HELP! Need a new engine..i think

hi, i have 1995 dodge neon sport/expresso model, its the 5spd w/ the dohc motor. it has 58,000 miles and it seems ive run into trouble, it needs a new head gasket as well as new bearings on the connecting rods..no point in junking such a sweet ride since it has a brand new clutch and $1100 computer system, i was wondering wut my best options are. should i buy a new engine? wut type of aftermarket engines are available for this car? Is there any way a dodge dealership might be able to take care of this? Also, has anyone run into these problems in the past, and knows wut to do in this situation. I would appreciate any information regarding help. thank you.

The head gasket thing is a really common problem in neons around 60k miles, chrysler has a kit just for it that will solve the problem for good. When mine went, the dealer wanted about $1000 to do it. I was lucky and got it done by a friend for free, but as long as they have it all torn apart they should be able to replace the bearings easily and it shouldnt cost too much more. You really don't need a new engine, yours is just getting broken in. And defenitely don't junk it.

The head gasket issue is not really an issue but more of an expected thing. This goes for any bi-metal engine such as yours. Since the head being made of aluminum will expand faster than the iron block you are more prone to head gaskets blowing out. Now this was more common on some Neons, too bad that you got one of them.

Chrysler can take care of it for you, but it won't be cheap. You are talking about a partial rebuld here. They will have to take you engine completely apart pull the pistons and replace the bearings on all four connecting rods, drain all fluids, relive the fuel pressure, change the head gasket, replace the head bolts, and slap it all together again. They are going to charge you and arm and three legs to do it.

I would suggest having this engine fixed and put a better head gasket on. It will cost you less that a new engine will, than again, what engines were you considering swapping in?