Another rebuild thread
 

So, my car is running ok but compression numbers are a bit low and I'm definitely burning oil. It's time for new rings and a minor rebuild to beef up the bottom end a bit. My goals are modest. I'm at 12 psi now and I'll bump that up to maybe 14 after the rebuild which should put me at the limits of my 2560

Hardware planned:
Stock pistons + Toga rings
ETD rods

What supporting hardware do I need (bearings?), and/or can I purchase a kit with everything i need?

Labor:
?????

I'm not planning on doing any of the labor. I'm not sure what a realistic estimate would be for hardware + labor. I'd like to keep the total under $1500, closer to $1200 if possible.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

In terms of a "complete kit", one option I'm aware of would be Belfab:
http://www.belfabracing.com/product_...f0a881395360c0

That package includes forged pistons, which may not be desirable in your application, however you might call and inquire about customizing the package. Bearing purchases (and for that matter, piston purchases) would ideally be delayed until after the engine is torn down and measurements have been taken.

In terms of "supporting hardware", I don't think you need anything exotic apart from what you've already mentioned. Even the rods are debatable, though they're not horribly expensive. I'd budget for the usual maintenance items such as a water pump & timing belt kit, perhaps a new oil pump, obviously you'll be needing a complete seal & gasket package (front and rear main, head, cams, CAS). It would also be a good time to do the transmission front seal while you've got access to it. There's much debate as to the re-usability of head bolts. Personally, I splurged for a new ARP set while I had my head off.

Have on hand a full set of hoses, most critically the heaters hoses as you'll probably want to cut the old ones off the heater core, rather than risk damaging it.

Labor, of course, is going to kill you. Even if all they do is run a hone through the bores, I'd expect to blow most of your $1,200 budget on labor alone.

FM sells a full rebuild kit, though I'd rather go through the machine shop for the bearing and rings.

What are you going to do for the head?

Thanks Joe. That kit is way more than I need for my app, but it's a good recourse and I'll talk to them about something more appropriate for my needs. I did pick up the timing belt kit and associated seals so I'm good to go there!

Hmm, I asked about this in another thread and the reply suggested, other than the bearings, hardware first which I assumed included pistons.

I've never had a problem with FM so I'm not opposed to going to them. Their prices are just higher than other sources. IIRC, the kit they offer is a stock rebuild, complete with a timing belt replacement kit, but doesn't come with pistons or rings. I'm pretty sure my rings are FUBAR. I'll buy them from whatever reputable source that will sell me something beefier then stock at a reasonable price.

Not planning any work for the head atm.

You asked for a kit, FM is the most complete kit I know of. I didn't buy it, FWIW.

The oil consumption could be in the head, have you determined 100% that it's the rings?

Rods, pumps and gaskets I'd buy whenever, pistons rings and bearings I'd buy after looking at the block, you never know what it looks like untill you actually look.

I'm reasonably sure, dating back to an incident that happened when I still had my GReddy. My compression numbers are between 150-160 before adding oil, then rise to 180-190 after oil. I have since plugged every hole I could get to but those plumes of white smoke coming from my tail pipe under hard acceleration are really annoying.

Regardless, I've been wanting to get the block work and bottom end work done for awhile so those are the plans that have been in the works. The oil consumption issue just pushed those plans up since pistons and rings aren't that big of a deal throw in. If it turns out to be the head, I'll get it taken care of but I haven't planned any modifications to the head for my application.

The reason I include pistons is that you are complaining about excessive oil consumption and have pinned it on a leakage in the vicinity of the rings. It's quite possible that the rings themselves may simply be in need of replacing and that everything else is fine. It's also possible that the cylinder walls have been damaged or are past the wear limit. If this is the case, then it will be necessary to machine the bores one step oversize, thus necessitating overbore pistons.

While you're in there, replace the valve stem seals. Cheap insurance.

Makes sense. Guess I won't know till I crack it open so I might as well wait on the pistons and rings and plan on having a bit of down time while I figure out what hardware I need. BTW, I called Belfab and they are definitely willing to work with the customer.

Thanks again Joe.