buy a complete longblock... or build one...

[dansan1988]

I am only looking to make about 300 whp. I have a gm maft, 550's, big 16g turbo, upgraded uicp (have a fmic that I will install monday), fp turbo mani, 3'' catback with no cat, stock downpipe (will be getting a 3" soon). apex safc 2 to be installed soon.

Now I bring this up because I have bad compression in one of my cylinders, also an oil leak at the front case...
What is your opinion

Purchase a longblock that is running with good compression, or build one. I don't want a crazy expensive build, that is the reason for the goal. Don't want to spend the money on the build either...

this is for a 90 gsx, so a six bolt as well.

suggestions?

be honest now... complete longblock for 800 or build one, piece by piece...

 

[empie1]

I am only looking to make about 300 whp. I have a gm maft, 550's, big 16g turbo, upgraded uicp (have a fmic that I will install monday), fp turbo mani, 3'' catback with no cat, stock downpipe (will be getting a 3" soon). apex safc 2 to be installed soon.

Now I bring this up because I have bad compression in one of my cylinders, also an oil leak at the front case...
What is your opinion

Purchase a longblock that is running with good compression, or build one. I don't want a crazy expensive build, that is the reason for the goal. Don't want to spend the money on the build either...

this is for a 90 gsx, so a six bolt as well.

suggestions?

be honest now... complete longblock for 800 or build one, piece by piece...

Unless you know the seller personally, build one. I got ripped off two times from members on here. One I bought 4 years ago...ran great for 3 years than mysteriosly spun a bearing out of no where. Come to find out, the rod that spun a bearing was a completly different rod than the other three. I never noticed because I just looked at the end caps and gave the guy the benefit of the doubt.
The second one I just bought and installed in november. I installed new bearings and rings with the intent of selling the car as soon as it ran. Well come to find out, the block had a extremly small crack in it...so small i didnt notice it, untill it wouldnt stop pissing oil and the pressure was off. This lasted about 1000 miles before it started knocking.
So I took a spare block..had it machined and bought new pistons, crank everything. Got a head from a local who swore it was running. Brought it to get cleaned and resurfaced only to find 3 of the exhaust valves had bends and it was a pos. $250 later, I now have a nice fresh head.
If there is one thing I have learned about cars in my life...DONT BUT USED PARTS....specifically, mechanical parts/internal parts. Stuff like intakes, exterior parts, exhausts parts are fine but anything used that is in the engine or crucial to engine performance is a HUGE gamble. Most of the time you have no way of checking them short of going to a machine shop. Turbos are a gamble too. People spin bearings than sell turbos with contaminated oil ran through. Same with heads. You never really know ...and at this point, I trust no one. Its honestly not worth the 25-35% you save. Build it yourself..its brand new and you know for sure whats going on with it. It might take you a bit longer to save up the extra $, but in the end its worth it.
Just for reference...I spent 250 on a new oem crank from ams, 150 on pistons from parts dinosaur..100 in bearings (rod/main/balence shaft) and 580 in machine work (including assembly and rod reconditioning). Thats only about 250 more than your used short block. Think about it..

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Building one would be way more fun, and cheaper.

 

[eltitillo]

If you have another car i say rebuild thats what im going to do with mine

 

[92AWDHX40]

Diy its fun and youll learn more, thats how i learned a long time ago, first major job timing belt then i did my engine.

 

[dansan1988]

the reason I ask is because it was a guy down in Phoenix (Phuong) that had connected me with the seller of the longblock. My DD is a cbr so I don't drive my car all the time. I only want a stock setup and Phuong of this performance place (wings west) has worked on this engine before. He has quite a reputation to uphold here in Arizona and the southwest area really.

 

[empie1]

the reason I ask is because it was a guy down in Phoenix (Phuong) that had connected me with the seller of the longblock. My DD is a cbr so I don't drive my car all the time. I only want a stock setup and Phuong of this performance place (wings west) has worked on this engine before. He has quite a reputation to uphold here in Arizona and the southwest area really.

Thats your call. But the fact remains is phuong doesnt drive the car. And unless phuong literally just rebuilt the engine and it hasnt been used since, you are taking the word of the stranger. Like I said, for $1000 you can have something you know for sure is what it should be. But again...its up to you and your discretion. Me personally...I will never put trust in random people for engines. Its not worth saving 200-300 dollars imo.

 

[Ryan4dc]

I am building a block currently. So far I got the block, and new Mitsubishi main and rod bearings. Been like that for a few months to a year. A few months ago bought a shortblock from map. That didn't take as long as I'm taking but way more expensive. It comes down to your call man. I wouldn't buy used though. Unless I personally trust the guy and can blame him for my problems. That way he can help me rebuild.

 

[Boug]

If you are only looking to make 300whp, simply buy a used block, change to E85, get a tune, and you are all set since you already have the B16G turbo. You said that you wanted an economic build. But, there is the old say of "doing things right the first time" or you end up spending twice the money.

 

[96awd]

Build your own! A lot of fun and a great learning experience.

 

[Kyogie12]

Build! I just did it myself and have a long block for 750. Not bad at all in my opinion...

I've gotten scammed and screwed on bag engines before. Just not worth it unless you know the guy really well.

 

[DSMReviver]

If you don't have all the tool and knowledge i wouldn't even attempt to build one. And finding a machine shop that you can trust is even harder. After the machine shop, you must be able to check their work. This is where most fail to know the importance, and later destroy the motors.

 

[Boug]

If you don't have all the tool and knowledge i wouldn't even attempt to build one. And finding a machine shop that you can trust is even harder. After the machine shop, you must be able to check their work. This is where most fail to know the importance, and later destroy the motors.

In my opinion, there are at least two reputable shops out there in Buschur Racing and MAPerformance that stands by their work.

 

[dansan1988]

so I ended up buying the engine, going through and replacing all the fun stuff. I don't have time to rebuild my own. I just totaled my motorcycle so I don't have anything to drive/ride while my engine would be out. thanks though...

 

[Boug]

so I ended up buying the engine, going through and replacing all the fun stuff. I don't have time to rebuild my own. I just totaled my motorcycle so I don't have anything to drive/ride while my engine would be out. thanks though...

Did you purchase it from a shop of private seller?

 

[2gGst98]

i hope you looked throught it good befor you bought it. But that is what im doin buy a used motor rebuild it to the way you want it. that way you can drive you car while preparing something for it. and when you do the swap you can always sell your motor you got now. But make shure that everything is to spec!!!

 

[TEEJ]

in my opinion you should build it yourself. at least that way you know exactly what is in it and what it is capable of. i bought a used 4g63 on craigslist and installed it and it wouldn't start. i didn't look it over before and i regret it. the timing was off terribly. we tore it completely down and it was missing a whole rod and piston combo and another rod was bent. so on build or buy i definitely say build.

 

[dansan1988]

Did you purchase it from a shop of private seller?

private seller, but Phuong led me in the direction. I'm sure you heard of him.

one of my buddies has gone through it as well, we have checked all the important aspects of the engine. all is there, nothing missing. installing it this monday hopefully. just waiting on my headgasket. I don't want to do anything crazy. just stockish is all im looking for.

 

[Boug]

private seller, but Phuong led me in the direction. I'm sure you heard of him.

Yes, sir. I have heard of him. It is an added bonus to have knowledgeable DSM'ers in your neck of the woods.