Noob needing help

[NevetsCx]

So I have a few questions and most of them are probably going to be noob questions that I just can't find answers to. I promise I searched first and just found a bunch of almost helpful answers.

Ok here is the situation. My brother bought a 98 GS500e a while back. Some how he blew the engine breaking a piston and a rod one in each cylinder. Well afterwards he decided that he would just take it apart and see what was wrong with it. This was about 3 to 4 years ago. He has now bought a new bike and his old gs is up for grabs. All parts are sitting in buckets in the garage. Other than a rod and piston I'm not sure what else I need. So here are my questions.

1. Would I be better off rebuilding the engine or just buying a used one?
( I don't have any experience rebuilding engines but it sounds like a fun project and I can take my time rebuilding it since I have another bike)

2. If I buy and engine would any other years that the 98 fit?
(I know that the GS hasn't changed much but I don't want to make any changes to the frame.)

3. Where would be a good place to find used GS engines?
( I live in Tulsa, OK and the only place I've found is Ebay and I just don't know if I should trust ebay)

I know this is kind of a broad range of questions but I really would appreciate the help. Even if you can just point me to some threads that actually have answers to these questions. Thanks a bunch.

[A.Town]

How much garage space do you have to work in and how organized of a person are you? A rebuild can get messy real quick, but if you have the time and space I would say rebuild it. It will be harder since you don't get to take everything apart, but at least this way you really get to know the bike and any future repairs go faster. You also get to put in new parts that will last you longer than a used engine and you will hopefully be able to rebuild for cheaper than the cost of a used engine. Just remember if you get in over your head just buy the used engine or take the one you have to a mechanic to finish rebuild. Good luck and have fun.

[cbrfxr67]

If it was me, I'd clean out a nice spot in the garage with good lighting and plenty of room, get organized and see what you need to do to put it back together.  I think it is great that you are considering it.  You can really learn a great deal doing it, even if you don't succeed.  Sure no one wants to fail but don't be afraid to try.  Read Tombs build and all he went through and dealt with.  Like a.town said, you can always buy a used one later if it doesn't work out.

Buying an engine on Ebay can be a good deal or a really bad one.  I picked up an F2 engine and after fixing the (busted in shipping) cracked thermostat housing and replacing the oil pan, found it to be a very good engine.  I've bought transmissions on Ebay too, twice now and done well.  I think it depends on the seller, asking questions and getting a feel to whether seller is fos or not.

I'm debating a build like you are talking about with a 900rr.  Picked it up as a basket case and the engine is in a large tupperware container.  PO broke it down and bagged, boxed it nicely.  Needs a bearing to start with and who knows what else.

Good luck to you and at least be sure to update us on your decision/progress!