Am I crazy?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 91
From: Leander TX
Am I crazy?
I am thinking of starting my first every engine build up as my engine is getting tired at 155K original miles. I have changed out trannies and clutches in mustangs, changed out several things in my 85 vette like, rack and pinion, power stearing pump, fuel pumps and filter, brakes, heater core :mad , front bumper assembly and crash pad, headlight motors, hood (car was wrecked when I got it), alt, and my friends ac in his truck. Is an engine rebuild something that still may be alittle over my head? I have no idea, I am an engine virgin as I haven't done anything to an engine but change the valve cover gaskets.
You can check out what I am wanting to do as a rebuild at my other post "what do you think about rebuild kits"
[Modified by 85WHITEZ51, 3:32 PM 5/2/2002]
You can check out what I am wanting to do as a rebuild at my other post "what do you think about rebuild kits"
[Modified by 85WHITEZ51, 3:32 PM 5/2/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Am I crazy? (85WHITEZ51)
I don't think you are.
We all started someplace. If you have the tools and a place to work anything is possible.
There are many people on this forum that are happy to help you, if you ask nicely and don't come off as a smartbutt. Do you have anyone local that can help? I say go for it. A lot of the fun in owning hot cars and bikes is the hands on stuff.
We all started someplace. If you have the tools and a place to work anything is possible.
There are many people on this forum that are happy to help you, if you ask nicely and don't come off as a smartbutt. Do you have anyone local that can help? I say go for it. A lot of the fun in owning hot cars and bikes is the hands on stuff.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Am I crazy? (85WHITEZ51)
Are you crazy, well now, just how long have you been having these feelings...
Sounds like you're a gear head so only need some knowledge on the subject. An excellent starting point for an L98 is Dave Emanuel's book on SBC, at Amazon for about $15-$17.
I have a pretty good idea about doing the top end but haven't realy delved into what's up any lower. But Emanlel's book goes there too in case you intend to do most of the work except for speical machining. He even delves into what to demand from your machinest to help select a good one.
Kits may be fine but you still need a good machinest to align bore, hone and deck the block.
If you have the facilities, it sounds like a fun project, go for it.
Sounds like you're a gear head so only need some knowledge on the subject. An excellent starting point for an L98 is Dave Emanuel's book on SBC, at Amazon for about $15-$17.
I have a pretty good idea about doing the top end but haven't realy delved into what's up any lower. But Emanlel's book goes there too in case you intend to do most of the work except for speical machining. He even delves into what to demand from your machinest to help select a good one.
Kits may be fine but you still need a good machinest to align bore, hone and deck the block.
If you have the facilities, it sounds like a fun project, go for it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 91
From: Leander TX
Re: Am I crazy? (65Z01)
I have the facilities, my parents garge (sorry mom). I am in college right now but I go home twice a month to visit my 85 vette, opps I mean my parents, I drive the miata around here daily as people just don't know how to drive in San Marcos. I deffently have the desire to learn how to build engines but don't really have the money to build one then have it blow up and then build another. I understand where everything goes and what it does, my only concer is that I have no idea what torque specs to use and what variances are allowed between one part and another. For example, I don't know what size of gap is needed between bearings and their counter parts like the crank and canshaft. I know its really small but I don't know. I think that in order to have a good running engine that will last you have to get all that stuff just right. I will probally start this task sometime soon and just hope that you guys don't get tired of my , how do I do this posts.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 4
From: Guam
Re: Am I crazy? (vader86)
If you are not scared of getting grungy and documenting or even better videotaping everything as they come apart, then go for it. You need to get a couple of books on engine rebuilding and read up on all the main things to lookout for. You also need a good repair manual. I would get a factory repair manual for your particular year. Read that and then purchase a good torque wrench and basic hand tools. You may need some other specialized tools and a harmonic balancer puller. But you might be able to rent them from a local tool house. You might need to rent a parts washer also to ensure that the parts are very clean before assembly. An engine crane will also be needed if you are pulling the motor completely out. You might need to do that to be able to take the block down to the machine shop. Other than those few things, it is just alot of careful reading and inquiring on this forum. We will be glad to help you every inch of the way. Feel free to ask. Have fun! :chevy :seeya
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 91
From: Leander TX
Re: Am I crazy? (Sharky Guam)
Got a shop manual (that $100 red one from MAD which is year spacific)
Got all the tools but something to pull the engine with as my grandfather gave me all his old stuff, power tool galore, 3/8 and 1/2 drive sockets of all sizes, torx wrenches, etc. Only thing I would want but CAN"T get is a lift.
