Well I have a chance to pick up a 90 Si Prelude for a really low price, but the only catch is one piston isn't seeing the right compression due to a worn piston ring. So I called around and a general price i'm getting is 1200. And since this will be my first ever Prelude I have no idea if that's a straight price or not. So all in all I was just wondering if you guys could let me know if I was getting ripped off or not. Also if I really wanted to, how hard would it be to replace the rings by myself. I've never done piston rings before but I am mechanically inclined with access to pneumatic (spelling?) tools, and any other kind of tool I could need, pretty much. Anyways, thanks for any responses I get ahead of time!

 

$1200?! Wowzers, Brain! I know it's usually $500 just for cracking open the block, so I'm gonna have to say that's expensive! It's not too hard to change the rings, if you're mechanically inclined and have a good set of hand tools. Off the top of my head, you'll need a new set of rings (do 'em all while you're in there), a set of hand tools, torque wrench, ring compressor, file and feeler guages new head gasket....I'm not sure if you're block needs to be honed or anything while it's out; another 3rd gen owner will need to help you out w/ that question.

 

So I should try and shop around for different prices if I don't do this myself, and i'm going to NEED a new head gasket!?

 

Yeah, I'd def. shop around first; that way you don't get stuck w/ a job you haven't done before, and their work is guaranteed. If you do it yourself, then yes; a new headgasket must be used.

 

What is the engine code on the motor, could make a big difference on what you can do...3gdude

 

do u know what piston it is??? if so just take the head off with the oil pan. then undo the rod bolt and tap the piston and rod out. take it to a shop for new rings.slide the piston back in retorque the rod bolts. reattach oil pan. put on new head gasket, put head back on. fill with oil. have fun...

i probable missed some lil things, but that's the main points.

 

another option could be to just buy a swap..i mean you can get an h22 longblock and ecu for like 1400...and youd be jumping from like 135hp to 200...just depends on what you want..and yes, doing rings inst to bad..but you should also probably have the cylinders honed also when putting in new rings...id research all your options and or maybe lok arouind a bit more,,btw what are you paying for this lude, you may want to look at the 92 -96s you can find some really good deals on them, and theyre a little bit more refined..again just some suggestions...in the end its all up to you..later

 

the cost of the h22a would put him over the top. mounts/axles/swap labor looking at around $4000.


as for $1200, that's not bad at all. usually this requires the removal of the motor, tear down then reinstall. you won't find much better then $1200.

if you're going to replace the rings, have all of them replaced, not just the one like mentioned above. machine shop would be in order as well for the honing.

 

since when has it been necessary to pull the motor to just replace the rings? yank the head off and the oil pan and you can get to everything you need.

 

the proper way to replace rings is to hone the block.

what is the point of changing out rings on an original 1990 motor and leaving the stock sleeves untouched?

there are plenty of different ways to do most things. there is the short cut and there is the right way. at least there's always a choice.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bgod &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the proper way to replace rings is to hone the block.

what is the point of changing out rings on an original 1990 motor and leaving the stock sleeves untouched?

there are plenty of different ways to do most things. there is the short cut and there is the right way. at least there's always a choice.</TD></TR></TABLE>
exactly, you can always shortcut stuff, and you end up doing it again one way or another, and secondly..hes mechanically inclined, putting in a motor isnt rocket science, it kills me how many people pay 500-1000 just to have someone drop in thier motor..its crazy..and the swap was just an idea..relax

 

well because of money I will be taking the shortcut and just pull the one piston and replace that ring. I know it's not the best idea, but it should be enough for a while. Thanks for your advice guys.