Alright, due to outrageous installation costs, ill probably end up getting a piston ring compressor and putting my pistons in myself. Ill have the shop punch the block out .0020 over, micropolish the crank and clean it all. What precautions should i take when putting the rings on the pistons, putting the wrist pin in, and finally installing the rod\piston combo with bearings? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks fellas,

-Nick-

 

Have the shop put the pistons on the rods for you, unless you have a press and the right fitting. Make sure the ring orientation is correct (follow the schematics in the helms), be generous with the assembly lube on the bearings. It's up to how you lube the pistons. Some say use oil and make sure the cylinder walls are well oiled. Personally I install the pisons in the bores with a little bit of wd-40 instead of oil. In my experience as well as several guys I've talked with, this tends to help the rings seat sooner.

 

They wanted $1125 for, .0020 overbore, micropolish crank, install rods\pistons, balance reciprocating mass, then additional for seals\bearings... ridiculous

 

Don't forget to set the ring gaps.

 

remember...an engine is only as good as the builder...if you cant afford a possible mistakes...then pay someone and do it right the first time.

 

What should they be set at?

 

that shop sux. too expensive. end gaps should b at .011-.015. the bigger the bore the more end ring gap. if i remember correctly. i used tranny fluid for my piston install. tranny fluid sticks to parts better than conventional oil.