More S Swap Questions

Hey guys. Just recently picked up an 89 S-high miles with ZERO rust: the body is immaculate. The head, however, is pretty well shot and needs to be replaced should I stay with this motor. I would like some advice on what my options are in terms of replacing:

a) the head only, and
b) the entire motor.
My thought is this: a replacement head costs about $3-400, a JDM motor and head about $600, and repairing this head is close to $300.

The way I see it is I have 3 options: replace the head, replace the entire gig with a jdm motor, or drop an Si or stronger motor in. I'm not interetsted in dumping 4 or 5 grand in this. What I would like in the end is a strong, reliable motor. Not too concerened with a 12 seconds 1/4 mile-yet. I'd like to use this as an introduction and maybe next year consider doing something more performance-oriented.

Thanks in advance.

what engine do you have? is it the B20A3(carb) or a B20A5(FI) if i remember correctly the S model is the SOHC 12V Carb engine(B20A3). It might be too much of a bitch for you to switch to fuel injection but if not drop a JDM B20A in and you wont be dissapointed. I just had one put in my car a week ago and it is sweet. and i went from the B21A1 to the B20A.

Just my advice from what ive experienced:bandit:

Hey-thanks for your response. I have the B20A3 (SOHC). The car as it sits is completely stock and-although it would be nice-I don't have the time or ability to build this up to 200+ hp. When I saw the $70 price difference between the A3 and A5, it got me thinking...If/when I do the swap, what other peripherals should I count on replacing (i.e., ECU, fuel lines/pump, can I use my tranny or should I count on replacing that as well?). I see a lot of references on doing this swap, but I have yet to find any real specific information.

Thanks.

Im not too sure on how involved it would be for your car to swap over to the DOHC FI engine. the swap was a direct replacement for my old engine. I had to do it because a rod was knocking. if you call an engine distributor they might be able to help you out. I got my engine from rising sun engine http://risingsunengines.com/ they charged me 795$ for a JDM B20A and like 115$ for shipping to Florida. Ive heard people getting better prices, but I researched this company a little and they seemed to be on the up and up. Anyways, they were pretty knowledgeable about the particular engine and swap when I called them so i recommend you give them a shout and see if they can help you.

Peace:smoka: