If I resleeve it to 2.0L (84 or 84.5?) should I still use the stock rods, or switch to aftermarket?

 

since your already there..might as well...

 

Stock rods will hold up fine but just as 10K2HVN said if you got the money why not.....

 

i agree with both of these guys. Stock rods would work, but if you're going to spend all these money on a 2 liter block, why not get aftermarket rods to be on the safe side.

 

Yeah, I agree w/ you guys. what brand would you recommend, and approximately how much would they cost?

also, does GE assemble your block for you?

 

I would just go with some Eagle rods, they'll hold up fine for most NA applications... If you are planning on boostin over say 14lbs.+ then I would consider Crower 4340 steel billet rods, they are a bit stonger... You should be able to pick up some Eagle's for ~$400, the Crowers I meantioned run a bit more at ~$700 for a complete set... As for GE, I've worked with many of them but never have had them assemble a block for me and I'm not even sure if they do.... I prefer to mic/assemble them myself but that's just my opinion... Good Luck

 

try to contact http://www.exospeed.com for those ESP rods for your b18c motor, i believe they sell them for 365 or so. ask for Wil or John

 

well if your gonna go to exospeed to get rods..might as well get there sleeving too..or you can go straight to RS Machine and get it sleeved and get RS Machine Rods as well...only $350!

 

Eagle rods are a little cheaper, but Crower Econobillets are a little lighter. I would advise one of those two for NA applications, and the I-beam Crowers for beefier apps.

 

yeah might as well go the RS sleeves with exospeed too. Exospeed are pretty close with RS machine. so i'm pretty sure Wil would give you a good deal on ESP rods and the sleeves.

 

thanx for the info, so how hard is it to assemble a block? Ive never done it before, but Im pretty good w/ tools, and Id trust myself with proper guidance. Is the helms manual enough to help me through the process?

 

Not hard at all.. For the pistons make sure you install them the correct way along with the rings postion, plastigauge all the bearings to check their clearances then torque to spec.... I'm sure if you get ur hands on a Helms manual or if you already have one you'll have no problem at all... Good Luck

 

Helms manual

 

alright, looks like these finger nails are going to be black for a while...

 

if you dont know how, assist a real tech. thats how you learn.