[Christopher.r.king]

I just bought a 85 4 door hatchback Corolla. It's fwd. I was driving it home and started hearing a hard knock in the engine. It's blowing white smoke as well. Would you guys recommend digging into the engine and fixing it or just replacing it? I believe it has the 4AC in it. If you recommend replacing it, which engines would make for an easy swap?

Thank you for any help in advance.

 

[75aces]

You can drop the oil pan and check the connecting rods first. Then perform a wet compression check to see if there’s blowby.

From there, determine if you can source a replacement engine. Otherwise, you’ll need a machinist to check the engine tolerances.

 

[93celicaconv]

I would drive it back to the seller and demand a reimbursement. If you didn't buy it knowing it had this engine problem but the seller knew it and didn't disclose it, you are legally entitled to nullify the purchase.

 

[DCM]

I would drive it back to the seller and demand a reimbursement. If you didn't buy it knowing it had this engine problem but the seller knew it and didn't disclose it, you are legally entitled to nullify the purchase.

Depends entirely on hearing the whole story, we’re only hearing a part of one side.

 

[75aces]

This is the risk one takes when buying a swap. Might be done professionally or half assed. That’s the roll of the dice.

Going back to stock will be tricky. Can’t source a good harness unless you find a donor chassis.

 

[93celicaconv]

This is the risk one takes when buying a swap. Might be done professionally or half assed. That’s the roll of the dice.

Going back to stock will be tricky. Can’t source a good harness unless you find a donor chassis.

The OP didn't say the car he bought had a swapped engine in it. He did ask what engine would be best to swap in as a replacement for his current engine. At least that is how I interpreted the OP's initial post.