1997 Challenger 1800

[Edward John Smith RD RNR]

Hello
I was given a non running Challenger that someone else passed on. I open the starboard engine to see why it's locked up, looks like it was running when it was shut off and rusted up while sitting.
What's your opinion on this motor by what you can see of top end , can it be saved. Any tips are welcome this is my first restoration . Thanks

 

[rusty nail]

Hard to say until you pull it apart. And once you have gone that far you should just do a rebuild. Boring the cylinders with new pistons and rings is a small cost compared to risking pulling it all apart for another failure

 

[Edward John Smith RD RNR]

This blurry shot is threw the rav valve opening , under rings looks worse then above rings. Removing cylinders next chance I get, hope bottom is ok.

Do the bottom ends rust like the top end seems to have from sitting?

 

[rusty nail]

Before you begin spending money on this motor explore the crate motors from sbt. By the time you spend money on the crank , gaskets, etc, etc you may be further ahead with SBT.