Got all the tools but something to pull the engine with as my grandfather gave me all his old stuff, power tool galore, 3/8 and 1/2 drive sockets of all sizes, torx wrenches, etc. Only thing I would want but CAN"T get is a lift.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Am I crazy? (85WHITEZ51)
You got the first item, a GM Shop Manual set for your car. Get the refs I mentioned, do some reading and you'll get a feel for what you want to do next.
If you've looked at the engine overhaul pics and text in the manual you already have some idea as to the precision and complexity involved.
Sure it's a learning curve, but that's life isn't it.
If you've looked at the engine overhaul pics and text in the manual you already have some idea as to the precision and complexity involved.
Sure it's a learning curve, but that's life isn't it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 1
From: Drive it Like You Hate it Cincinnati OH
Re: Am I crazy? (65Z01)
Also get a digital camera, or a polaroid will work. take pics of everything coming apart. I built my first engine last summer, It was awesome. See sig for details..It was for my old '89.
Go for it. Good Luck!
[Modified by FoolCrzy, 6:45 PM 5/2/2002]
Go for it. Good Luck!
[Modified by FoolCrzy, 6:45 PM 5/2/2002]
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Richardson Tx
Re: Am I crazy? (85WHITEZ51)
Your not nuts. It appears that you have the skill so go for it. Get yourself a good shop manual and you will need some special tools like pullers, and a good torque wrench. Machine shops are always helpful when you take the block in for line/cylinder boring and have the headwork done. Just pay close attention to what bolt you pulled out of where. Try to put them back in the same holes they came out of unless your having the block vatted. Take pictures or make drawings. I have even traced some parts onto a piece of cardboard and then punched the bolts through the tracing so I would not forget. Keep the rods, pistons and all parts separate so they go back in the same hole you took them out of and they are facing the exact same direction. I'd say go for it. You will find out it's really not that difficult and you will learn alot. The best part is hearing the engine that you built fire for the first time. I have built alot of engines and I still get that same feeling of satisfaction. I will be glad to help.
[Modified by Blue88, 1:17 PM 5/9/2002]
[Modified by Blue88, 1:17 PM 5/9/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 871
Likes: 1
From: Union KY
Re: Am I crazy? (85WHITEZ51)
No. You're not crazy...but it's maybe not the best idea you've ever had either. If you've never rebuilt a serious engine before and don't have a knowledgable tutor, you'll find that you will have learned how to build the next one right after you get yours back together.
Having built several engines - including two 8,500 RPM "go fasts", I would think twice before ripping into my LT4 By the way I have the space, tools and a GM manual. Sorry to rain on your parade, but I have the feeling some of those urgeing you forward couldn't do what they are suggesting you undertake. Cire96.
Having built several engines - including two 8,500 RPM "go fasts", I would think twice before ripping into my LT4 By the way I have the space, tools and a GM manual. Sorry to rain on your parade, but I have the feeling some of those urgeing you forward couldn't do what they are suggesting you undertake. Cire96.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
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From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Am I crazy? (65Z01)
Are you crazy, well now, just how long have you been having these feelings...
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Richardson Tx
Re: Am I crazy? (85WHITEZ51)
As suggested, if you have the space, tools, and plenty of time to do the job right then go for it. There are plenty of people here that can guide you and there is no single expert on engine rebuilding or giving great advice and I believe that is what cire96 is trying to tell you. Everyone has to start somewhere and there was always someone there to help with all of the questions. This is a terrific forum for experts or beginners.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 10
From: Montrose Colorado
Re: Am I crazy? (Blue88)
One other thought might be to pull the motor, strip to a long block, and have a reputable engine rebuilder build it to your specifications. Either way your still going to need a cherry picker and a motor stand. Good luck :smash:
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Crazy? You tell me! :crazy:
My '87 has just over 166k miles on it, and this is what the engine bay looked like about 3 or 4 weeks ago.
...actually the timing cover and lifters are still on/in in that shot. Those came out too, cam, timing set, everything.
As of this this week, this is what she looks like now....
