LS/VTEC Bottom End
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: San Diego, I miss Chicago, but love SD, CA, US of fuckin A
LS/VTEC Bottom End
Ok so I'm building an LS/VTEC for my EJ. I don't have the funds to completely build the bottom end at this point and everywhere I see info on the LS/VTEC people always say to at least replace the rod bolts with ARP. So this is the plan, but I've run into a problem. Obviously these bolts have to be pressed in, not a big deal, just a few more $ for the machine shop. But I also read that pressing these in will distort the big end and I will have to have the rods machined. So more $ (I wasn't expecting to spend) and then I have to order new bearings (more $) Basically pulling the whole bottom end apart. Now I want to do this right so my plan is to:
-Replace the rod bolts with ARP
-Replace rod bearings
-Replace main bearings
-Replace piston rings
If there is anything I should add or that I don't need to do let me know.
I'm just concerned about the machining to the rods. I know the rods are marked 1-4 depending on the size of the big end bore. So if I understand it correctly once I have the ARP bolts pressed in to the rods I would have them machine .006mm (the tolerance increment if I'm not mistaken) out of the big end and use a bearing as if the rod was the next number up? So if I have any rods stamped 4 with a D on the rod journal code I would be fucked if I understand correctly. I'm just a little confused on ordering the bearings when having the big end bore expanded. And now with this I'm thinking I should just wait to finish this build until I have the $ to build the bottom end, which puts me between a rock and a hard place because I have t have the car out of the garage its in before midwest winter hits and I have no $. Any suggestions, experience with this build is appreciated. **** at this point I'm even considering leaving the bottom end alone (LS rod bolts and all) and just being gentle with her until more $ comes around.
My frustration with this build just went through the roof and I'm not even really working on the car yet. I need someone to chime in and hopefully shed so light on hope in this situation.. TY!
-Replace the rod bolts with ARP
-Replace rod bearings
-Replace main bearings
-Replace piston rings
If there is anything I should add or that I don't need to do let me know.
I'm just concerned about the machining to the rods. I know the rods are marked 1-4 depending on the size of the big end bore. So if I understand it correctly once I have the ARP bolts pressed in to the rods I would have them machine .006mm (the tolerance increment if I'm not mistaken) out of the big end and use a bearing as if the rod was the next number up? So if I have any rods stamped 4 with a D on the rod journal code I would be fucked if I understand correctly. I'm just a little confused on ordering the bearings when having the big end bore expanded. And now with this I'm thinking I should just wait to finish this build until I have the $ to build the bottom end, which puts me between a rock and a hard place because I have t have the car out of the garage its in before midwest winter hits and I have no $. Any suggestions, experience with this build is appreciated. **** at this point I'm even considering leaving the bottom end alone (LS rod bolts and all) and just being gentle with her until more $ comes around.
My frustration with this build just went through the roof and I'm not even really working on the car yet. I need someone to chime in and hopefully shed so light on hope in this situation.. TY!
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b16vtecsol
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Mar 28, 2004 07:49 AM