So, I just bought an 87 lt250r few weeks back. Guy told me all it need we're reeds. No big deal bought reeds and installed and would not fire over. The guy completely screwed me over. Did a compression test and it was only pushing out around 60. So me and my uncle, a small engine mechanic, started tearing the engine apart. Everything is completely shot. Piston, rod, crank, sleeve, bearings, flywheel, stator, and water pump all needs to be replaced. And I know a 87 sleeve are hard to come by. Only thing in good condition are the gears, clutches, clutch basket and kick starter. So, my question is would it be best to rebuilt it myself and buy all the parts or just get another engine? I'm scared of buying a engine because it could be in the same shape. Etc. just trying to find the best and cheapest route here.

Are you the one on the facebook forum

You don't need a 87 Cylinder as long as you get reed cage and manifold for a later cylinder. There's a lot of junk out there as far as used engines. 25% of the ones I see are not worth saving the case damage is too extensive and parts were just running too long too loose. 25-30% with a crank some bearings seals and cylinder are ok. The other 50% just need bearkngs seals a crank rebuild or new crank and a piston n bore.
I've been seeing a lot more bad cases lately, **** welded. Bearings fall out etc. As time goes on it will get worse and harder to find clean cores to start from. Especially as new parts become unavaliable. If you have good tight case's I say rebuild what you have . A new hot rod crank or rebuild you old one and a different cylinder or resleeve and you'll know what you have.

Yeah I may just rebuild it. And a honda? Eww.... Haha. Jk.

If you have good cases and transmission and clutch definitely rebuild it. I think you can get a sleeve for like $125? Or have a sleeve shop just build you a new one. John Tice. 503-593-2908 very cool guy to talk to you he will build you a new sleeve and install it.

All yea welcome to best and most knowledgeable quadracer site their is. Ton of info here

There is a guy in mass that is selling my old 250 motor.  Carl rebuilt it and went through it.  The kid I sold it to rode it maybe twice.  He then sold the bike and this guy is parting it out.  Last I knew he still had it on c list but not sure what he wanted for it.  But it was a clean motor with polished cases and gone through by Carl....

http://worcester.craigslist.org/rvs/4227921760.html

Here is the link.  Most of those parts are my old ones.  Tis kid came down and bought most of my part out and then ended up selling to this guy.  Now I have never met this guy that is selling it now.  The kid I know said he can be shady so just pursue at your own risk.

The motor was sleeved and has unknown port work.  I have pics somewhere of it.  Carl said it wasn't the best.  I believe it also needed an exhaust flange stud but he may have fixed it.  Case saver area was repaired by MHr.  Side covers were polished by race reflections... Not cheap!  I believe Carl put  new rings in it only as it didn't need piston??  Has billet washers.  Has new oem basket.  Carl painted cases and cylinder and assembled.  Also has brand new hot rods crank I got from Jason w.  new crank bearings.  Carl went through the whole thing.  You can ask some of these questions to see what he knows about it and if he's truthful.  I don't think he knows the details of this motor like I do...or Carl if he remembers.... Lol.... I have no idea what he's asking for it.  He also has a lot of my aftermarket parts for sale.....

Swinger is slc.. Clean w brand new billet carrier.... Arms are lsr I think... Those weren't mine but I remember this kid that bought my stuff telling me about them... I think +2

Sure did