Engine Rebuild

Engel · Jun 4, 2011

Hello all, I have what should be an easy question for y'all. I am rebuilding my stock motor this fall. What is a good rebuild kit? Also, what else should I replace? I have seen mention of "valves" as well thats not included in a rebuild kit. I would like to have some strong head gaskets as well, in case I decide to turbo the engine later (only to 450hp), because I cannot afford a boss block as well. Any help is truly appreciated.

Does anyone have any labor estimates as well? I hear a engine rebuild should run about 2000$ in labor. Is this a good estimate?

Thanks,

Josh

revhead347 · Jun 4, 2011

Check out some of the kits on Late Model Restoration Supply. You might just look into getting a complete short block there. Short block machine work should be well under a grand. For stock head rebuilds, look into getting a set of thumper performance heads. They offer ported heads with better valve springs for about the same price as a set of rebuilt heads. New valves are generally not necessary. If you are really looking into a stronger block, and I'm not sure if you are, there are a good number of A4, R302 used 4 bolt blocks on the Corral classifieds.

Kurt

Engel · Jun 4, 2011

thanks. my plan is to rebuild the engine for reliability now (cheaply as possible), but also allow the option for a turbo later on down the road (<450hp). Is there any reason I cannot re-use the stock heads? Again, I would just like to "boost" my way there if I decide to go for more later on.

revhead347 · Jun 4, 2011

If you are considering boost down the road, then you're going to want to go with a forged set of pistons. It's not a huge step in up in price, but it is not as cheap as possible. There is no reason you can't use the stock heads. Thumper sells ported E7 heads for around $650/pair with core exchange which includes a full rebuild. If you rebuild your stock heads, you are looking at $300 for machine work, $140 for new valve springs, plus incidentals like valve guides, valve seals, and valve spring keepers. It comes about to almost the same price, so you are better off getting the Thumper heads for the money. A little port and bowl work, goes a long way on stock heads. There are guys putting down 300 rwhp N/A with the Thumper heads. Not saying you are going to do that with stock compression and a stock cam, but just as a comparison for the flow capabilities of the those heads.

Kurt

KamiKaziDK · Jun 5, 2011

Have you run a compression test on all the cylinders? Why do you want to rebuild?

Engel · Jun 5, 2011

I am going to do a compression test first, but main reason for rebuild is reliability (its a daily driver). All the accessories and sensors on the engine have been replaced recently. At 150k miles I replaced the head gaskets and checked compression (few years ago). The engine now has 200k+ miles on it, along with a stock oil pump.

I don't have 30k to drop on a new 5.0, so I figure I stick with what I have

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Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

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Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

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