My engine blew up! Help!! Options

[shrikebrady]

I have a 94 Celica ST.

Something went out in my engine that is making a horrible knocking noise and causing it to only "run" for about 2 seconds. The mechanic I took it to says that it's probably a bearing that went out somewhere and I'll have to replace the engine.

He recommends that I junk the car, but I'm not really ready to do that. I've found a 7A-FE engine for $750 and a 5A-FE for about $400.

My question is will the 5A-FE go straight into my car? The seller says that it will, but I wanted to confirm that it will before I buy anything. What will the performance difference be?

Sorry, I'm a little ignorant about Toyota engines. I'm a mechanical engineer, but cars aren't really my thing.

Thanks for any help,
- Brady