simonmcf

iTrader: (1)

Right guys I'm trying to figure out what to do with the engine from my rst. The car had 86k on clock and no evidence that it was rebuilt before . The car had 5 owners before me and looks like it was looked after. I only had the car running briefly before I began the big tear down. Was no obvious knocks etc.

I have the shell back and started to fill up the bay. Next thing to go in is the loom and brake pipes so engine will be then.

I am looking to either rebuild the engine or buy a rebuilt engine. So far I have stripped the head and the block is just wrapped up in a black bag. I have collect a good amount of parts over the last two years like ford oil pump, water pump, timing belt kit, gaskets, studs, valve stems. I don't have a new cam or anything for the bottom end apart from new sump.

I have rang a decent builder and he's talking about inspecting everything and taking it from there. He was talking about boring, crank regrind, new pistons, shells etc etc.

Need a steer here as in what should be done ? Would be better to change the pistons or just rings etc? It's gonna be a chunk of cash either way . My other thought was to try get a freshly built one off here?

Spec wise- I'm not chasing power and she will run standard airbox with k&n, s/s exhaust (forget what make), have a airtec rad here. Prob put a -31 on also.

The other option is to just wack the head a block back on and just hope for the best.

My worrie is I get the work done and then something like the mfi gives up ghost or I go spending more money on parts and work that's not really needed.

Piston Broke

Mate you have asked the right questions, i own a garage and also prep rally cars and build them. To do a rebuild yourself would be a bit of a risk without the right tools. also you need to know your ring end gaps and what measurements you have in the big and little ends for play and horn out the block if needed. Myself I like to get a builder to carry out a 'freshen up'. I would go new rings (if within limits) new shells and skim, gaskets etc but they will talk you through all that and a price mate hope that is some help

Karlos G

iTrader: (4)

I wouldn't skimp on a decent rebuild mate, get it all done properly.
But there will be no need to change pistons unless there is so much wear you need to go up a size.
Buying a rebuilt engine second hand is always a risk, I've been caught out like this as have others so go carefully.

If you decide to just throw it back together at least get the head skimmed.