1st engine build... failure or success?

[absolute_DSM]

Im about to embark on my 2.3 stroker build (1st engine build, Im 22, Iraq kept me away for a year) but after reading so much on the forums, I dont see many success stories. Most of the post on engine build begin with "HELP".... sooooo...

Im just wondering, how many people (especially wiseman, mods, and of couse Luda) have actually been successful on their first build??? (no major problems causing another rebuild)

Hopefully staying positive here

 

[Justins99GSX]

My 99 broke down bout a year and a half ago... Decided to build it myself, first time.. Went with the 2.3. Everything went really smooth... Had my Chilton's book in order to get the info I needed and of course these forums when the book was of no use... Right now The new engine has bout 5000 miles on it still runs really good except for two things.... When I get on it, it overheats and second I used the stupid cork gasket for my oil pan and have oil sepage everywhere in that area..... DON'T use it use gasket maker or something else... Other than that best of luck...... And we are always here for support

Justin

 

[TurboTJ]

I just got done building my first engine. few pieces of advise:
-if you are doing it in you garage, have a mechanic or someone who knows what they are doing to call when all else fails.
-take pictures with a digital camera for reference.
-label everything you pull off.
-dont by a Topline gasket kit (it was cheaper for me to piece them together)
-double the estimated cost of doing it, you will need things like an engine stand, hoist and a ton of random tools and parts.(ex; water and oil pumps, timing belts, machine work)
-dont go cheap on anything important, you dont want to do this again cause some cheap part failed
-took me about 3 months to complete it working on it off and on so plan for it to be down for a while
anyway, i put 400 miles on the engine and the T-case locked up at least the engine seems solid.