Looks like I'll be needing a new short block in my AP2. My options are as follows:

- Used off ebay (pros: cheaper maybe? cons: more miles and an expensive game of ebay roulette)
- Spoon short block (pros: zero miles, spoon build quality cons: $$$)
- Inline Pro short block (i have no idea with this one)
- LSx

Assume I can get them all for the same price just to keep the comparison down to which one is "better" and why. Any and all input would be great. I mostly want to know the differences between the Inline Pro and the Spoon short blocks (power? reliability? tune/extra components needed? durability when boosted? etc...)

 

Whats the main use of the car? Whats youre budget?

 

I'd like to keep this as cheap as possible. Main use is as a daily with an occasional roll race and whatnot in there. Nothing super high-demand. I don't have a track near me, not planning on moving any time soon. I'd like to boost it in the future, but that's in the FAR future with how my budget is looking so far...

 

With your budget your best option will be eBay/used motor from the marketplace or an s2000 specialist

 

I can tell you right now the most reliable solution you can buy at a decent price is AWHITs spoon shortblock...i think he was asking 4800. There are a few brand new oem short blocks on ebay but they are almost a $1000 more than awhit is asking for his new spoon block. Inlinepro oem rebuilt blocks do not utilize new components other than rings/ other consumables. They spec out the used parts and use what is still in spec, not that its wrong, but for the money that spoon short block is a better value.

 

Spoon block imo...It's all new OEM components hand-picked for the best tolerances.....you can't do that anymore as far as I know....

Not sure why Honda discontinued short blocks along with other consumable/replaceable parts; there's money to be made down the road...

I personally wouldn't want to roll the dice on any ebay/junkyard/used crap, but everyone has a budget, and you need to work within your means.

 

OP, it might help to tell us what your actual $ dollar number budget is.

It currently sounds like you can't afford to fix the car. If you can't afford that super discounted spoon block, you certainly can't afford a gamble on an ebay engine that might not work out.

An LSx swap is also not among the "cheap" options either.

The more realistic option might be to cut your losses and just sell/part the car out.

 

Or buy a beater, save your money and get a LS to swap in her. Great for a roll on race and very dependable.

ROD

 

K24

 

I always tell myself if I pop my motor I'm going straight for a K24. Conversion can be done for cheaper than it would be to put in a used motor, and the K series is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more plentiful. Hell, it might even be an idea to swap out a healthy F series and go straight for a K if you plan on pushing the car with boost....save yourself some heartache.