Im thinking of building my own motor. I have never done it so I'm just wondering who else has done this successfully? I plan on doing lots of research before i do this but I just want to see what other people think who have done this.

Thanks.

 

get a helms and read it thoroughly before you attempt anything

 

There are some things that you simply won't be able to do, or it will be more efficient for a machine shop to do.

You definetly will need a helms manual for the torque settings and sequences,

this will also tell you how to install the rings (angles and such) and help you with any special things

Things that should be left to a professional for a first timer:
1.) Valve jobs / head work
2.) Honing / boring
3.) rod/piston assembly

the above will mostly require special tools or skills.

Most of the other stuff can be done by you, but you WILL have to follow EVERY step in the manual. and do plenty of research.


I just went throught the 2nd rebuild of a d16 motor.

The first time, I let the shop do the entire head (I sent them a complete assembled head, the returned to me a complete assembled head)
I also had them put together the bottom end. All I had to do, was put the head on the block, and install all the accessories, and misc stuff onto the motor.

The 2nd time, I dissassembled everything, sent a head to shop (with only valves installed) and a bare block & crank & rods. I am just now reassesmbling everything. It's a very tedious process.

I liked that the pros cleaned everything for me.

Now that I am doing this myslef, I have to clean everything. This part IS NOT FUN. and I suggest leaving that to the shop.

You have to keep you work area clean, and keep track of all your parts and where they go.

YOU WILL NOT REMEMBER WHERE THEY GO!

So bag & tag each set of nuts & Bolts

but at least you have the manual to help you out if you get lost.

If you are nervous, TAKE PICTURES and tag everything. You will not remember where some of the little hoses and stuff go.

 

If you don't have a manual, there are a few online:

I noticed your sig mentioned you have an EJ8

Check out

http://www.redpepperracing.com

and click on service manuals

 

I'm in the process of doing mine at the moment, got a big tool box full of sealy bags with all the nuts and bolts in

 

yeah i have a service manual. I have built and installed my turbo kit, tuned by myself, all my suspension. Everything on my car was done by myself. I have done valve jobs, changed headgaskets etc.

I think I have the skills and brains to do it, just want to know how peoples have turned out.

I'm very picky and **** about my car so things will checked for specs multiple times.

Thanks for the tips, im only really wanting to add rods and pistons, no head work will be done.


Modified by Civicman86 at 11:28 AM 5/18/2007