turns out the engine builder I wanted to use does not build engines anymore so if anything goes wrong he cant be blamed. So im stuck either (a) building it myself (b) getting a shop to assemble it (c) sell everything and save up for an already assembled engine. The engine in question is a all motor LS. So , how was everyones first time doing their own build? Im pretty scared to do it myself, so any info would be great.

 

My first build was my favorite.
Now everything is rush, rush, rush.

First build and swap I did a B20vtec in 2001 and she's still in my hatch today.
Runs STRONG!

DIY

 

do it ur self you will enjoy it more when it runs and you can say "I built it my self"

just study everything real good and make sure u understand it before touching anything and stay neat keep track of every thing and the best way to do that is dont have to many people working on it just get help for the things one person cant do and dont rush it thats how you make mistakes is the best advice I have for you

 

i will be the only one working on it until its ready to go in. that way i know exactly what was done. everything is already apart and will be machined. All ill have to do is assemble. Only thing is, ive never plastigauged or installed rings or pistons before. Can anyone ease my mind??

 

I had a shop build my B20VTEC and tune it. It last a couple of months then they blamed me. I'm not sure how that works....but screw them. Anyhow, I picked the parts from 3 wrecked type R's and built my own B18C5 with the help of a guy in town that builds turbo setups. I was nervous with my first as well, but I knew the engine theory, and he showed me the Honda-specific stuff.

If you don't have someone that can help you like that, then buy this DVD:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread/1319890
It will come in handy for a first time builder. Lots of tips and tricks for B-series engine building. I went in on it with 4 people to keep the cost down.

But the basic things are keep it clean, very clean, and buy yourself some decent tools. I like to tear it down and send the parts to a machine shop for cleaning, even if I'm just honing and replacing rings. It just makes it that much easier to work on. You'll need some stuff like a thin/deep 14mm socket, a <u>good</u> torque wrench, feeler gauges, plastigauge, gasket scraper, some latex gloves, lint free cloth, lots of brake cleaner, and new OEM gaskets.

 

I'd really love to be able to build my next motor, a b20vtec, by myself. I just don't have the knowledge though. I could buy a helms, but I'm worried that because with mixing and matching parts from different motors it would throw off the torque specs, clearances, etc. Anyone have any input on this? Or advice on where to find all the clearances, torque specs, etc for building motors?

 

sockets i have all kinds, torque wrench im picking up this week, have to look into feeler gauges and a gasket scraper, plastigauge will be this week, as well as latex gloves. Brake cleaner i got and OEM gaskets ill buy when i get everything back from machining.

Thanx for the movie link, ill be sure to pick one up. TTT for more replies!!!

also if anyone has a link or good tips on how to plastigauge and install bearings, you'll be my hero

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integra_dude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">also if anyone has a link or good tips on how to plastigauge and install bearings, you'll be my hero</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'd also like to know what are the gaskets, bearings and seals that are good to change when doing a re-build

Im thinking of also doing a complete build by myself from scratch and have never done one before so ya I guess it was a good question to ask for you

 

the machining done will be: block cleaned and honed. arp rod bolts pushed in, micropolished crank, and the head will be getting a p+p, milled 0.03, and 3 angle valve job.

i think the part im most scared off, is the rings and bearings.

I have the Haynes manual, are there any other tech books that would help me out?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 91Civic_Joe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I'd also like to know what are the gaskets, bearings and seals that are good to change when doing a re-build

Im thinking of also doing a complete build by myself from scratch and have never done one before so ya I guess it was a good question to ask for you</TD></TR></TABLE>
from what ive researched, i ended up getting a full top and bottom end gasket set, for bearings: thrust, rod, and crank. and for seals: valve seals

if im wrong someone please correct me, cuz it would help me to

 

If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself.
Have an extra $500 for specialty tools youll need to rebuild your engine and take your time...
Practice makes perfect and by the 3rd engine you assemble, itll be cake

 

My thread on my very first engine build is below.

Take your time and if there's anything you don't understand either research, ask online or call a machine shop and ask questions.

Anyways my engine build thread is pretty much a start to finish, step by step process of what's required. Look through it and depending on how you feel after reading everything, you'll know if your ready of not.

Anyways here's the thread warning nuff pics https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1607658

 

I would love to build my motor myself.. I just don't know a whole lot about clearances so I'm kinda scared to start messing around with them.. I'm still searching around to learn more on it though

 

i would love to DIY motor work but i just dont have the room at my house or driveway so im getting a shop to install and work on my engine

 

eg-b20vtec is building mine. i dont trust myself to do it, i trust him more than myself. i know if i did it than my **** will be FUCKED UP!! i think if u have someone u can trust and is willing to do it for a good price than have someone else build it, jus make sure u know this person well and trust their knowledge. but, if u dont know anyone u can trust to do it right and want to learn urself and have common sense (which i dont) then go for it.

 

why would you need 500 dollars for specialty tools..... a platinum plated torque wrench?

 

Building engines is easy, just RTFM and don't take any shortcuts.

Helms manual explains all.


I thought this thread had to do with sex before I opened it, LOL

Edit: Wait, I thought I was in GDD. lol

 

the helms will help alot. but also the omni 200hp dvd will help too. its nice to see things like putting on the piston rings & using the plastigauge done in the movie, its a lot easier to understand then by just looking at pictures in the helms.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NathanielH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">why would you need 500 dollars for specialty tools </TD></TR></TABLE>

That's a more realistic dollar value than you think!!
I dove head first into a b20vtec build and the unexpected costs for tools and supplies adds up. Torque wrenchs, stretch guide, micrometers, snap gauges, sockets...blah,blah,blah. I would do it all over again though. Always DIY!

 

ill probably get the videos and im getting a snap-on torque wrench, plasti gauge, and piston ring compressor. Ive decided to get all the machine work done, then build it over winter. mid september im going to take a 3 week mechanics course, just so i feel a little bit more confident before taking it on.

this is the mosat replies ive ever gotten to one of my threads, this is great

TTT for more replys

 

did u check out my thread? It'll really help you out with any questions you may have.

 

my first time i nutted in 1 minute

 

micrometers, snap guages, or a dial bore guage, a GOOD torquewrench,ring compressors/expanders, valvespring compressor, an engine hoist just to name a few...
When I built my first engine, i bought the tools as i needed them. Theres a ton more im forgetting im sure. Just trying to make the point that there will be unexpected costs. If your not comfortable, get a friend to help you or just hire someone you can trust...
Good luck wit the build!

 

first build: LS/VTEC
result:

"it was horrible... coolant and oil everywhere"

to that and the two others i attempted before finally getting it right

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by wildoutwhitegsr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">did u check out my thread? It'll really help you out with any questions you may have.</TD></TR></TABLE>
ya, i did check itout . thanks alot. Im hoping the class i attend will help ease my mind with things im still scared to death of (bearings). and also tell me what tools will be needed. I havea good list going from this thread, but as stated, there are lots to be needed when the time comes...so i guess i know what im asking for for my birthday . thanx everyone, TTT for more