Engine rebuild- anyone done it before?

[frozenrice]

I'm in the process of rebuilding a B18A. This project is more of a learning thing as well as a part of my "hobby". The motor has been torn apart and is at the machine shop getting checked before I have anything done to it. If the motor checks out okay, the next step will be to start buying parts like bearings, rings and all that fun and expen$ive stuff.

Anyone with any experience doing something like this can post their experiences and offer tips if they would like. Thanks.

[imported_GT Web]

I have never either considered doing some like this...partly because I know I wouldn't do a very good job...and also because even if I did finish it I would never be confident in my skills to actually attempt to drive the car with the rebuilt engine.

I know this post isn't useful....oh well, I felt like writing it anyways.

Good luck with your rebuild, I envy your skills and your confidence

[burnhard88]

go to a performance place who specializes in engine swaps and rebuilds, and see if they can guide you through it... i know when/if i do my engine swap, i'd take it to a place i can trust

[max]

I've been debating on doing an ls/v-tec or trying to find a c5. It's a tough decision to make. Just upgrading to lighter and more expensive parts will give you a little extra hp, but nowhere near the v-tec.

[frozenrice]

This whole engine building thing is all new to me. I'm a little nervous about it, but I figure I won't learn unless I try. I'm planning on boosting it, so that's why I rebuilding it so that at least I can start fresh so to speak.

[max]

the a1 is great for boosting(so I've heard). Get low compression pistons and make sure you upgrade the rest of the internals and don't forget about the clutch. If you get a higher compression piston, you won't be able to run as much boost. Also take your time with the rebuild, check, double check, triple check to make sure everything is set right. Good luck.

[frozenrice]

My homework tells me that I should be able to boost safely on stock -internals as long as I don't go too high on boost (7-8lbs max). I'm not looking to drag race, just want a bit more power and at least the bragging rights to say that I've done it. I'm just trying to keep costs down because I have a mortage and kids (they're expensive to maintain), so there's not a whole lot of money for upgrades. Besides, this is my daily driver so I also need it to be reliable.

[max]

You can definitely run with stock internals, you just have to keep yourself in check. 'Cause even with 7lbs of boost, going nuts a few times is gonna start to wear down the engine a lot sooner than if you took it easy. As long as you got the block stripped I would search for at the very least some stronger connecting rods just to be safe.

[Rotor_head]

I've got a half decent DVD some dude taped on how to take apart and rebuild any VTec engine.. let me know if you're interested.

[max]

The B18a and B18b engines unfortunately aren't v-tec. It would still work for the block, but would be incredibbly confusing for ripping apart the head.