Bottom end rebuild question

[Robzone0911]

So in case those reading didn't already know. I am in the process of doing some preventative maintenance on my 96 Talon TSi AWD with a 1g 6bolt in it. The rod and main bearings are ACL and are approx. 7 years old with some pretty hard running on them. The rings are also about the same age. I have read through this post, (http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/art...ni-engine-rebuild.html?highlight=mini+rebuild) which I searched for, and now I have a few questions.

1. How long should the ACL bearings, and piston rings be good for given they weren't subjected to low oil pressures?

2. Is it possible for me to change out my main and rod bearings with the crank in the engine? (Is there enough clearance to get the old main bearings out and new bearings in with the trans attached to the crank.)

3. If it isn't possible to change the main bearings should I replace just the rod bearings?

I am trying to get as much of the mini rebuild possible without spending a whole lot of money up front. My basic goal is to get the car on the road with around 250hp and not have to worry about maintenance until I have saved a good grip to do a spot on full rebuild. Any advice is appreciated.

I have already purchased an EVO III 16g, 26"x11"x4" intercooler with piping, full upper gasket set with a composite head gasket, a new water pump, the BSE is already done. Thanks for looking

 

[BogusSVO]

If you are going to do the crank bearings, you may as well just pull the short block.

This way you will take the guess work out, and know whats is going on by checking the measurements.

 

[Robzone0911]

what kind of longevity do ACL bearings have under proper oiling conditions? Would I be able to hold off on the bottom end rebuild until I'm able to do a full on rebuild if they are about 7 years old with about 50k mi on them?

 

[BogusSVO]

No way of saying with out pulling them and inspecting them.

How was the oil pressure?

Any bottom end noise?

 

[miguelmcv]

Is hard to say anything about bearings with out seen them, They can last for ever with good maintenance, and they can be trashed in a couple of months with out a good maintenance or using the wrong lube.

 

[Robzone0911]

No way of saying with out pulling them and inspecting them.

How was the oil pressure?

Any bottom end noise?

I wish i knew.

I bought the car with the head removed. I am going in blind as of yet. I know at this time I need to get the car on the road, and I have all the parts I need to get it there. I just don't want to have to turn around in a couple of months and pull the block to rebuild everything if I don't have to.

 

[BogusSVO]

Take the extra few hours and pull the short block and inspect.

You are this far in, another 20 ir so bolts and you will have the whole engine out.

Then a few more hours for tear down and inspection, and cleaning.