Some people told me not to do it on the stock bottom end, some said go for it. I decided to go for it, and just hope it lasts until winter so I can save up for a 383 bottom end.
The car had GREAT oil pressure before tearing it down. Pulled hard and smooth across the RPM band. So I went for it and dug in.....
You will need a few specialty tools to really do the job right the first time. I am extremely lucky in that my father was a mechanic for over 17 years and has a huge tool collection of his own. Add in that he is now a Snap-On dealer and things get even easier.
So.... plan ahead before you start. Get everything you can think of ready. It would of taken me much less time to do this, but I've cleaned and refinished almost everypart, nut, and bolt that came off of the car.
My '87 has just over 166k miles on it, and this is what the engine bay looked like about 3 or 4 weeks ago.
...actually the timing cover and lifters are still on/in in that shot. Those came out too, cam, timing set, everything.
As of this this week, this is what she looks like now....
Some people told me not to do it on the stock bottom end, some said go for it. I decided to go for it, and just hope it lasts until winter so I can save up for a 383 bottom end.
The car had GREAT oil pressure before tearing it down. Pulled hard and smooth across the RPM band. So I went for it and dug in.....
You will need a few specialty tools to really do the job right the first time. I am extremely lucky in that my father was a mechanic for over 17 years and has a huge tool collection of his own. Add in that he is now a Snap-On dealer and things get even easier.
So.... plan ahead before you start. Get everything you can think of ready. It would of taken me much less time to do this, but I've cleaned and refinished almost everypart, nut, and bolt that came off of the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: Am I crazy? (85WHITEZ51)
I have no clue on what to do, but I can hold a camcorder, buy beer, and fetch tools like it is no one's business. If you decide to tackle this one on and need an extra pair of hands, give me a call. And if it helps, I can also order pizza.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 381
Likes: 8
From: NORTH WEST PA
Re: Am I crazy? (VetteNoob)
Did my first one at 16 mostly out of curiosity and I always loved tinkering. What I found out was ... if you have a good memory, putting it back together is just the opposite of taking it apart. If something doesn't want to come apart you probably missed a bolt, if it won't go back together a closer look does less damage then a big hammer. And some of the best thing I have learned were by observing and/or just giving it a try. Sounds to me like you're well on your way, and your hooked up with a good group of people who are knowledgeable and willing to help. A good reference manual is very useful ... and don't worry about any left over parts ... ya probably didn't need em nyway.
Good Luck
Brian
Good Luck
Brian
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa CA
Re: Am I crazy? (85WHITEZ51)
I'm right there with you!! I have an 85 also and just this weekend will put it up on blocks. Even though I am starting out with the rear end (bearings, shocks, bushings, etc.), I'll be tearing into the motor real soon. I've only recently started really working on motors, but I don't mind giving it a try! I only wish I knew more about what mods will get me where I want to be!! I spend a lot of time reading through archived messages and visiting performance web sites to say the least.
I'll be taking plenty of digital photos of everything I do and will email if interested.
I'll be taking plenty of digital photos of everything I do and will email if interested.
I am thinking of starting my first every engine build up as my engine is getting tired at 155K original miles.
[Modified by 85WHITEZ51, 3:32 PM 5/2/2002]
[Modified by 85WHITEZ51, 3:32 PM 5/2/2002]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 91
From: Leander TX
Re: Am I crazy? (VetteNoob)
vettenoob thanks for the offer. If you are still around this time next year I WILL take you up on your offer. I am just starting to get my research on the project done so I can start ordering parts as money comes in. Being a college student (1 year left) I don't get to much money so I am going to buy parts here and there as I get it. I will wind up with an engine rebuild kit, new cam, new crank, vortec heads, MR III, hooker or TPIS headers, 1.5 or 1.6 roller rockers, 52 mm throttle body, all new injectors and sensors hopefully by this time next year so I can start the project, that is unless I get a good job between now and then. I just can't seem to get hired in San Marcos. Nobody wants a 23 college senior working for them as I think they are afraid they will have to pay me to much. Heck I am willing to work for peanuts right now so I can pay my insurance bill next month. But, I will call as soon as I start.
By the way, I got the LT-1 covers this week and am thinking of starting that project as soon as I get the car to SM, I will let you know when I start it.
By the way, I got the LT-1 covers this week and am thinking of starting that project as soon as I get the car to SM, I will let you know when I start it.