New LS1 Owners - Newbie Tech Basic Technical Questions & Advice
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Can I rebuild a motor or a transmission by myself?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-15-2012, 11:30 AM
  #1  
TECH Apprentice
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
idle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Can I rebuild a motor or a transmission by myself?

So, I was just wondering if your average car mechanic is able to rebuild a motor. Is this someone ONLY professional mechanics or guys with years of experience can do? I'd love to give it a shot when I graduate college, and I have tools and cash for required tools and equipment. I'm just a recreational car-guy and would love to give it a shot! Thanks!
Old 06-15-2012, 12:02 PM
  #2  
777
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (21)
 
777's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,697
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

If you have the time and tools to do it then I'd say sure. You just need to do lots of research, there's a big difference between building a motor by assembling a bunch of parts that were bought separately and actually building a well functioning motor that will last and make good power.
Old 06-15-2012, 01:02 PM
  #3  
Super Moderator
iTrader: (9)
 
Reckless's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Canton, GA
Posts: 10,052
Received 32 Likes on 16 Posts

Default

Why not? This is how I learned everything I know about the 4th gen F-car. I tried and did everything on my first Firebird. Eventually, I even built a few engines although I had never done it before. My interest in learning paid off. I now work with one of the best LS engine builders in the country. Don't be afraid to try, you might just be good at it.
Old 06-15-2012, 01:15 PM
  #4  
Teching In
 
foam27's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sachse, TX
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Absolutely. Just TAKE YOUR TIME and don't cut corners and you will be good to go!
Old 06-15-2012, 02:02 PM
  #5  
11 Second Club
iTrader: (5)
 
Ballzee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: North Florida
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

dont forget the torque wrench
Old 06-15-2012, 03:25 PM
  #6  
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
z28oc91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i would suggest havin someone building a shortblock/rebuilding it if you are not experienced..but to complete the long block go for it, its all time, research, and money
Old 06-15-2012, 03:32 PM
  #7  
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Lockdown99ss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Go for it! Take your time and do your research. Torque wrench is a must
Old 06-15-2012, 03:42 PM
  #8  
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
 
thatoneguybriz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Do it. When you own the car your working on you tend to take better care then some random guy at some random shop ever would.
Old 06-15-2012, 03:52 PM
  #9  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
 
NVUSZ28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: The Great State of Texas
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Go for it, research, ask questions, and like previous comments, torque wrench is a MUST.
Old 06-15-2012, 04:00 PM
  #10  
Super Moderator
iTrader: (9)
 
Reckless's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Canton, GA
Posts: 10,052
Received 32 Likes on 16 Posts

Default

There are a couple good books written by Joseph Potak "Joseph" on here. You can get them through Amazon and they will help you out a lot.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_9?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=joseph+potak&sprefix=joseph+po%2Cstripbooks%2C270 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_9?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=joseph+potak&sprefix=joseph+po%2Cstripbooks%2C270
Old 06-15-2012, 08:51 PM
  #11  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (12)
 
stroked383HSR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Murrell's Inlet, SC
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Reckless
I now work with one of the best LS engine builders in the country.

and who might that be?
Old 06-15-2012, 08:58 PM
  #12  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Blk98Vert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Yes you can absolutely do it
Old 06-16-2012, 03:54 PM
  #13  
Super Moderator
iTrader: (9)
 
Reckless's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Canton, GA
Posts: 10,052
Received 32 Likes on 16 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by stroked383HSR
and who might that be?
Kurt Urban
Old 06-16-2012, 04:43 PM
  #14  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (36)
 
mjs1012's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Stratford, CT
Posts: 2,687
Received 19 Likes on 16 Posts

Default

Sure just take your time and don't take any shortcuts.
Old 06-16-2012, 05:31 PM
  #15  
TECH Addict
iTrader: (16)
 
I8UR4RD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Bama
Posts: 2,593
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

sure man. the tranny is another story, but the motor, is just something you do slowly and it is really and truly all in the prep. making sure you lube everything, and seat it properly, get your measurements right, and when you fire it up and drive it, you will know it was done right.
Old 06-16-2012, 06:47 PM
  #16  
Teching In
 
joshga4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It's trial and error. Learn as u go
Old 06-17-2012, 05:05 AM
  #17  
myk
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
 
myk's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sun Diego
Posts: 1,884
Received 12 Likes on 9 Posts

Default

Ka BOOM!




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:16 PM.