Has anyone installed there own rods/rings/pistons....and if so what does it take. Is it better to just pay someone or is installation really easy?

 

If you have to ask the question then you shouldn't be doing it yourself.

 

Step 1) pull hood release latch

Step 2) exit driver side door, open hood

Step 3) Prop hood with supplied hood stand

Step 4) remove spark plug wire cover

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Step 467) Remove hood prop

Step 468) Close hood (remember to remove fingers first!)

Step 469) smile at your job well done!


just kidding, but in all seriousness, if you're not comfortable with ripping your engine apart, i wouldnt reocmmmend it. it involved removing your bottom end to get your rods off the crank etc etc.

 

spacetuna, you *******, everyone has to learn somewhere....just because I don't know how to do it doesn't mean I shouldn't be doing it....I have installed a cai, pulley, nos and a lot of other things on my car and my friends' cars without knowing what to do.....

 

Thanks NYb16....I knew there were a lot of steps, but I didn't know how involved it was....I think I will just pay someone to do it

 

Just make sure to get:
1. a helm's
2. someone who's done this before to help or to look over your shoulder
3. the right tools
4. an extra car just in case or plenty of time.
Good luck.

 

yes, that is true. Everyone has to start somehwere, but engine rebuilding is not recomended for an easy start.

Get a helm's manual and follow every direction in there is you still wanna do it

 

hey,
this doesnt mean i dont encourage doing it, because i DO. you'll never learn anything if you just pay other people to do it. spend the $80, get a helms manual (THIS WILL BE YOUR BIBLE)

make sure you have the proper tools, get a buddy, some beers (or Dr. Peppers if you are a young'n!) and give it a shot. start on a friday and plan for a few all nighters.

nothing can beat the experience and joy you will get out of doing ityourself, and your wallet will thank you. this is my suggestion.

but if you are extremely timid, then pay to have it done for peace of mind. but it IS involved, and isnt the same as installing an intake or NOS by any means.

 

thanks, I am looking into getting a helm's manual so I can install my turbo....but I don't know if I am going to do this, I will have to talk to my friends to see if they're up for it or not

Thanks again.

 

hey hey now just cause I am not of age doesn't mean I can't knock a few back.

Back to the question at hand. If you are worried about screwing something up, I would take it to someone, if you have the patience and the peace of mind, and the time then go for it.

 

It is certainly a difficult and involved process. Myself I can do suspension swaps, motor swaps, cam installs, valve adjustments, turbo installs, etc....but I still wouldn't attempt motor building just yet.

I watched my friend do my motor and there are so many things you have to do with specific tolerances and whatnot. And there so many more tools that you need just for motor building. A Craftsman 300 piece set won't cut it.

I'll need to watch a few more builds before I attempt it myself.

 

in all actuality it's not that difficult. your are basically putting together a very precise puzzle & since you have a helms manual (you do have a helms..?) you just use that as your map.

I would personally say that you shouldn't attempt this unless you have the following items.

1. A beater
2. A decent size (clean) garage.
3. Tools! you better have a descent set.
4. MICS, and I don't mean the kind that go with a DJ. A descent machinist set is a must if your gonna do it right.
5. TIME. Don't think your gonna get everything done in a week or weekend esp. on the first one you do.

I have always had old blocks laying around so, I had taken those apart first to see how it all goes together.

I suggest doing it just so that you could learn something not too many people know how to do. It's a skill you can use your whole life I mean you may not always drive a turbo honda but your probably always gonna be able to use that knowledge on other things.

My .02$

 

LOL, this is jokes.

Honestly, if your gonna due it take your time, and make sure you have all the precision tools necessary for the job Mic,Torque wrench, plasti gauge...etc.

If you don't think you can handle it then don't take on the task, you'll probably end up regreting it half way through.

 

yeah, I don't want to get into a position where I am tired of doing it or I can't do it and then my car/engine is in pieces in my garage....I think I will take it to my mechanic and watch and help him....and hopefully learn a few things.

 

After reading everyones post I think I'm takin it to a shop to do it . How much is labor usually for piston and rings. Don't wanna get ripped off