Hi Everyone,

I finally managed to tear down the engine of my 1991. I decided since the car has been converted to right hand drive, its going to be in my collection for a long time. The transmission completely failed, so that is being rebuilt by Dana right now (unfortunately fedex cracked the case, so he is having to use a K case instead)
The engine was showing some signs of wear due to excessive blow by, oil mist gathering everywhere and a slight loss of power. Otherwise the car is in great shape. I thought that since the transmission is out, I can completely rebuild the internals of the engine, and have some fun while learning a lot about the engine this winter.

Going to be replacing the rings, bearings, lifters, valves and guides, timing chain and gears, gaskets, roller rockers, springs, injectors, engine mounts. Wondering if there is anything else you would suggest replacing while it is apart. Oil pump?

So far the internal condition has been ok, I think at worst are the engine mounts (completely destroyed and I assume this was the cause of driveline vibration I was feeling), and from the looks of it, worn rings.
The coolant chambers are completely filled with a red coating of some sort, doesnt really look like rust, but I assume this was leading to higher temperatures on the engine. If I can find a shop that can clean the block, I am not worried about this, but so far my search has not come up with someone who can hot tank the block, its just not common in Hong Kong.
The crank and pistons all look in good condition, the only slight uneven wear was shown on the rear main bearing, assume due to the alignment with the engine mounts putting excessive strain on this part of the engine.

The main concern I have is that there are no reputable machine shops in Hong Kong who can do a proper hone. In fact all of the garages I have spoken with said there wasn't even a need to hone, just clean up and install the new rings (as they do on all other cars, Porsche, Ferrari, Lambo all have said the same which has shocked me, unless the block is damaged they can do an oversize bore). I argued that there needs to be a hone in order to ensure the rings wear properly and seat according to my research.

I did notice upon closer inspection, the cross hatch in each cylinder bore is still visible. What could I be able to get away with here?

I want to do this proper, and if it does in fact need a hone, I will need to order all of the tools to do this.

Appreciate any and all feedback! Thank you!

 

There is a argument for that

http://www.snowvalley.20m.com/bikes/dnthone.htm

take what you will from it

 

Some of those exotics have hard plated liners and no they dont hone....let alone really wear out. Your sbc would benefit from it.

The motors are not placed 100 straight there is supposed to be some driveline angle to it.

Some of us in desperate (or young and broke times) have gotten a ball hone that fits on the end of a drill, do a poor mans hone ring/bearing etc. pieced them back together and gotten lucky.

 

You should try and find a good book on rebuilding small block Chevy's, and when you dissembled your motor you should have marked all your rod and piston's and mark all your main caps so they go back in the same place. I have rebuilt motors at home using a drill hone and had no problems. The one thing you do have to worry about is the ridge at the top of the cylinders. Good Luck.