Good day to everyone in AMC!

I am new here and I welcome any advice on the following:

I have been driving this TR 4G54 since new. It has done 126,800 kms so far, and apart from the usual wear and tear, there have been no major problems. The only exception was a shoddy smash repair job that resulted in the engine that got "baked" at around 90,000 kms, when the cooling system had lost all anti-corrosives. Even so, the coolant temp never reached more than 75% of maximum on the gauge, and the whole thing was rectified soon to the tune of about $2,000. This included new radiator, hoses, head gasket, head work, vrs kit, spark plug leads etc.

I have just replaced the ISC motor today. The timing chain by now is getting very loose and rattly, and is due for an overhaul. I have read about quotes for a proper job in other threads: my mechanic is quoting me about $1,000 for a thorough job that should keep the problem from reappearing for another 100,000 kms or so (his estimate).

Whilst I was considering this, he said I might be better off getting a brand new engine, namely another 4G54. He quoted around $2,000 off the top of his head without labour. He also suggested getting another car as a third option.

I am not sure whether an engine or car conversion is completely necessary, as my Astron still accelerates and cruises well for its age, though it really doesn't like to rev hard beyond 4,000 rpm. I think this is common to all Astrons, though. Besides, it still eats many cars at the lights and on the move, straights or corners :)

Even so, the thought of a new engine does sound tempting. If I can fit a 4G64 or even a 4G69 (2.4 SOHC in 3rd gen, or 2.4 MIVEC in Grandis/Outlander), then that'd be tops :) Not sure if it'll fit, though. A six will not fit in my engine bay due to prohibitive costs in fabricating custom engine mounts. A 4G63 from a VR4 is sweet, too, but other strengthening needed, insurance, not to mention rarity, also rules it out.

As to a used 3rd gen...well...find me an example in as good a condition as mine with similar kays and costs less to run, and I'll snap it up. Oh, and did I mention it can't be that expensive as well?

A used 2nd gen might work, but wouldn't this put me in the same ISC/timing chain vicious circle? Or is this common to a 3rd gen as well?

If I take option 3, then it doesn't work out too well for me anyway, because Magnas don't sell, and my car's condition (apart from the timing chain issue) means it is worth more like $5,000 than $2,900, i.e. I lose if I sell.

So, there you have it. The three options:
1) Spend $1,000 to do the timing chain, and just drive on for the next 100,000 kms with fingers crossed.
2) Spend $?,??? to replace the engine (4G54/4G64/4G69/4G63).
3) Spend $?,??? to get a used 3rd gen.

Please send me your choice and reasons. I can't wait to get this resolved then get into the mods (brakes, suspension, mild performance, mild ICE)...

Thank you kindly! I look forward to your replies :)

i believe the VR4 does fit and that would b my choice. if i still have my TS when the engine blows, and i have the cash, a vr4 will b inplanted.
plus the price on vr4 engines have dropped a fair bit and can b picked up reasonably cheap

oh, welcome 2 AMC as well

timing chains last for 100,000 k's anyway
and $1000 :shock:
i think there are better prices out there a lot better

OH! and where are my manners
welcome to amc mate
have fun and you'll find heaps of info here

Thank you for your contributions, Big Paul and jellico1!

Big Paul: yeah it'd be mad to find a 4G63! Where do you think I should look, and how much do you think it will set me back? Do you think the standard driveline will cope? I will probably have to do a manual conversion as well, wouldn't I? ;)

jellico1: yes I understand timing belts needs to be replaced every 100,000 kms, but usually chains last a little longer. They become a problem when they start to loose their tension and gets rattly and starts to stuff the timing. And how thorough a job you do will determine how soon the problem will come back :|

I just hope the 4G63 don't have the same problem! Apparently a lot of fours have this ISC/timing chain issue?

er, manual conversion would be a good idea but i dont know how a standard gearbox would hold up. im sure some of the ppl more in the know would b able 2 tell u. as 4 finding 1, look up sum of the jap wreckers and importers, their would have 2 b sum1 with one sitting around ready 2 b sold

I've no problems getting the 4G64 revving up past 4 grand. Mine just loves to redline actually :P Mind you its only done just over 40,000k's.

