I thought one or two might be interested in the excellent small garage that have just completed the engine re-conditioning on our 1986 Fiat X19. They are Davey Automotive in Redditch UK. they are experienced and were even familiar with the X19.
The car has done 129,000 miles, compression was low (118psi) in Number 4 cylinder and the other cylinders were also lower than they should be (ie 155/165/152 psi). It was also running a little rough and dripping some oil. I found a few re-conditioning specialists willing to quote but I was impressed by the the guys (Malcolm & Rich) at Davey Automotive. The car was off the road for two weeks, work done included, bearings, seals, rings, valves, convert to unleaded, skim head, new clutch, gearbox seal. The price? I invested just over £1600, may seem a lot but it is comparable with other prices and they did a great job. It is a small price to pay as the X19 should now last a few more years (we have had the car since 1988). The price will vary depending upon the work needed, I budgeted £2k.
Some very valid points regarding an engine rebuild. I've budgeted £1,500 if I do the strip down and build myself, but leave the experts to replace and/or recondition the relevant parts. I know from experience that trying assess what is worn and what is not and then sourcing the parts based on very likely not enough knowledge is a good way of wasting a few hundred pounds. Good idea to get the engine back at this time of year as it gives plenty of time in a reasonably warm garage to get it back together.
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