Ok, first off, I know everyone hates the CA20.

Here's my situation:
My engine burns oil. Probably about a quart every two weeks. I haven't finished my registration because I have to get it smogged first.
I just dumped a can of Restore in there to help temporarily (and maaaybe help me pass smog), but I was hoping for a little more long term solution.
Time is a pretty important issue too. The current reg expires in a month. If it doesn't pass smog, it can't be driven. Which = me not being able to get to work lol.

Let's say I have a non-firm budget of 800 bucks. I can get a master rebuild kit from RockAuto for 250 bucks that comes with all manner of gaskets, pistons, rings, and bearings.

I've found KA motors for all sorts of prices.

So, seeing as I'm trying to stay on the cheap end of things, what is the best solution?

If I rebuild, it gives me a lot more time to save up for a swap. I can get a ka, rebuild it, get all the necessary smog bits (stupid Cali laws), and anythings else I might need/want. On the downside, rebuilding is not something I have a lot of experience in, nor is it a very simple or quick process. And as this is my DD, it can't be out of commission for more than a week.
I've been looking for whole 240's that I can just use as parts cars (makes it a lot easier to get a hold of the random smog stuff for sure), have seen a few for under a grand.

I'm leaning just a little bit towards rebuild, as in the short term it fits better into my current financial situation...then I can use any extra towards either appearance/suspension or throw it in savings for the swap.

So what do you all think?

Oh, I have a ton of tools (sockets and wrenches and whatnot)...but I want to make sure I have everything I need should I go the rebuild route. What kind of specialty tools will I need?


Thanks!

KA swap. No question in my mind. A rebuild means you get to do all the work and spend money and.... end up stock?

A KA swap isn't hard, and you get a solid engine that performs way better, has good aftermarket support, etc.

Is it really a question of choice? lol

Hardest part seems to be finding what I need lol. Think spending a little more money on a 240 parts car is a good choice?

as long as thecar is cheap and the ka is in good running condition

YES.

Three reasons:

First off, you get the complete car, plumbed and wired the way it should be, and you can review how it's connected while it's still in the car. This is especially useful for OBD1 KA24DE because it has far more vac lines and shit than the OBD1.5 and OBD2 versions (which are 1995 and up).

Second, you are guaranteed to get *everything* you need. And you get the VIN which is important for replacing the harness or the ECU should you ever need to... they're very year-specific in some years.

Third, you get the S13 or S14 front suspension components, if you wanted to convert to S13 coilovers.