Is it possible to install new pistons and rods with the engine in the car? Just wondering about building up my engine in the future for more turbo boost.

 

its possible.
but to do the job properly you should remove the engine and have the cylinders honed, or else the rings may not seal

 

So, If the engine has 70K and is otherwise ok, Do you really need to do that? Can you just swap pistons for new ones? I suppose if youre gonna rebuild though you may as well change the oil pump and other parts while in there. So, Does it pay to do a total rebuild or just buy a built engine from JE Engineering and sell my stock engine?

torin

 

Depending on what piston you use- yes it can be done in the car. It would be more of a freshening up job than a rebuild. IF you buy aftermarket pistons- they usually require larger clearances than honda pistons. This would require honing. However, you should be able to slap new honda pistons in with no problem- just be sure the cylinder walls arent gouged and that you can see the crosshatch as well. This shouldn't be a problem with 70K miles. Why are you rebuilding at such a low mileage?

 

Yeah it can be done in place but apart from the issues mentioned above, it makes it rather hard to accurately plastigauge the bearing clearances, and since you're putting new rods in, you will need to do that.

LX02

"But Lisa...just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand!" -Homer J. Simpson


[Modified by LX02, 11:48 AM 12/10/2001]

 

this would be for a total rebuild to go with more boost on turbo.

 

Just pull the motor...its not that much work especially when compared to rebuilding the motor.

 

If you leave the motor in, it will be more difficult than it has to. You won't be able to remove the crank and plasti gauge it. When you hone you will have to make sure to protect the crank. If you do pull the motor, it will be worlds easier if you use one of the weight transfer bars, cause the motor/trannt comes out (goes in)at a steep angle. HTH

 

It could be done, but the risk of the rings not to seat well is still there. I did it a few times and got away with it.