03 Rodeo replacement engine

My name is Brian I am a moderator of the 3000GT/Stealth part of the forum. This is my first post in this section of the forum. I looked at the stickies and FAQ's but really didn't see anything that could help me there.

I got a text from my sister in law a little bit ago. From the desciption it sounds like she spun a bearing in her 03 3.2 V6 Rodeo.

My questions are:

1. What year engines are direct drop in replacements? From my own research it looks like we are limited to 98-04 but I need to verify this.

2. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to get a replacement engine on the cheap? Times are tough right now, my brother is unemployed, and my sister in law barely makes enough to cover her monthly bills, so a $2000 engine is out of the question.

I wont be able to have more information until later tonight or tomorrow afternoon but if you have any questions for me regarding the vehicle or engine I will get back to you. I really appreciate any help or advice.

Brian

You are correct. 98-04 will swap. There is nothing newer than '04 and the 97 and older 3.2's are different. Also, a 3.5 is also an option. No mods needed to drop it in.

If you have someone that can pull the motor, the crank can be repaired and new bearings installed instead of replacing the engine. I did this myself on my '99. Cost me less than $300 to have the crank welded and re-ground and new bearings. But, this was me doing all the work to R&R the engine.

We have the ability to pull the engine ourselves. I found a reman crank with Advance Auto Parts that comes with bearings for a good price. My only fear is the rod took a beating.

I appreciate the quick response. It seems information on these engines is pretty scarce.

Pull the head on that side and have the rod reconditioned. It'll still be way cheaper than a used engine.

Well we may definitely need another engine now. My brother stupidly drove the Rodeo another 10 miles to get it home from where it was and said it locked up now. :rolleyes: He'll never learn.

Well, that wasn't very bright. You may still be able to put a crank in it. Unless it threw the rod and cracked the block or something.

Ok another question. Can you tell the engine by the VIN?

I found a complete Rodeo on Craigslist and apparently they are not 100% sure of what they have. The guy said he was told it was a 2.7 V6 which makes no sense.

The VIN is 4S2CK58WXY4343534

Its a 2WD automatic Rodeo but I want to make sure its what we need before we go any further.

That's got a 3.2L from the factory. Exactly what you want.

Thank you very much.

For the price the guy is asking and the condition of the vehicle my brother would be stupid not to pick it up.

Thanks again.