Replace/Rebuild? A Dead Xterra

[PossibleOwner]

Hello!
I have a 2001 4WD Xterra with a V6. It has about 150k miles on it. It has a crack in some internal part of the engine. I am debating whether the following
1) Buy a rebuilt engine
2) Buy an engine pulled from another X that hasn't been repaired but was running when removed
3) Buying a new car (I like this option least).

I have a few questions. Is it worth the extra money to buy rebuilt instead of used? If I want to buy a rebuilt engine, does anyone have recommendations with who to buy from? I've looked on ebay or my mechanic can order one. I don't really know what all my options are or what I need to know when looking at listings for engines. I'm finding cheaper prices on ebay, but most have core charges too, and I know my engine will not be in good enough condition to receive the full deposit back.

Is there anything else I should ask the mechanic to do while he has the engine out? Anything I can replace now so that it won't break later and cost more because of the time and labor it will take to get to the possibly broken part in the future? Here, I'm specifically thinking about having the transmission rebuilt. I am concerned that no sooner will I fix the engine than the tranny will go. At this point, there doesn't seem to be a way to test the transmission to see if it has any problems. Occasionally, when I'm getting on the highway, I don't feel like it shifts into the higher gear as quickly as it should — which is why I'm thinking about it.

I don't want to make any unnecessary upgrades, but I want it to keep going for a long time. I'm just concerned about dumping several thousand dollars into a 2001 with so many miles on it.

Thanks for any advice in advance!

 

[Cameron23]

As hardy as these engines are if I were in the situation i would upgrade. The truck is nice but underpowered maybe go with one and bore the cylinders get some more power while it's out


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[Prime]

Given those options, I'd go the rebuilt route. There's a thing about Nissan engines. You have to do the maintenance. Buying a used one with an uncertain past is too much of a gamble for me. Unless it has ridiculously low miles.

Now, there is another possibility. Buying that used engine and modding a little for more power. I'd start with a 2002 and up as they had 10 more HP to begin with. Having the cylinders bored. 030 over and larger pistons put in would increase power. Then I would port and polish the heads, followed by upgraded cams. If you can get 20-30 more HP out of the engine, it'd add some much needed umph to the truck.

 

[Tay-Lo]

I've thought this over myself when my engine dies......depending how old it is over all......replace the engine but with a catch....Import a turbo diesel

 

[Cameron23]

If you wanna go the route of an '02 engine and modify the hood to look good on an '01 that'd be cool have an SC on a bored out engine power would be much improved


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[El Robot]

I've been on the hunt for a totaled X's drive train just for this purpose. I'm coming up on 200K, and I would like to have an engine on the stand rebuilt and ready to go. AC offers some aftermarket cam and lifter options I believe.