Noob needs help, bLOWN eNGINE

[arvina]

First off I drive, or drove, a 2001 camery LE with the 2.2 5fse (or so I've been reading). So long story short I had an oil leak that never leaked on the ground and I didn't check the oil often enough and I eventually ran it without oil. I know the engine is blown it knocks like a pneumatic hammer but still runs. Basically one I was wondering if anyone knows of a reputable shop in the Houston area, not just for good work but for honest people. The most "reputable" shop we've found wants 2700 for a rebuild and that just seems a little steep. I've always done all my own work on my other cars but I'm getting lazy i guess and this is just more than I'm prepared to do. So what are a few things I could do to see what all needs to be done or maybe make the bill less. And what are your suggestions to upgrade or to make sure and have done so the engine runs better than original e.g. certain brand parts work better, certain mods run better.
or really would it be a better option to find a used engine or a jap engine (the 2.0 long block) and find someone to install that? I'm just at a loss as its my parents car and I need it fixed but we cant ever agree on what to do or what is the best thing.
any advice is welcome and thanks for posting.

[carsrus]

A reputable shop is gonna cost $$$. A legit rebuilt engine is gonna cost around 2k + labor. Best bet would be to drop in a used engine. Labor at a shop that specializes in this stuff wont be to crazy, 6-700$ plus cost of used engine your looking at around 1500$.

Used engines are a crap shoot. If the cars kinda a beater just drop the oil pan and replace all the main bearings. As long as the crank is not to messed up it should keep on going for a while before it seizes up.

[arvina]

I mean i've looked into rebuild kits that include everything that are only like 4 to 500 bucks. And I dont know how many hours a rebuild is. Im not buying a rebuild engine I'm rebuilding the one i have. or really i should just get a used one

[carsrus]

Sure the kit is 400, but the labor and then the 1000$ or so that's gonna have to be put into milling it make the rebuild engine cost ~2k.

Drop the oil pan before you do anything and inspect the crank. If it looks decent just slap on some bearings and hope for the best. Itll practically cost nothing.

If the crank and cylinder walls look horrible then try and find a place that specializes in swaps. There are plenty of places like that in big cities that service taxis etc. They have good pricing and are good at what they do. To swap in a used engine into a 2.2 camry in chicago can be done for well under 1500$, and be done in a day..

[arvina]

thank you very much. you were very helpful