I'm at a loss. I have had zero luck finding a reputable source for a remanufactured 2.6L engine for a 1988 montero. Anybody have any suggestions? I don't mind spending good money either.

Best bet is to rebuild it yourself.

I know it's not for everyone, but if you want it done right, you've got to do it yourself. STAY AWAY FROM JASPER ENGINES.

Check with these guys. EMS

you could try engine machine servce also. I'm sure he would do a na engine for ya. Doesnt mitsubishi still have brand new shortblocks? If you were local I would help you build one.

Thanks for the suggestions! Monday I'll be calling EMS.
I'm not opposed to rebuilding it myself but the thought of buying the wrong (or cheap) parts for the engine just worries me. I'd love to just buy the whole package.

Also, if I'm rebuilding an engine I might as well put in a Starion setup, right? Or are these a bit harder to find rebuilt/remanufactured?

What about http://used-auto-engines.com
or Rising Sun Engines?

Almost all engine rebuilders are crap. They do the cheapest job possible with the cheapest parts they can find, and reuse anything they can, even if marginal.

I recommend removing and tearing down the motor yourself, using the on line factory service manual, and find a reputable machine shop to machine the block/head, then buy the correct sized replacement parts (EMS is a good source), then assemble it per the fsm procedures and torques. If you are careful, you will get a superior job that way, without a lot of extra work, and you'll get out quite a bit cheaper.

I don't know if you are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, but I am having my block and crank machined at Wayne Calvert Precision Motors in Denton.

They specialize in high performance, but they will work on anything - as long as you don't mind waiting, they are really busy. Everyone I asked in this area said they are the best though.

I had them degrease/clean the block, install new pistons on rods, power hone the cylinders, grind the crank, and provide the bearings/rings. I was quoted $450 for everything but initially I just asked for the crank to be polished, so I am sure it went up some.

Mike Smith Machine Shop in Ft. Worth was also highly recommended to me, but I called him and he was swamped and would do the work, but couldn't promise when he could get to it.

I also considered buying a remanufactured from a shop in Arlington, short block was $450 (after core trade) and long block was $850. But I wanted to make sure it was assembled correctly - or if not, there was no one to blame but myself. :-P

Ryan

EMS ( edit) / Randy is on this board once in a while. He is one of two people that know of that has a torque plate to pre stress the block on a 2.6 motor to keep the bores rounder when boring and honing.

He does good work and knows these engines very well.

I thikn you mean EMS kevin?
http://enginemachineservice.com/

You could do a turbo swap, but it's much more time consuming, and unless you already have a starion laying around to grab parts from it can become a real pain in the butt.

Rebuild prices are around the same for both engines.

Thanks Airbats801,

Sent EMS Kevin an e-mail about an entire rebuild.
I'd love to rebuilt with a starion, but I do not have an old Starion and the one's I've found have all been wrecked or fitted with cheap parts.

I guess I could rebuild the Montero engine and add a turbo later, right?
The only reason I'm considering a turbo is because I'm afraid I won't have enough power to climb steep hills. Are rebuilt montero engines able to handle most uphill (not crazy 75 degree) climbs with 33" tires?