Need an Engine! -89 trooper 2.6L I4
 

Need some help: I've looked online and can't seem to find an engine for less than $1,500. Anyone have any connections with a good used engine in the $3-500 range? drop me a line.

What area are you located in? Shipping can be cost prohibitive on these, but I can get running troopers in the $700 to $1200 range fairly consistently. Non-runners in the $250 to $400 range with what is most likely a rebuildable engine, with rebuild kits running in the $350 range, $1500 for a rebuilt motor is not entirely unrealistic, as I have been quoted numbers more like $3500 out of California, and of course told them to F-off.

I'm in Memphis, TN. Transport is not a huge issue as I and my wife both work for Transportation companies.

Let me start from the top and maybe you can help me out/steer me in the right direction: I purchased an 89 trooper two door, five speed, I4 engine. The vehicle has been sitting for 10 years.

Engine that's in it has a blown head gasket
Trannie is all in one piece, but again, been sitting for 10 years.

so, my questions:
1) would I be better off trying just replace the engine or rebuild what I've got?
2) Should I also look at the transmission as well? It is not automatic, so that helps, but again, it's been sitting.
3) Would I need to replace the fuel tank or potentially have it cleaned out at a radiator shop or something?

Before I invest a TON of money in this, I've got to ask, is it worth saving? The 89 seems to be very unique because it's on a short wheelbase, which makes me think it was the precursor to the Amigo as it's about the same size, again, making it attractive for fixing up.

The delimma I'm in is I dont' want to spend an arm and a leg to fix this thing, just want to get it running and drivable.
If you have a running engine in the $300-500 range that doesn't have 200K miles on it I'd be interested.

Where are you located?

To be honest bro, you might be better in the long run to just rebuild the one you got. It would make you appreciate your Trooper more in the long run. Plus, by the time you get it all done, you might be in about 700-800 bucks after all the machine work and rebuild kit and you will know it was done right and not end up with another motor that would be in the same state or worst.

Just rebuild it, i might have to do it to my 84 trooper. Mine has 337K on it and seems to be running great, but the previous owner had 20w-50 in it and it doesn't smoke or knock, but afraid if i change the oil to a synthetic 10w-30 i might hear some stuff.