Rebuild vs. crate engine

[fantasyray]

I am planning on rebuilding my 96 gsx with forged pistons and rods. Recently I have researched short block engines. Would it be better to rebuild my existing 7 bolt engine with 140k or buy a new short block?

 

[bryanwheat]

Neither is better than the other if you know what you are doing. If you are very mechanically inclined and have the right tools than you can save quite a bit of money doing it yourself.

 

[greenhaze77]

A rebuild could save you some money if done correctly. If you don't mind the price, a crate engine will work.

 

[fantasyray]

I'm not mechanically savvy; however, my budget for the rebuild/new engine would be 3k. If I do decide to get a short block, I would have to use my existing head right?

 

[Archer Fabrications]

Well consideringg a 4g63 magnus crate is 13k.....

 

[greenhaze77]

I'm not mechanically savvy; however, my budget for the rebuild/new engine would be 3k. If I do decide to get a short block, I would have to use my existing head right?

Yes, the short block would only include the engine block and internals. This would be a good time to see if you need to have your head machined or anything too.

 

[fantasyray]

Thanks for all the information, it's extremely helpful. I just got my gsx about a month ago and try to research as much as I possibly can since I work full time and have two young kids its hard to really dig into hours of research. My car leaks oil internally so I think it might be the piston rings; hence, the reason for my rebuild. I also want to build a solid foundation for all my soon to come upgrades.

 

[boost97gst]

Find a good machinist who knows the 4g63. Buying a "crate" shortblock isnt too much more expensive though. Just compare the prices and remember if you go through JAM or STM or SIM or whomever, shipping both ways. Its not cheap. That can be a factor in price difference, depending on how much your local machinist charges for labor