Re: New pistons (archive)

I read all previous posts and do appreciate the input. This whole project started as a do-it-yourself project but quickly overwelmed me. The main reason for this feeling is lack of resources or manuals on how to proceed. Torq specs, clearances, measurements, etc...The ability to re-torq the crank hub is one such stumbling block. Another would be balancing the crankshaft - flywheel assembly.

Sir, if you have these types of instruction (step by step) to help me put this engine back together I would GREATLY appreciate the details. You can e-mail me at pm179@yahoo.com.

Recap -
The head has been refurbished by F. Fahey

Cams in good shape (visually speaking)

The car has been towed to a local, specialty shop
They measured the piston/block clearance & report 11 thousandths (2-4 is spec?)

9K to rebuild with new pistons only - boring block of course. Also new hoses, lines, gaskets crank gear. Reusing old block, crank, head, cams & cam tray, etc...

Thank you,

Michael

Michael:

I wonder if you got my earlier post on costs. It should be with the earlier thread.

Where is the block now? If you already have the head off, taking the block out is really not that bad. Seriously, you should be able to see 99% of what you have to remove to take it out and assess for yourself. Go take a look and see what you think. The other thing about taking the block out that is good is that you can teach yourself how to do it more safely than putting things back together as you're doing disassembly and not assembly, where mistakes can be pricey. Don't let having to take the block out stop you.

I have a lot of write-ups on S38 assembly. Let me know if you'd like some help on this. Good luck and remember that though the S38 is a special engine it is _just_ an engine. Don't let the mystique make you break the bank.

Neil Deshpande - started assembly on S38 yesterday!
http://www.neilwerke.com

***

Remember me...9grand for a bottom end rebuild? Needless to say I'm still trying to figure out what to do.

Here's a question...IF the cylinders are fine (only piston wear) can(or should) you put in new pistons WITHOUT boring the block. This would save a ton of $$$ because the block can be left in the car. Honing the cylinders can be done in the car, along with changing the bearings, etc...

If the answer is no, please say why. I'm just trying to gather as much info as possible.

Also, as an update...I did talk to Frank Fahey and he can rebuild the bottom end, and reassemble the top end for around 6-7K. Not bad BUT no warranty. He said he has never needed to provide a warranty but it bothers me, especially since I have to ship it across counrty (east coast to west coast & back). I talked to Jim at Metric Mechanics...price is higher but has some warranty, $8,500, also assembled and ready to drop in car.

I am now waiting on a dealer price for a new bottom end. Pray for me :)

Michael

Follow Ups:

Re: New pistons Neil Deshpande 21:23 9/11/2001 (0)

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