So... seems my head is done. Blew plug #3 out for the 3rd time (and coil pack) taking the threads on the head out as well. After the 2nd time, we had to heli-coil the head to get it "fixed". Lasted about a year or more, but now even that is gone. I don't believe you can re-tap the head again, so.....

Which would be more work/cost labor wise? Replacing the head, or just swapping the entire motor for a used JDM one?

 

Took me 4-5 hours to pull the head out of my 07, about the same to reassemble.

You can have your head repaired if your taking it off, either welded and re-tapped,
Even if you get a used head,, it should be pulled apart and cleaned, machined and basically rebuilt.

Unless you can find a used engine (And you wont know if its good till its in the car,, ) for a really really cheap
price I'd do the head.. If I bought a motor I'd tear it down and rebuild it anyway but thats me..

 

JDM (50-60K) motor can be had for $700-900 in my area. Then just a matter of labor

 

Since you know the history of the bottom end of the motor I would just replace the head. If you get another engine then you don't know how well taken care of the engine was or could have other issues. Now if your current engine is knocking or burning lots of oil then a new might be better.