fml might be needing a rebuild

[spydergstftw]

Well I am burning oil and was told that there might be a rod bearing on its way out. So is this a good enough reason to jump to a full tear down and rebuild? If so, then on a full time college student/part time working budget, what would be recommended for the build? I am wanting to do this right. After college I plan on making this into a track car only and I really would not want to tear it down again when that time comes, so forged internals? looking at Eagle and Manley rods, bearings, pistons, topline revised lifters, L19 head studs, BSE elimination kit by STM, kiggly beehives, FP2 cams. pretty much all coming from stm unless the amazing crowd here on tuners can find me better prices. Love you all and thanks for the help. (Im going insane with this since I will be broke after I am done ....)

 

[crash89]

No need to jump to this big of a conclusion.. Now, are you burning oil or is there a leak? Do a leak down test to be sure your rings arent bad. If you just have a rod bearing going you could get away with just a new crank (if there is scoring on the journal) and new main and rod bearings IF the bearing is in good enough condition to where it didnt take the rod out too.. If thats the case youd need a new rod and since you'd be pulling the piston out you might as well buy some new rings and have the block honed..

I understand being on a tight budget and only having one mode of transportation. You could always do a small rebuild IE: bearings, rings and a cylinder hone then save money for your future build..

 

[MichaelSuch]

Don't forget to include machine work in your prices. I spent around $700 on just machining alone during my last rebuild from a reputable shop in the area. You may be better off just buying a built bottom end from a vendor if you want it done right and don't have to worry about anything. Just a suggestion.

Who told you there might be a rod bearing going out? It's either knocking or it's not... Have you done an oil change? Any metal flakes in the oil? Cut open your filter too..

 

[spydergstftw]

A reputable shop that I have take my car to many times. They said its knocking and I am burning excessive amounts of oil (not a leak). as for oil change, there weren't metal flakes about 3 weeks ago when i changed the oil. I seafoamed the car and did everything that was talked about on all the seafoam threads. changed plugs, wires, coils, oil filter, etc. (some of that was excessive but needed to be done) I talked to a guy that can do the tearing down of the block with me and he has a reputable shop that he can vouch for that can do all the machining needed for a slight discount (since he is a good friend of the owner). and for the guys help he said that as long as I help out in my spare time that he will do the work for cheap and he will let me do a payment plan

 

[spydergstftw]

ok well i have take my car to 3 different places and they all have said the same thing. rebuild. now what would be a smart route to take when it comes to this? buying a shop rebuilt bottom end + what? or just doing it all myself with the help of my friend an his shop? (if so what parts do you recommend, manley, eagle, wiesco, acl, etc.)