hey guys. i have this idea that ive been throwing around in my head for some time now, and i think i may go with it if i can get some feedback on what to get. i want to build my engine myself MINUS the machine work and the cleaning of the block that has to be done. i already have all the parts for the block including pistons, rods, bolts, head gasket...etc. and i have cams for the head. however i do not have the timing parts or the alignment tools to do this yet. i need to know all the parts or tools needed to accomplish this task and somewhere to find them. i realize a lot of this things are going to be VQ specific so i just need to know what i need and where to get them. and if the costs outweighs having it done by someone else...ill go that route.

thanks guys

 

Not a lot of motivation for a tuner/builder to spend a lot of time itemizing how to help you eliminate their job.

If you haven't ever assembled a motor before, and have no idea of what tools you'll need, you will probably be way better off having a professional assemble it for you.

This probably isn't the response you hoped to get. I'm just being honest with you.

 

Bad move kid!

 

if you have never done it then dont start on something so big... there are alot of tools you will need but you must have a very dry shop and build it somewhat fast so you dont get any rust because those cyclendar walls are goin to rust fairly quick...if your just putting the heads and cams in the you will need basic socket wrenchs and torque wrench...

 

The tools you need are not worth paying for to use once or twice. I used to build AMA Superbike race engines for KWS and didn't own a lot of the specialty tools needed. I don't necessarily agree with these guys saying you shouldn't do it yourself. Just don't make it your first project. I can build a GSXR 1k motor to have over 210whp that is as reliable as stock, but I'm not doing the work on my car. I could, it's just not worth it to me. If I owned a lift, I would though.

 

ehhhh. you wont have the machines to bore hone, deck etc the block. but you can buy the tools to confirm if they are straight, etc. you will need at the very LEAST
-A caliper(general measurments)
-Bore gauges(bore checking)
-Plasti gauge(bearing clearance, crank journal clearance check)
-Straight edges(check deck)
-Torque wrench(variety)(rod bolts, head studs, oil pump etc)
-assembly lube(camshaft lobes, etc)
-wd-40(cylinder walls)
-30w-50 oil(head studs)
-camshaft position holders(holds cams during chain install)
-valve spring compressor(install springs)
-feeler gauges(adjustment of gauges, million other uses)
-Gasket maker
-Gasket scrapper
-engine stand
-piston ring filler
-piston ring compressor sleeve
-assorted mallets
-spark plug gapper

You need to make sure ALL your parts are balanced correctly and will work in harmony, I,E very hard unless you have the proper tools to measure the weights etc. you need to verify your bearing clearances with plastigauge and make sure you have the correct bearings etc.. Honeslty if its your first engine build then your gonna have to take your time. Ive built a couple of engines at my house from Hondas to Fords and my advise is be careful, and measure EVERYTHING twice. I cant stress how important proper weights alignment and torqueing is when building a block. make sure you plasti gauge every journal and make sure you have the correct bearings. Good luck and most importantly have fun!!!

 

these motors are tricky. i have hundreds of bearings sitting here with a few of each size. i also have 100s of buckets sitting here to make sure the valve lash is perfect. you will have a lot of money invested and it wont be worth your while.


you dont want to have to pay someone to do it right the second time around...

 

I think that's the best advice I've heard on this site!

 

I would recommend a nice set of micrometers, too. they are more consistant than using a caliper.

get ARP moly lube, too. the more I read about this stuff....the more I reasons I find to stay away from using SAE30 oil when torquing bolts/studs.

You'll need general assembly lube, too. Torco MPZ is nice stuff.

a rod balancer....unless you are having the machine shop do that.

Also, a die grinder with an assortment of cartridge rolls and other types of sanding attachments. As one pro engine builder once told me, "nothing goes into the engine that I haven't worked a little magic on."

 

thanks a lot guys...puts things in perspective for me...might as well just pay to have it done right the first time...thanks!!

 

NOOO do it yourself. its actually fun as hell!

 

how much do you think all those tools will cost and where can i find them?

 

^^Many of those tools will come in handy for future jobs, but honestly if you're going to buy everything at once and use it only once you're better off paying someone else to do it. Also, keeping an eye out on craigslist/want-ad is a great source for tools, you'd be amazed at the amount of new tech's that finance $5-10k worth of tools only to realize that was a dumb idea.



Good run-down you gave in post #6 also, the only thing I would change is use assembly lube on the cylinderwalls, not WD40. Also I always just borrow my machinest's cylinder bore gauge, than again he's a really cool guy who gives me great prices since I outsource alot of work to him. But yeah, basically the tighter you can get with a good machinest the better.

Also, you REALLY REALLY can't get by on building an engine without an air-compressor to blow stuff out/off, it is a must.

 

I think you should try it yourself......as long as you are a very careful and precise type of person.

Oh yeah.......you'll need a factory service manual, too!!!!

 

the tools are available from goodson,you will have to price them yourself.please consider the advice from others, engine assembly amounts to more than bolting parts together.there are several books to help you on your way,but the nuance of a quality build comes from experience.but...i guess an expensive learning experience is still learning.

 

Keep in mind that even the experienced builders did a "first build" at one time too. Go for it, its not rocket science. Get the FSM, its very detailed and contains the info you need. The tool list above is perfect. Id recommend Motul Moto-Wash for the washing of your engine parts, it leaves a anti corrosion film on the parts and use their corrosion inhibitor for the block bores, crank journals etc. Get a book on building motors, something for domestic V8s is great reference for doing the blue printing and measurements, its the same basic stuff weather Chevy 350 or VQ. Again its not rocket science, it is an exercise in precision, cleanliness, and patience. Go for it!

My block, crank, rods and pistons are at my local race engine shop getting bored, honed, dynamic balanced and hot tanked. I pick them up tomorrow and will go to town this weekend.

You can do it!

 

read the service manual thoroughly. look at some guidelines online that people have done. here's a good example on a supra http://www.supraforums.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=455091

the guy blew up his engine and rebuilt it by himself.

another example if you're wondering about plastigage, look here :

http://www.ehow.com/how_2142943_use-...learances.html


i like how you think. it seems like most people here wouldn't even try to attempt such a thing. btw: want to make a DIY guidline for guys like me to follow?

 

Id say if you have time go for it!! I will be building a VQ for my track Z in the near future!!! need to find a rolling Z shell first :P

 

Oh boy, I don't think people know what lies ahead............. :hide:

 

after reading the posts i think i will read into it a bit more just to get a taste of what it will take. its the only thing about cars i have no real experience doing (and audio), so i think it will be a fun experience if i do do it, but it not i have a very reputable friend who i trust that is going to do it.