Timing chains have an average lifespan of 200,000k's, i've seen engines with even higher k's still with the original timing chain. I personally didn't change mine until 193,000k's. What normally causes the timng chain rattle is the timing chain tensioner and lash adjuster wearing out, and not neccessary the timing chain itself. However to fix those bits you might as well change the timing chain as well. Reason for the high costs in replacing the timing chain is labour. The engine must be removed to gain access to the bottom half of the engine, where half of the timing chain is situated.

$2000 will get you a brand spanking new Astron II engine from Mitsubishi Motors Australia (or they did when I got mine replaced).

If you end up spending $1000 on a new timing chain, you might want to check the oil pump and replace it if its on the way out while the engine is all apart. In fact it would be a good idea to check everything while its apart, it shouldn't cost too much more.

I would probably get a 3rd gen if there was one at a decent price. Or you can always leave the chain at its rattling state, just use a more cohesive (wrong word? i mean "thicker") oil to help the tensioners a bit. Chains are quite durable, they don't just break like belts, and theres actually two chains in the Astron.

1000k for a timing chain, thats steep,
i paid 250(mind you this is discounted alot, dad gets all this sort of stuff real cheap like cost plus GST or sumthing ridiculous like that:D) for mine and installed it myself with a little help from my dad,
you would have to look around mate, i would say most of that 1000 would be labour as it is a F****N S**T JOB, takes bloody ages an its messy, gotta pull all sorts of ****e off to change the damn thing,
anyways hope this helps ya

$2000 for a totally new motor is fairly good price from MMAL, even if it is only the 4G54 astron.

Ideas for engine swaps:

3L 6G72 from Verada KR/KS, I'd be going for this one first...... a direct drop in with very minimal hassles, get a front cut (engine, box, brakes, suspension, computer... all the bits you will need). Might be able to get a 3rd Gen 3L manual and do a complete conversion

And you can't have mine for such conversion however! :bowrofl:

2L MIVEC FTO engine...... great engine... might be a tad expensive, dunno if you would need a different gearbox or bellhousing.. I'd love to see this one done.

4G63T.... ripping! Insurance is a problem as you said, also alot of hassles involved. Would probably need an engineers certificate. Again.... I'd love to see this conversion done.

4G69 MIVEC from new outlander would also be great but expensive, and less power than the 6G72.....

If you want to do engines, try to use whatever the car came with in some guise or another. The 6G72 route might need some engine mount work, but nothing like what a 4G63 or 4G69 would probably require. The bolt holes are probably already there! Just buy the mounts and drop the engine in if that is the case...

Just be sure to do ALL your homework and be satisfied that it will work.

3L 6G72 from Verada KR/KS, I'd be going for this one first...... a direct drop in with very minimal hassles, .

Ahhh isn't there problems with wrong engine mounts and different length drive shafts when putting the v6 into a 2.6 engine bay?? From what ive read its not a direct drop in.

Ahhh isn't there problems with wrong engine mounts and different length drive shafts when putting the v6 into a 2.6 engine bay?? From what ive read its not a direct drop in.


3L 6G72 from Verada KR/KS, I'd be going for this one first...... a direct drop in with very minimal hassles, get a front cut (engine, box, brakes, suspension, computer... all the bits you will need).

I thought you would get driveshafts etc in a front cut also.....EVERYTHING you need in a front cut.

Like I said, some problems with it (there always are with engine swaps) but keeping it to an engine that was used in that chassis is always going to be easier than one that did not.

Once the swap is done, K&N Panel filter, extractors, Lukey back 'zorst and then go and get a unichip, or if you want, an E-manage. Crankin!

1000k for a timing chain, thats steep,
i paid 250(mind you this is discounted alot, dad gets all this sort of stuff real cheap like cost plus GST or sumthing ridiculous like that:D)

hate to tell u.....but your dad's gettin ripped off......
A timing chain kit which includes timing chain (dual chain), and Balance shaft chains, chain guides, and adjusters cost about $130-$150 retail price....i know because i got one about 6-7months ago.......Its the labour thats stings u hard. if u take it somewhere to get done.

3L 6G72 from Verada KR/KS, I'd be going for this one first...... a direct drop in with very minimal hassles, get a front cut (engine, box, brakes, suspension, computer... all the bits you will need). Might be able to get a 3rd Gen 3L manual and do a complete conversion


Not a direct drop in. LH engine mount needs to be moved and the V6 crossmembers need to be transferred across. Other than that it's pretty straight forward.

3rd gen 3l would be much more problematic,