I am really learning about engines and have began working on mine. I am wondering if you need to take the block out to install pistons or if you just need to pop the head off and you can do it that way?

 

http://www.brcperformance.com/installation2001.html use as guideline not instructions, go buy a manual and find out

 

I have heard many ways of doing this.I was at my friends house when he was installing them..He had no way to get the **** out so he just read over some manuals(helms) and went to work on his block.I would buy a manual and do a search over this so you will find out what precautions to take when doing it from the engine bay.


[Modified by T3, 4:27 PM 2/18/2003]

 

Are you just replacing the pistons on the stock rods? Or replacing both pistons and rods?
Either way, it would be best for the block to be out of the car. This would help you with many things-
1. easy access to the underside of the block to remove rod bolts etc and slide pistons out. And vice versa when installing.
2. Its going to be pretty crammed trying to do it all under the car, I wouldn't recommend it. Even if you have someone helping up top.
3. If replacing rings and pistons, it would be best to get the block honed. If you are replacing rods as well, you would want to get new bearings and check clearances.

The list goes on, it's easiest and best when reworking the block to definitely have it out of the car and on an engine stand

 

Is it always necessary to replace new bearing, if they look smooth and fresh even done 70,000 miles??

 

IMO opinion if you have the motor apart, it would be worth it to replace or at least check clearances. Since most of the people on this site build their cars for some type of racing, I would think its cheap insurance to make sure you have fresh bearings.

 

its always the best to remove the block and set it on a engine stand. take it to a machine shop first have it all bored or hones out. or if your skilled enough do it by hand with the PROPER TOOLS.. you want to take the block all apart also and check for potentially hazerdous problems that might be lurking inside your motor. my 2 cents.