I plan on dropping in some pistons when I do the 120K tuneup, but I'm skeptical about pulling the block. I can't have my car down since it is my daily driver, so that's why I'm comtemplating to pulling the head and oil pan, and dropping in the pistons from there. I know a lot of people say this isn't the "right" way to build a motor, but I think it would be ok as long as I honed the walls. I think Omniman did the same thing in his 200whp project if that means anything. Any input from people who have done this? It would help me out greatly.

 

thats how mine were done, by a very reputable shop that posts on this board often. havent had any probems at all. they did it the same way.

 

Did you use OEM or aftermarket pistons?

 

One of my very good friends built his engine this way, runs great. Another of my friends is in the process of rebuilding his engine this way.

 

How would I check rod bearing clearances though?

 

plastigue works even if you are lookin up at it

if you are building it this way....then you are assuming there is nothing wrong with the crank......so reuse bearings or use new same color bearings.....and torque it to spec

 

with all the work to take the head off and drop the oil pan, why not just pull the whole thing.

 

It's ok to reuse bearings? I'd rather buy new same color bearings, but then I might be screwed if the dealership doesn't have them, and my car will be down. There's no other way to know what color rod bearings I have other than checking the crank itself right?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LsVtec92Hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">with all the work to take the head off and drop the oil pan, why not just pull the whole thing.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm trying to do this in a weekend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ti3d in &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's ok to reuse bearings? I'd rather buy new same color bearings, but then I might be screwed if the dealership doesn't have them, and my car will be down. There's no other way to know what color rod bearings I have other than checking the crank itself right?</TD></TR></TABLE>

usually motor rebuilds require more time and attention than just one weekend .....your gonna need to know the bearing codes ahead of time becauase usually thats a special order part....also working on weekends leaves you assed out if you need something and the dealership is closed.....as far as im aware you can only find out by looking at the crank....your car will be down at least 3-4 days for this.....sorry to break it to you

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LsVtec92Hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">with all the work to take the head off and drop the oil pan, why not just pull the whole thing.</TD></TR></TABLE>

true for him since hes at 120k...but if your at like say 1k miles on a fresh build...just rings never seated...u could save a hundred bucksalmost..no need for a new HG

 

um, once you pull the head, you need a new headgasket.