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6bolt Rebuild

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jksmith

15+ Year Contributor
46
0
Oct 26, 2007
Greenwood, Indiana
Doing a complete rebuild, rods/pistons 2.0 and was wondering what the opinions are on reusing the original FRONT CASE. Is this something that needs or is recommended on being replaced or can I just replace the Oil Pump Drive gear and gaskets?
 
I would replace it. I just did a rebuilt myself. The front case comes with a new gasket and new oil pump. When it comes to these parts you dont want to be cheap because after you get everything on it might start leaking or having issues. If there is wear, tear, or damage to the gears then replace them too. They are not much. The front case is usually like $120.00 dollars. Just make sure you prime the oil pump before you put the oil pan on
 
An OEM front case is 230 bucks... Take it apart an inspect it. If there is wear marks then replace. If it is clean then use.
 
An OEM front case is 230 bucks... Take it apart an inspect it. If there is wear marks then replace. If it is clean then use.

thats my whole point on wanting to be able to reuse the one i have, the case doesn't do anything mechanical so figured it wouldn't be a big problems as long as mine checks out fine!

Viper, would it change your opinion on reusing if i said this was a high HP build?
 
Nope. I have used the same oil pump that came on my first dsm. Its has been apart 3 times and no to normal wear.
 
As said, check for wear marks which will indicate gears hitting the case. Check clearances wherever you can against stock specifications to make sure it was cast and cut correctly from factory. Make sure all the bolt holes for the oil pump are clean and not stripped (commonly overtorqued). Inspect for cracks. If everything checks out, there shouldn't be any reason to replace it. It's not like a seal that dries out; damage is very noticable in aluminum.
 
also need some input on brands for Water Pump, Timing Belt, Head Gasket ... this is my first DSM build so not sure what brands are recommended
 
With any critical part, I personally stay with OEM quality for the satisfaction. On the water pump, I would use an OEM pump. There have been reports of "Autozone" water pumps causing issues with overheating, due to the pump actually spinning slower than the OEM pump. Also, issues with the bearings failing as well. "You get what you pay for", not such a helpful phrase, but will help you in the long run, trust me on that, don't learn the hard way.

With the headgasket, I chose the OEM for ease of installation. With an aftermarket headgasket like Cometic, with is a Metal headgasket, can handle abuse, but the head and block need to be checked for a TRUE mating surface. In some instances, the head will need to be milled, and the block decked,

Timing belts. +1 on Gates. It is very strong belt. The high quality belt is Kevlar enforced, so it can handle a beating, and it's BLUE! ;) But if you want reliable, and a lower cost, OEM.
 
order OEM Water Pump, OEM Oil Pump drive/driven gear, all new gaskets, Gates Kevlar Belt, OEM Timing Components, and OEM Headgasket

should be set to assemble the motor now
 
iugrad92turbo so your humble opinion its ok to reuse front case if specs out ok or would you replace it on a complete HIGH HP build just to play it safe?

also is that Indiana University?
 
Impeller design on some parts house waterpumps are totally different than the OEM design (OEM is a closed impeller, some aftermarket pumps are open impeller). The open impeller design is more prone to coolant cavitation opposed to the closed impeller design.

OEM is the best quality, but Gates also makes an affordable closed-impeller pump with a lifetime warranty that can be purchased from parts stores for less than 55$. If I'm not mistaken, Gates uses a direct copy of the OEM design; it is a very nice quality unit for the price. I would also use OEM gaskets, what's a few bucks?

I would also reuse the front case if there are no apparent wear or stress marks, OEM front cases and oil pumps are serious on the wallet.
 
Well I can't just repeat all what everyone had stated, But I just want to remark to go with OEM Gaskets.,,, I have used several other brand gaskets and I can do my own gaskets and having better quality then some brand gaskets, Going OEM definitely makes a huge difference, and sometimes you can even reuse them.

It's annoying having to replace a gasket or fix a leak after dropping the engine in, that's when we say, I SHOULD OF USE OEM GASKETS.:banghead:
 
An OEM front case is 230 bucks... Take it apart an inspect it. If there is wear marks then replace. If it is clean then use.
What he said. OEM front covers in good condition are routinely re-used.
 
I reused my front cover. Also I have to reiterate what they're saying. OEM parts are really the best thing for these vehicles. It's stupid on some levels but these cars, I dunno man, They love their OEM parts and run so much better with them.

Hit up Extremepsi.com for a good deal on the set of gaskets. i bought a set from them when I redid all of my stuff.
 
What head gasket you run will be decided by what surface finish is on the block and head.

Some run composites with O rings.
Others run a MLS with fresh mill block and head surfaces.
A few run MLS with O rings.

But if your surface finish is not perfect, then you can only run a composite.
 
Personally, if you don't know the COMPLETE history of that motor, I wouldn't re-use the oil pump. You don't know if its been changed and your actually re-using an Autozone pump.
That's my personal feeling about using old parts, some prefer to re-use them...I obviously don't.
 
Depends on what equipment they use.

You need to decide what gasket you will use so the shop can put the froper finish on the block.

Some shops even belt surface the block...
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cyl...correction-machining-belt-surfaced-block.html

When you want something like this.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cyl...-deck-4g63-cast-iron-block.html#post152790451

You may want to look thu the link in my sig for more machining info before you head off to the machine shop.

NOT all shops use the same equipment
 
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