How should I build my motor?

[selmerguy]

I have a 97 eclipse 420a. It has 130,000 miles. I know i need to do internals before i put a turbo on it. I have seen the rebuild kit howell auto. offers for it. would i be safe to just do the bottom i.e. je pistons, eagle rods. ect.... or should i do stuff to the head too?

PLEASE HELP.

 

[dr1665]

You want to do both a compression and leak down test. Compression test will tell you how your rings are, leak down will help you track down any leaky valves. I say you rebuild the bottom end for sure, and if the head tests out okay, then leave it alone. You might consider having it freshened up a bit if you can. At the very least, upgrade to PTC lifters and rollers. They will be a nice bit of insurance for keeping things tight and moving in the head.