Finding a solid 4g63 6 bolt engine for sale isn't as easy as it used to be, but for anyone building a serious DSM or Evo project, the hunt is worth it. If you've spent any time in the Mitsubishi community, you know the legendary status this specific block holds. It's the heart of the early 90s street racing scene, the engine that put the Eclipse and the Galant VR-4 on the map, and still a go-to for guys who want to push big boost without the engine block turning into a paperweight.
Let's be real for a second—these engines are getting old. We're talking about technology that's over thirty years old now. Back in the day, you could find these at every local junkyard for a few hundred bucks. Now? It's a bit of a treasure hunt. But if you're patient and know what to look for, you can still find a diamond in the rough that'll handle more abuse than almost anything else in its class.
Why everyone wants the 6-bolt version
You'll often hear people debating the 6-bolt versus the 7-bolt. If you're looking for a 4g63 6 bolt engine for sale, you've likely already picked a side. The "6-bolt" refers to the number of bolts holding the flywheel to the crankshaft. This early version of the 4G63, found in the 1990 to early 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, and Plymouth Laser, is famous for having "big rods."
These factory connecting rods are significantly beefier than the ones Mitsubishi switched to later on. While the later 7-bolt engines are great and can rev a bit more freely, the 6-bolt is the tank. It's the one people choose when they want to make 400 or 500 horsepower on the stock bottom end. Plus, the 6-bolt is largely immune to the dreaded "crankwalk" issue that plagued some of the later 2G DSM engines. It's just a simpler, more overbuilt piece of iron.
Scouring the market: Where to look
So, where do you actually find a 4g63 6 bolt engine for sale these days? Gone are the days of strolling into a Pick-n-Pull and seeing five of them lined up. Today, you have to be a bit more strategic.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
This is the modern-day wild west. You'll find everything from "ran when parked" total junk to genuine gems. The key here is to move fast. If a clean 6-bolt pops up for a reasonable price, it'll be gone by dinner time. Don't be afraid to broaden your search radius. Sometimes a three-hour drive is the difference between a clapped-out block and a low-mileage survivor.
Dedicated DSM Forums and Groups
Places like DSMTuners or various Facebook groups dedicated to 4G63 enthusiasts are your best bet for finding an engine owned by someone who actually knew what they were doing. You might pay a bit more of a "community premium," but you're less likely to get a block that has been sitting in a puddle behind a barn for a decade.
JDM Importers
Every now and then, JDM engine importers will get a shipment of older engines from Japan. While the 4G63 was in everything from the Evo I-III to the RVR, you have to be careful to verify it's actually a 6-bolt. Sometimes they mislabel them. If you can find a JDM 6-bolt, they often have lower mileage than the domestic ones we beat on for years in the States.
What to check before you hand over the cash
When you finally track down a 4g63 6 bolt engine for sale, don't just get excited and throw money at the seller. You need to do some detective work.
First, check the crank. Grab the pulley and see if there's any noticeable play moving it back and forth. A tiny bit of side-to-side play is normal, but if it feels like it's clunking, walk away. You're also going to want to pull the spark plugs. Are they oily? Covered in carbon? They can tell you a lot about how the engine was running—or if it was burning oil like a campfire.
If the engine is out of the car, you can't exactly do a traditional compression test with a starter, but you can still do a leak-down test or at least turn it over by hand using a breaker bar on the crank bolt. It should feel smooth and have consistent resistance. If it binds up or makes a grinding noise, you're looking at a rebuild project, not a drop-in runner.
The cost of entry
Let's talk money. Prices for a 4g63 6 bolt engine for sale have climbed steadily. A bare block might go for $500, while a complete long block (head and block) that's in decent shape can easily fetch $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the condition and what accessories are included. If it's a "built" motor with forged pistons and rods, you're looking at $4,000 plus.
It's tempting to go for the cheapest one you find, but remember: there's nothing more expensive than a cheap 4G63. If you buy a "core" for $400 and then realize the cylinder walls are scored and the head is cracked, you're going to spend way more in the long run than if you'd just bought a clean one to begin with.
Preparing for the swap
Once you've secured your 4g63 6 bolt engine for sale, the real work starts. Even if the seller swore it was a "perfect runner," do yourself a favor and do the maintenance while it's on the stand.
- Timing Belt and Components: This is non-negotiable. If a 4G63 timing belt snaps, your valves and pistons are going to have a very violent meeting. Replace the belt, the tensioner, and the idler pulleys.
- Water Pump: It's cheap and easy to do while the engine is out.
- Front and Rear Main Seals: These engines are notorious for oil leaks. Replacing these seals now will save you from a driveway covered in oil spots later.
- Oil Filter Housing: If you're putting this into a later car, make sure you have the right oil filter housing and cooler setup.
Why the effort is worth it
You might be wondering if it's worth all the hassle just to get an engine from the early 90s. The answer, for most of us, is a resounding yes. There's a certain character to a 6-bolt 4G63 that modern engines just don't have. It's raw, it's loud, and when that turbo hits, it feels like the car is trying to tear itself away from the pavement.
Whether you're aiming for a period-correct 1G DSM restoration or you're building a 600hp drag monster, the 6-bolt is the foundation you want. It's a piece of automotive history that you can still drive every day if you treat it right.
So, keep an eye on the listings, keep your cash ready, and don't be afraid to ask the seller a million questions. Finding the right 4g63 6 bolt engine for sale is the first step toward a build you'll actually be proud of. Just remember: measure twice, bolt once, and always, always double-check your timing marks. Happy hunting!