Blown Piston Rings
 

Sometime ago my 1995 Eclipse GST started billowing out smoke, and the car was at a total loss for power. A mechanic I took it too diagnosed it as blown piston rings.

My question is simple, If my head is good, can I just get away with buying a new block, dropping it in? Or, am I going to need a complete rebuild?Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I would just rebuild the motor. anyways tearing the motor apart, you may find things that may lead to your problem. I do it all the time.9/10s of a chance i find the problem

It boils down to what you'r budget looks like.... Now could be a good time to pick up a 6 bolt block. Or just rebuild the existing block with new rings, bearings, and so on. I would say pull it apart and see what you have to work with before making your decision. The cylinder walls may be banged up a bit so hopefully some machine work could benifit.