So i blew the top end in my motor that has 350,000 miles on it, and i dont want to bother rebuilding it to have the bottom go out. I have three engines available to me. one locally has 200k and a top end rebuild recently, and really expensive plugs and wires in it(looks well taken care of). it is $750

The other has 110k on it and i dont know much else. top end looks like it has been done, at least head gaskets. it is $1000, and a 6 hour round trip to retrieve.

third option is 6 hour trip, plus pulling a motor with 155k that has had heads done. its $450

all motors have good compression

I know these motors are not great, i don't have the time or money for a swap to somthing different, so i am not sure which path to take here.

any advice would be greatly appreciated

IGet the one with the lowest miles on rebuild, and/or best shape..

Door number 1 bob
Then pull the oil pan and check it out that way if it needs to be rebearinged your a step ahead

... look Ma, 3L, no head gaskets issues!

LOL!
That about sums it up. So does the can of spoons, that is how it is now.
The local one for 750 has a oil leak somewhere lower than the heads. Oil filter was loose but I don't know if that is enough.
I am so torn. Take the bird in the hand that sounds ok of go for the low milage onethat is 3hrs away and I haven't heard it run for more money.
The worst part is no mater what I do I am still putting in a 3.0

I'd pick #1 or #3 depending on whether. Leaning towards option #1, but three would be cheaper if you had the time. I'm gonna guess its in Vancouver? I went to UVic a couple years ago.

If you get the local one you will save enough on gas and price difference to get you a rebuild kit plus a day of driving.

If the ones 6 hours away had less mileage on them then it would be worth the road trip and extra money but you say the one you really know nothing about other then it looks like it has been done but you don't know for sure and # 3 is just as much mystery as #2 plus you lose a day pulling it and you got to bring all your tools to do it.

The local one you know has had the heads done recently and if you need to ask any questions or need any paper work from the owner he is only a short drive away money and time saved.

I think I will get the local one. I just have a good feeling about the motor. I just remembered it also just had the timing belt done. Matt, where do u live now if you used to live in victoria?

N. Van now.