Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

Does anyone know an economical place or shop to buy a b18c1 gsr engine?

I'm just looking for a replacement
my #1 and #3 pistons are no longer good.

I'm in the Los Angeles Area, California. Anything local would be even better.

On an mechanical aspect, what would be the easiest and most economical way to fix this problem? Can i simply swap the pistons or the block or head? Or am i forced to just swap a completely new working engine?

Re: Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

i have some gsr pistons that are still good. and a full bottom end rebuild kit!

Re: Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

It really depends on what your definition of the pistons no longer being good is. My definition would be that if they are no longer good then they are in many tiny pieces strewn through out the engine. If your definition of them being not good means that they are not making compression then the simpilest thing to do would be rebuilt your current motor. If you just go out and buy another gsr swap who knows how long it will last because its used. If your motor is rebuildable and you dont want to rebuild it then I would look for a b18c1 block to put your head on. But there again you are buying a used part so your luck will vary. If you rebuild your current motor then you know everything is going to be fresh.

Re: Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

ok now i know, the piston rings went bad
on piston 1 and 3.

Re: Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

ok so my question is the block can be rebuilt as well?
i just rebuilt my head on an h22
but im unfamiliar with block rebuiilding and its reliability
although theoretically that seems like a way better idea than purchasing a used engine

Re: Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

Yes the block can be rebuilt. It isn't something uncommon by any means. I would re-use the crank, rods, and pistons providing there is nothing wrong with them. Replace the oil pump and water pump while the motor is out of the car. Get the block honed so that the new piston rings will seat properly. Obviously you will want to replace all of the bearings while the block is appart as well. Crankshaft bearings, rod bearings, thrust washers, and all of the seals ect. And I think the piston rings are a given at this point. If you are not sure about rebuilding it then I would reccomend that you take it to a reputible machine shop and let them hone it and rebuild it. You really have to know what you are doing if you do it yourself. Good Luck

Re: Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

this is pretty much it for a basic rebuild

the bearings you use are color coded on the block. if you stick with oem honda bearings you can copy the clearances set from factory. there may be minor wear on the crank but you'll still have 90% of new clearance. reusing your old pistons is completely fine provided there is no visible wear, pistons almost never have signs of wear and it's the rings that take a beating. the piston to wall is fairly tight from factory so even with a rehone i doubt you'll break .0020 which of course means it will be slightly more loose than factory {this isn't really bad} why is it not bad you may ask? well when you build motors if you're stuck choosing between too loose and too tight you ALWAYS go too loose. too tight breaks things, causes wear and doesn't live long. too loose often will make a couple more hp but slack clearances will often wear faster than if you put the engine to manf. spec. remember, your crank and rods aren't perfect anymore so erring on the loose side is better than trying to get everything ass tight


this is only half the engine. up top you can reuse your intake valves but replace all 8 exhaust valves. replace all valve seals and replace any guide that does not measure within spec. you then need a proper valve job for all 16 valves. you could skimp and only do the exhaust side but for the couple bucks more it's worth having them all set again.

Re: Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

I was just going by the block since thats what he was talking about rebuilding but if he has the funds definitly do the head as well.

Re: Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

if you're in it this far, not doing the head is a waste of labor. oil burning in most cases never can be traced to just A source. rings are often suspect but it could be valve seals and the guides. in worn engines it's usually all 3.

Re: Pistons Blew Out on GSR Engine; What to do? HELP
 

And if your rings are shot then your valves are in need of replacing. If you dont replace them they will eventually frag from carbon build up.