Hi, my 97 model Magna TE (4cyl 2.4L) snapped a timing belt and has damaged the valves. The mechanic has quoted $2,500 to repair it or I can get a low km motor from Japan installed for $2,000.

Are there any cheaper options? My dad has suggested buying a reconditioned head, head gasket kit and timing belt kit and fixing it ourselves at home. Is there anything else I would need to consider and can anyone recommend somewhere I could get these parts for at a good price?

I'm also going to need a service manual. Are electronic versions available online?

Thanks.

Take the heads off - take it to a machine shop and ask them to identify which valves are bent and skim your heads. Then buy some valves - about $20 a pop, gasket kit, belts and water pump. Then refit. would have thought you should be able to see change from $500 (but not much).

Pretty sure there is a 4cyl TE at u-pull-it here. Not sure how much a head costs, but I think it's under $100. Let me know if you want it and I can post if you can't find one up your way.
Then there is the cost of a new gasket and timing belt kit, and installation if you can't do it yourself. And while it's off you might want to give it a once over as well.

Thanks TiMi, I'll get back to you about the head. Sounds like a great price. I might get a quote from a machine shop first like BlackFX has suggested.

So where should I go for valves, belt, gasket kit etc?

Ebay for the lot.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mitsubishi-Ealge-Dodge-2-4L-4G64-Intake-Exhaust-Valves-/220699022463?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3362afd47f

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dodge-Mitsubishi-Chrysler-2-4L-4G64-16V-Head-Gasket-Set-/220699364118?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3362b50b16

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mitsubishi-2-4L-SOHC-Timing-Belt-Seals-Water-Pump-4G64-/300495450294?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f6ecb0b6#ht_3265wt_1163

Dont blindly buy the above, but will give you guidance for price etc.

Great thanks BlackFX. So you need a water pump to do this job? I see the water pump is part of the timing belt kit on the Ebay link you provided?

Honestly, unless you have a special attachment to the car - consider upgrading... 1999 TH Sports in manual have been going between 1500-2500 lately.

Dont need it - but if your in there you should do it, or you will just have to do most of the job again to do the waterpump. As for the gear - Mal (Madmagna) should be able to hook you up with local parts..

No attachment Life, except I've spent the money converting it to LPG so if I can get the head replaced for under $500 it is still the cheaper option than an upgrade.

The quote from the mechanic lists the following:

Head Service
8 Intake Valves
V R S
Timing Belt Kit
Sundries
Oil and oil filter
Head bolts
Labour

Can I assume from this quote it is definitely just the head and timing belt that need replacing and there is nothing wrong with the rest of the motor, that is, it has bent valves but the guides are not damaged? I just want to make sure I can replace the head and won't need a whole motor.

Also, probably a stupid question but if I replace the complete head with a used one from the wreckers then I only need a Head Gasket and not a complete VRS gasket set...is that right? The full gasket kit would be required if I were to machine the head and replace the valves?

The valves could have damaged the pistons or valve guides in the head thats on it as well.

When you sent me the PM you did not state was a 4cyl lol

I can do the timing belt kit and water pump for you as well as a VRS set if needed, the head you can call one of the many head change over places, there are several about such as all head services, generally you will pay $500ish for a reco head.

I would not be too worried about pistons

For $2500, you could near get the car sent down here, have it converted to V6 and drive it home lol, spending that much money on an old motor is simply not worth it.

Also, with your block if you do go for a jap import, put it on ebay as the evo boys love these 2.4 blocks for their Evo's

Thanks Mal, I found your prices online but haven't got a price on a VRS set yet.