has been my resource for many outside rear view mirrors & such. It sounds initially that it really shouldnt require an engine replacement at this point.

[akcapmetro]

Let us know how it goes. Tommy Potter at JAM is a great guy; he should treat you right.

I've been to Pick and Pull many times... I was thinking they wouldn't have any Geo's or Metro's... but I'll head by there tonight!

[Wade S]

Originally Posted by akcapmetro

I've been to Pick and Pull many times... I was thinking they wouldn't have any Geo's or Metro's... but I'll head by there tonight!

Don't forget to check the back of the lot, where the foreign cars are at. Suzuki's will be in the back, right corner. Chevy's and Geo's are just to the right as you enter the lot.
Nah! Never been there!