im trying to install these pistons i just got the block hone and piston rings and bearings on. if i put the pistons in the cyclinder it will scratch up the inside and i might have to rehone it. should i take it to the shop or do it my self. what are your experience with this. please help out.

 

Take it to the shop. If they mess it up, they will have to pay for it!

 

Trust me, your not going to scratch the cylinder walls by installing the pistons. Just get a ring compressor and do it yourself. Put the rings on the pistons, put the compressor around the piston and compress it so that the bottom half of the piston is hanging out of the compressor. Stick the piston in the cylinder and make sure the arrow on the top is pointing to the timing belt. Tap the top of the compressor so it sits flush on the top of the cylinder. Then just hit the top of the piston with the bottom of a hammer handle and in it goes. You'll probably want to get a helms manual before you go about assembling your block. It will walk you through the whole thing.

 

Also, use a little motor oil on everything before trying to assemble the block. And MAKE SURE not to use synthetic oil while breaking it in.

 

Motor oil isn't really enough. You need to buy a good assembly lube. I recomend Neo assembly lube. It's worked great for me on 3 engine rebuilds.

 

Make sure you line your ring gaps up the proper way!!!

 

how much you think the shop will charge for something like this.