I just got a 96 b18c1 short block that was sitting without a head for a few months and there is major rust in above all pistons. Last night, I took every off the block but the pistons+rods. After taping with hammer a few times, I didn't see any movement on any of them. I know that if I use my 3lb hammer I will eventually get them out but I don't want to do more damage to the cylinders.

Here are my questions: Please take into account that I want to stay N/A and run probably CTR or ITR pistons/rods.

1) What would be the best way to get those pistons out with less damage on the walls? They are stuck with rust.

2) Most likely I assume the block will need to be bored. Can the head remain stock if I bore to a +0.25mm ?

3)While at the machine shop, I have the options of blasting or acid diping the block, turning the crank, balancing flywheel, pstions, rods.... Anything else I should consider?

4) I don't have a head yet. Can you please recommend a setup that would produce same power as a stock b18c5? I think it;s time to start calling the poor man/s type-r, the smart man's type-r

I really would greatly appreciate any feedback.

I just want a good motor with power. No drag, no auto-x, just a good daily driver (94 CX)

THANK YOU!!

 

Try heavily spraying the cylinder walls with penetrating oil, that should help get the pistons out without messing things up too bad. Chances are your rings are just rusted into the walls but the walls may be rusted enough to be holding the side of the pistons in place. But try to be at least somewhat delicate.

As for once you get the block to the machine shop, get the blocked cleaned, go for the overbored piston, and get the entire rotating assembly balanced