Thought I just had a loose crank pulley bolt. And it kept coming out. So I checked my timing just incase. The passenger side belt was pretty loose but still on mark. I tightened the belt up. And put everything back together. Tightened my crank pulley like a mofo and then started her up. This time the bolt didnt come out.... She was still making some weird metallic noises but I decided to test drive her anyway. Everything was good until I started going up hill. Down shifted into third got into some high rpms and then the noise got really bad. And poof we lost power, started smoking, and the engine quit. Popped my hood, oil all over. And a hole thru my passenger side cylinder block. Now the question is can I replace what's broken and be cool or is it a wrap for the 1.8 motor time for a 2.2?

That doesn't sound good at all, hard to say exactly what else is Fdd up in the motor.  You are going to have a lot of $$ wrapped up in another block and ect.  I would say go with a 2.2.

Sounds like its time for a new motor for sure

Seen a number of subie motors fail this way. rod tears loose and puts a hole in the block right behind the alternator.

 

In theory, you could get a 2.2 or 2.5 shortblock, do a headgasket job and drive. 

 

Likely easier and better to just source a good used ej18 or ej22 and drop it in. I've had good luck with a few motors from pick n pull. most recently scored a 93 2.2 with 88k that had an insurance sticker on the car indicating it ran during their black friday 50% off sale. $110. for a full motor and accessories out the door. Can't beat that.

 

Craigslist has also been invaluable. Got a $100. transmission to put in my 2000 Outback and a good 2.2 motor and spare set of heads for my buddys outback for $120.

Seen a number of subie motors fail this way. rod tears loose and puts a hole in the block right behind the alternator.

 

In theory, you could get a 2.2 or 2.5 shortblock, do a headgasket job and drive. 

 

Likely easier and better to just source a good used ej18 or ej22 and drop it in. I've had good luck with a few motors from pick n pull. most recently scored a 93 2.2 with 88k that had an insurance sticker on the car indicating it ran during their black friday 50% off sale. $110. for a full motor and accessories out the door. Can't beat that.

 

Craigslist has also been invaluable. Got a $100. transmission to put in my 2000 Outback and a good 2.2 motor and spare set of heads for my buddys outback for $120.

 

These are the statements that make me want to the PNW....

 

Just don't have the inventory here in the Midwest Flat hole for items like this to show up, only on the very rare occasion.

 

Of course with any luck I'll be bringing home a $500 Outback tomorrow as long as the stars line up in my favor.(or RATHER my brother-in-laws)