Engine Block - Transmission opportunity

I want to ask for an opinion.

I recently saw a '93 Metro in the local Pull-n-Save.

It had a 3 cyl (minus the head) w/o rust on the cylinder walls and a 5 speed
transmission - INTACT.

They want $50 for the block and $60 for the transmission - I pull them out.

For $110, I can have a spare 3 cyl ('93 - same as I have) engine block with
pistons and crankshaft AND a 5 speed manual transmission.

Should I go get them?

I would imagine that should someone wreck my '93, the damage would not be
to the engine or transmission, but to the body.

But that Engine Block - Transmission combo sure looks inviting.

I think it is just "Pack Rat" psychology, but it is hard to resist...

DoctorBill

if you do decide to buy them you might want to pull the transmission plug and look for metal shavings/chunks on it to see what kind of shape it might be in. if the body of the car looked decent you need to wonder why car was scrapped. if its wrecked then they might be good

If I remember right, I didn't see any body damage.

Now that you mention it, I'd be smarter to buy the body - except it has been
picked apart pretty badly.

Even if the Transmission and block were good, am I being too obsessive-compulsive
about buying replacement stuff?

I want those parts, but I can't give a good reason....

DoctorBill

Go for it! It might be worth it just for the alternator/generator. Also all the engine sensors (assuming they work). Those sensors are really expensive, new, even if you can find them. Make sure to get as many of the components out of the engine compartment as you can.

They haven't made Metros for quite a few years. After a few more years aftermarket companies will be supplying fewer and fewer parts for them.

I think I've got the pack rat mentality. :)

Man! I am sooo tempted to DO IT !

Can anyone tell me what the Engine Block weighs ?

What does the 5 speed Transmission weigh ?

Could I lift either alone out of the compartment with the help of a 17 year old
daughter who is strong (Track/Cheerleader)...?

Those folks aren't dumb. If I left the Alternator on the block, they'd charge
me extra for it - be worth getting though.

How hard is it to remove these parts? What should I take along to the Pull-n-Save
as for tools ?

DoctorBill

I temporarily held my 5-speed transaxle. I'm guessing it weighs 80 to 100 lbs. But, I was in a fairly upright position, with knees bent.

I strongly discourage you from trying to lift the engine or transaxle out of a car without an engine hoist or some other suitable contraption. A back injury is not worth it. Back injuries seem to happen to a lot of people and in many different way, but last a life time.

The engine block is probably light, relatively speaking. A few people have used them in small experimental aircraft. The Raven Redrives website might have some numbers for you on weight.

A hoist mounted in a truck bed would be one great option. I've got a hydraulic hoist from Harbor Freight I mounted on my flat-bed trailer. I'd come help out if I were close by, but I'm way over in New Mexico.

What about rental places near you?