Sell, part out, or invest $1388 to fix?

[IllaNoizeTV]

Hey guys,

So my car needs a new head gasket or a shaven head gasket. Do you think I will get more money selling it or parting it out?

2003 Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege Mica Black. 126xxx miles

What's done to the car:
Engine, Etc.:
AWR Solid Motor Mounts
Short RAM Intake Pipe Silicone Intake Air Filter
Straight Exhaust Pipe from downpipe back Catalytic Converter deleted
Newer NGK Spark Plugs
New Coil Packs
New Ignition wires
MAF sensor relocated to cold pipe
Front mount intercooler
Hard Pipes TurboX's blowoff valve
Forcedfed steering column pod


Appearance:
White powder-coated OEM Rims
Windows tinted 5%


Interior:
Genuine Italian leather shift boot and parking brake boot
Touchscreen head unit
Two 12in subwoofers

Part out or sell? and for how much? Or shud I invest $1388 on the head?
I do need to get around for my job and freelance business.

 

[Perro del Sol]

I would go ahad an fix the car, look for someone who knows the platform in your area who can assist you.

 

[ScratchNSniff]

Fix for sure...

 

[JaLMP5]

Definitely fix, a new headgasket isn't too difficult to install and if you have some assistance then it should be relatively quick. Ask around the forums to see if there is anyone in your area willing to help, I know I've seen some modded Protege's from around your area. I know Fattimotorworks is out of Orlando and he knows the platform.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Thanks guys. The mechanic said that he did a leak test for the cylinders and found a different cylinder being powered. Apparently theres a bypass leak. So he said they need to check the cylinder head and shave the head gasket. I just want this car to be reliable. Will it be reliable after the fix?

 

[paniaguae640]

It will be reliable as long as you stop messing with the mods, and do regular maintenance.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Lol. I know. I bought it like that. Only the basics have been done to it to make a MSP daily driveable.

 

[BOOSTR]

How much of that quote was for getting your cylinder head rebuilt or is it so warped that yours cannot be machined? I would not put a shaved cylinder head on forced induction.

 

[Preferio]

How much of that quote was for getting your cylinder head rebuilt or is it so warped that yours cannot be machined? I would not put a shaved cylinder head on forced induction.

As long as it's within spec, I wouldn't have an issue. In fact, mine is. I've milled tons of heads on F/I applications over the years without issue.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Well there's a bypass leak so they have to machine the head gasket. They dont know how warped it is but it is definitely machinable. the quote was for everything. Parts and labor.

 

[ProbeChris]

Who machines a head gasket? and for what reason? Sounds to me like they are trying to bend you over and take you for everything you're worth....Just check that the head and block aren't warped and spend the $100 or so on a head gasket and call it a day!

 

[hornsfan10609]

You can pull the head, buy a new head gasket kit for $100, some head bolts for $30 and have the head checked and machined for $50-100. Simple, i've done it plenty of times

 

[ZealoustheEnder]

Fix it IllaNoizeTV! If you need help my room mate and I can help you I am on hwy 50 near 408.
I have plunty of time on the Protege, like hornsfan10609 said simple. Motor I pulled from LKQ had the same issue, gasket blow out between number 1 and number 2.
head and block were fine.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Thanks guys I really appreciate it. I'll pm you ZealoustheEnder. So it turned out the head was actually fine. I went to get a second opinion from a mechanic I trust, they said everything is good. They checked deepeer than teh head and Apparently when I got my timing belt and water pump replaced the crank sensor was cut by the water pump pulley. But everything is fixed and they fixed it for free and now my baby's running smooooth. Suby lip coming this week and yellow fog light overlay wrap.

 

[ZealoustheEnder]

Thanks guys I really appreciate it. I'll pm you ZealoustheEnder. So it turned out the head was actually fine. I went to get a second opinion from a mechanic I trust, they said everything is good. They checked deepeer than teh head and Apparently when I got my timing belt and water pump replaced the crank sensor was cut by the water pump pulley. But everything is fixed and they fixed it for free and now my baby's running smooooth. Suby lip coming this week and yellow fog light overlay wrap.

Great to hear!

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

So baby is all fixed and running good. she just has a exhaust leak and needs to replace the WGA but besides that shes good to go.
So next week I'm checking out a 2000 Lexus GS300 with 115k miles. Im pretty excited. It's pearl white with adjustable coilovers and looks real clean. I'm looking to do a straight trade with him. I'm bringing my mechanic with me to make sure the motor and trans is in good condition. Only thing that worries me slightly is repair costs and gas mileage, combined it's only at 19mpg. What you guys think?