ferox

I think I would try to use a slightly larger helicoil and drill out my exhaust flange and gasket a smidge. If you do...be very careful not to drill too deep when you ream the old threads or you will definitely need a new head.

Unfortunately you just missed one on Craigslist Vancouver for $100, but who knows how good it was. Did you post on the "Wanted" section of the Justy Forum? There's a lot of Justy folks in Washington, and lot of those guys have mutiple parts cars. Also, if you haven't already posted the car "as is" in the "For Sale" section you might be able to get rid of it with minimal work. It might be difficult to find an engine that you know is good without shelling out the cash. The oil pump and rod bearings always wear out without maintenance, and to do that requires pulling the engine, so they often get neglected. Conversely, the engine is actually one tough little unit, so if you buy a nice rebuilt and maintain it knowing the weaknesses of the design you will have a sweet little 4WD with a bottom mpg of 35 for a long time. I personally, would throw a good engine in it and keep it, but obviously I am biased. They are great little cars with a little knowledge and elbow grease, and will pay for themselves relatively quickly. If you do sell it... being an 18 year old car that just threw a rod you probably have <180k on it. My '88 says it has 36k on it. The kid I bought it from tried to tell me those were actual miles...don't be that kid.

I do Justys as well as ea81's. The forum link that Skip provided is a great resource, and GD is right (as usual) about the oil pump. HOWEVER...a '94 with less than 80K throwing a rod means somebody thrashed it and /or didn't change the oil enough, which common. Justy's don't get no respect. The other possibility is that your Justy may have just under 180k. Justy odometers only have 5 digits. The 1.2 liter engine design leaves a lot to be desired, but if you start with a good engine, are good about oil changes, oil levels (they often develop oil leaks) and drive it like it's a 3 cylinder, then the engine will be dependable and go 200,00+ miles before the bottom end needs to be re-done. If you swap an engine, you can expect 35-42 mpg for a FI 4WD or more for a 2WD. If it is 2WD I suggest parting it out and buying a different econo-car. In my opinion, the only reason to own a Justy is the on-the-fly 4WD and MPG combo. Any other car is going to be easier to find parts for, and they will be cheaper. If you can find a de-tuned 1.0 liter Geo Metro Xfi model, it will have better ground clearance than a Justy, and get can get 50-60 mpg.