[Edris335i]

Hey guys so unfortunately my beloved n54 has a collapsed piston(s)(which was going to happen at some point in time). I am single turbo'd and around the 575-600whp range. My two options are either rebuild my current engine and get forged pistons put in or swap a used motor with 40k miles instead. I plan on getting the engine fully built once I finish college in 2 years so I'm not sure which option would be the best for me to do as of this moment. Any help or insight would be really appreciated

[nissubaru]

Depends if you have $5-10k for a built engine or not. Also who is gonna do the swap? Figure another $2-3k for the labor if you aren't doing it for yourself.

Used motors are still anywhere between $2-4k

[Edris335i]

Originally Posted by nissubaru

Depends if you have $5-10k for a built engine or not. Also who is gonna do the swap? Figure another $2-3k for the labor if you aren't doing it for yourself.

Used motors are still anywhere between $2-4k

I have a family owned shop so I'll be doing the remove and install there so labor isn't taken into question. The used motor I'd swap is $2000 and the rebuild would range from $4-6(shop wouldn't give official quote without opening engine).

[whyzee125]

Definitely replace with a used engine. There are very few people who can properly rebuild n54s with a proven record of lasting. N54s are very solid engines that generally run for a long time unless something tragic happens. Just swap in a used one and go through it with all new gaskets and components while it’s out.

[tisdrew]

A set of pistons rods (je/carillo) is only like $1200. If you can do the labor yourself and the crank isn't scored...

[bbnks2]

Originally Posted by tisdrew

A set of pistons rods (je/carillo) is only like $1200. If you can do the labor yourself and the crank isn't scored...

It's easily $2k for a set of rods and pistons alone. Building an engine doesn't just mean dropping forged internals into it either. A "collapsed" pistons means the bores are going to require machining. Then consider the cylinder head and crank shaft might be damaged. Add the cost of all the bolts, gaskets, and machine work and you can be into a rebuild for $6k+.

I'd highly recommend a used engine. 10x easier and cheaper. Swap can be done in a day. Build a forged engine in your spare time using a good core with a good crank and block.