1997 ESI Engine Life

[Dan Peters]

I have a Talon ESI with 174,000 miles on the engine. I bought it with 88,000 on it. It's starting to use some oil, maybe 1 quart every 1,500 miles. Any opinions about the life span of the 4 cylinder? Should I be looking for another engine soon? I have no intentions of selling this car. And, if I do need to replace the engine, can it be retrofitted to a turbo?

[SilvrEclipse]

Do a compression test and that will tell you the condition of your motor. Thats a lot of miles and it probably could use a rebuild. Im sure it would run fine for a good bit longer as long as you dont mind it burning oil. You may could try some of that no smoke treatment stuff. Just be careful adding it in the winter that the oil isin't to thick.

[david-b]

Agreed with Silvr. As long as you don't beat on the car, the motor should last for some time longer.

If you want to turbo it, you can do a rebuild and use all new internals but it is going to cost quite a bit more than a stock rebuild. Plus then the turbo kit and everything else. That really depends on your goals if you were to turbo. You can do a stock rebuild and throw on a basic turbo kit and run about 8psi all day with minimal problems. But if you do a build and add a turbo, you'll want to feel more and more boost.