I met up with the mechanic again this morning.
The reason he is suggesting the engine change is because after overhauling, problems will occur again and again in near future, and it also depends on the block's condition. So he said the best option is changing engine compared to overhauling. Moreover, he hasnt suggested dual vtec, efi or anything. He simply suggested i get the same carb engine swapped (not used in Pakistan). Its actually me who is considering swapping to vtec.
Right now i am still driving the car for short routes and the water is steaming out quickly. I have to refill water every 10-12km. After i switch off the car, then restart it, at times the car stutters, which is possibly because water is seeping into one of the pistons.....but then gets better after some slight revving.
Yes, there was no water in the radiator at the time the car heated up (of course), but the issue is water disappearing very quickly even though there are no leaks (when the car is running).
I will check for the temp switch for rust. The 75% i witnessed was when the car started stuttering initially after heating up, and it rose to 95% by the time i reached home. So i am convinced the temp needle is showing temps correctly.
You say changing engine sounds fishy...but what benefit is it to the mechanic if he is suggesting not to overhaul but change the engine? If I change to the same engine, the costs involved for me are similar. If the engine is overhauled, i will of course have all components changed to new since the engine is being opened, and therefore costs are around Rs. 35k to 40k. Same costs will incur for engine change to same engine.
I am not much concerned about resale right now since I want to keep the vehicle, and therefore the thought of dual vtec is being suggested by the devil in me. But the fact that switching from carb to efi is not just the engine change, but other stuff as well (increasing costs) are confusing me.
The mechanic today talked to the engine guy himself for the prices, and got the same quotes the engine guy gave to me. The mechanic said he will be visiting "Laalo Khet" today for some parts, and will check the engine availability/prices there as well. Is there a market in Laalo khet as well?
So what would be the best option if i am to keep the vehicle for 1-2 more years? overhauling, engine change to same carb engine, or change to efi?