I am looking to buy a 90 LX 2.3l with 148k on it. It appears to be very well maintained but could I get some opinions on life span. What kind of mileage can be had on original engines if they are taken care of?
Thanks
they will run forever if maintained. I had a 89 with a 179k and before I pulled it out I sat out in front of my house and did arount 15 nuetral drops from redline gave the motor to someone and he said it was the best running engine he has ever drivin.....I ran the motor for 2 years to the ground when I was 16 I honestly dont remember changing the oil very much but the sucker sill ran great!!
And they have been known to make gratuitous horsepower with a turbo. And it doesnt affect durability. Turbo Coupes, SVO Mustangs and Merkur XR4ti's regularly see 200k miles with tons of boost thrown at them.
They are reliable simple engines that last a long time. If they do break they are cheap and easy to fix. The timing belts are easier to change than the serp. belt on most FWD cars.