my son asked me to come over to see his 93 sedan last night. he says it ran just fine and all of a sudden on the highway outside worcester, ma it lost power, shuddered and ran like crap.

after starting it up and turning it off i have ascertained these facts:

1. the spark plug wire nearest the firewall is attached to a dead cylinder

changing plugs makes no diff, compression in that cylinder is near zero and with heavy oil squirted into it only rises slightly

2. all other cylinders check out at 168-175

mileage on car is 187,000

3. the dipstick reveal normal colored oil

4. coolant is also normal color and no abnormal heating temp changes

5. all other systems appear to be normal or within parameter

q's

i have my own ideas but would like the opinions of experts and engine builders out there.

if the piston is blown is it smarter to swap engines or go for a tear down.
in terms of time, money for value etc etc.

i have not rebuilt an engine in 30 years and do not relish the idea of doing so now. the last one i rebuilt was for a 1966 TR4, hardly comparable.