Is this safe/a good idea? (engine rebuild)

[BlueOvalStangGT]

Looks like im gonna have to rebuild my shortblock. Originally i was planning on finding a used shortblock but a freind suggested this to me. He can get me all the parts for cheap so it would be about the same price as a used shortblock. He also has a freind who did a rebuild like this and 16k miles later and blown its still running hard. He suggested to just take my shortblock apart and just rebuild it with new bearings, freeze plugs and rings. He would hone the cylinders too. Is that ok to do? Im on a budget here so this sounds like a good idea to me but im un sure if its good to do that.

 

[1slow95]

Whats wrong with your short block that it needs rebuilt?

The crank would probably be ok to reuse, but I would put in some good pistons/rods while you have it that far apart. I don't think it would hurt to reuse the stockers tho if money is a problem.

 

[krahkin]

New pistons may be required if too much is taken out of piston bores.

 

[wytstang]

That's a good idea and rebuilding short blocks are cake. Good luck.

 

[BlueOvalStangGT]

My number 8 has 70 psi, thats why im rebuilding it.

 

[WhiteDevil]

Dude just make sure u have him put in forged pistons. They are not that expensive only a couple hundred and will make your whole set up MUCH safer!!!. Remember those rebuild kits on summit i showed u that came with the forged pistons tell him to get one of those, or piece on together that is similar.

 

[nmcgrawj]

dont forget about all the extra costs in rebuilding...balancing is needed if u switch pistons. Im not sure what else as i have never done it personally but when i looked into it there are little small things that add up really quick.

 

[final5-0]

The success of a rebuild on the cheap is all about your clearances like piston to wall, mains, rods, and the like.

And......

If your cylinders are still nice and round, that also will go a very long way to help with a nice rebuild that is not too costly.

If the above two things are ok, I've seen many motors go on to give good service for many more miles with a good hone and
fresh rings, bearings, etc.

Kevin, I saw the word "budget" and that was my focus with this info, so keep that in mind.

Later
Grady

 

[WhiteDevil]

Anyone else think that he should put in forged pistons during the rebuild? They arent very expensive and he is blown

 

[final5-0]

Anyone else think that he should put in forged pistons during the rebuild? They arent very expensive and he is blown

I agree with that for sure and there are other things that would be good for him to do but I kinda got the idea from his post that he wanted to just get it back together and keep the cost down.

Thats why I tried to keep things simple with what I talked about.

He might get lucky and find nothing but a broken ring causing the dead hole.

Later
Grady

 

[Joes95GT]

I wouldn't use forged pistons unless I was upgrading the rods for several reasons...

1) There is a cost of rebalancing, especially with "budget" pistons.

2) Who knows how strong "used" rods are? I surely don't. And, I doubt that Kevin would want to spend the money to get them tested. Strong rods and heavy (forged) pistons are OK. Weak rods and heavy (forged) pistons are not OK.

3) "Budget" forged pistons are usually VERY heavy. Hence the reason they are a "budget" piston - no actual time was taken to "clean" the piston up to remove excess material.

Joe

 

[BOSTANG]

Save money now to do it right later, the engine still runs right. Then buy all forged and get all the block work done, you will be glad you did.