buy from junkyard OR buy from jdm shop?

[skate1968]

I'm now looking at two engines. And i have almost zero technical 'know how.'

One D15 from Japanese Engines, Inc. for 350.

http://www.jdmenginesinc.com/civic.html#

I've already bought a transmission from them which I LOVE! They're about 110 miles from me. This JDM shop has a solid ebay rating. I think that the engine probably only has 60K miles or less, as they claim.

One D15 is from the 'Drive Line' junkyard for 200.

http://recycler.car-part.com/DriveLineAuto/

I have no idea about this place's credibility. The shop claims they that their engine has 104 K miles on it. Who knows if that's true?

The advantage of this shop is that they're a few miles away. I can easily pick up the engine take it to my mechanic and have him look at it.

And if my mechanic says "no." I'll just take it back.

If i'm going to pay someone to install an engine i'd be happy to pay a little extra for an engine which came from a reputable source.

(i know that there will always be some risk with a used engine. But i'd like to minimize that risk. I don't want to pay someone to install an engine that's as bad as the one that i'm getting rid of.)

If anyone can refer me to some kind of guide like "Buying Used Engines for Dummies" or something like that. Let me know.

Background: The d15 which i have now has had bad compression for years & blow-by. I often use 20W-50. Recently it's developed a slow leak which appears to be rear main seal (i'm about 95% sure).

I know i've asked a lot of questions on here. And i thank all of you for your patience.

[turtlecrxsi]

What it all comes down to is which d15 you're getting. If you're just replacing the dpfi d15b2 then getting one from a yard may be adequate. But like you said you never know. At least if you spend the extra bucks at the JDM shop you should be guaranteed an engine with solid compression. Either way, be sure that you don't end up with busted sensors or messed up parts (like a leaky rear main seal ;-). Also, be prepared to spend a few extra $ for new gaskets, water pump, timing belt etc. This is generally a good practice of a reputable shop. GL

[FrodoGT]

If youve dealt with the shop before then I would go with them. importers usually deliver engines you could eat off of, and have great specs as far as compression etc goes. also if you happen to be unhappy with that particular engine. They have more.

[skate1968]

Thanks very much to the both of you for responding.