Is it tough to assemble a motor...
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 737
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From: Oklahoma
Is it tough to... is it tought to assemble a motor....im not worried about puttin the heads and intake manifold and stuff like that on...i have most all my parts...im buildin a 6.0...im worried about putting the rods, pistons, mains, and crank in..plus all the bearings...i dont wanna mess anything up...how much do shops usually charge to put this stuff in...or do u think i could do it myself...im just worried about all the little measurements and stuff...thanks
Originally Posted by Okie02
is it tought to assemble a motor....do u think i could do it myself...
If an engine has had all the correct machine work, then it is like putting legos together. You do need some basics like feeler gauges, a torque wrench, a ring compressor, etc... The only things to really check are bearing clearances with plasti gauge (that strip stuff...can't remember if thats what its called now....
). Other than that, its a step by step process of just putting parts together.I personally don't ever see having a shop BUILD a motor for me.
Staging Lane
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 69
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From: Motor City
Pay now or pay later, that’s how I would figure it,
Having never built a motor, you’re asking for problems. Just save up and have someone that knows what their doing assembly at least the bottom end.
It is really not that difficult but is it worth buying a bunch of tools and spending all that time and money on something that you could f up. (Personally I prefer to have someone else to blame) If you do decide to do it yourself, buy a few books and read up, double check everything and most importantly do not rush, it can be done. Either way, hope it turns out.
Having never built a motor, you’re asking for problems. Just save up and have someone that knows what their doing assembly at least the bottom end.
It is really not that difficult but is it worth buying a bunch of tools and spending all that time and money on something that you could f up. (Personally I prefer to have someone else to blame) If you do decide to do it yourself, buy a few books and read up, double check everything and most importantly do not rush, it can be done. Either way, hope it turns out.
rates very depending on location. try you local regional forum and see if theres a shop they recommend. you dont have to pay for the whole thing but like the other guy said at least have them do the bottom end. h/c accessories, ect. can be done pretty easily yourself as there are plenty of how to sites to walk you through it.
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i called a few shops around about prices on assembly, and its complete BS
Im not talking about any sponsors here, just shops local to me.
Prices were anywhere from $800-1200
screw that
Im not talking about any sponsors here, just shops local to me.
Prices were anywhere from $800-1200
screw that
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,604
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From: Los Angeles
Gotta remember that $800 includes the machine shop costs most likely, as well as the builders liability incase he has to waste some time a week later rebuilding it or servicing it.
I'd be curious to see an actual breakdown of where the cash goes.
I'd be curious to see an actual breakdown of where the cash goes.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 0
From: Jersey boy
i would say have someone that has done it before, and knows what they are doing, be there coaching you(he does the first piston and you do the rest). you have to start somewhere no? when you're done buy him some brew, give him some time behind the wheel(not in that order), and tell him you owe him one.
I can do it in my sleep. This is my second LS1 that Ive built (first one toasted a main bearing due to the line bore was waaaaaay off on a new block). Its not hard (to me) at all. Its like a puzzle. You just have to know your torque specs and clearences. Go buy the Hanyes manual at the auto parts store and skim through it. Its pretty good at explaining how to do it.
There are lots of little details that you will need to know. Piston and rod direction, how to check the clearances, how to set up and check the end play. You can do it, just pay attention to details and get a book like suggested above.
Hey, if the block and head are used then you need to get it line bored (new bearing size), decked, and the heads need a light cut on them. You should also have the cam bearings checked.
Hey, if the block and head are used then you need to get it line bored (new bearing size), decked, and the heads need a light cut on them. You should also have the cam bearings checked.
TECH Addict
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,261
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Great thread. I've been thinking of a stock displacement forged setup. I want to assemble, myself ............just for the hell of it. What would you guys suggest as the best book to buy as a reference?? The Haynes book is suggested- would that be the best? Opinions????? TIA.
OH.....and a Big Me Too on what Cannibal (Levi) said.
joel
OH.....and a Big Me Too on what Cannibal (Levi) said.
joel
Originally Posted by onyxxtreme
i called a few shops around about prices on assembly, and its complete BS
Im not talking about any sponsors here, just shops local to me.
Prices were anywhere from $800-1200
screw that
Im not talking about any sponsors here, just shops local to me.
Prices were anywhere from $800-1200
screw that
Also as Cannibal said how much does it cost to buy the needed hand tools, it is not outrageous but isn't cheap either.
Now i am not saying not to do it yourself as it is not all that difficult, you just need to know what you are doing and take your time and check everything twice.
Originally Posted by jrp
if you have to ask engine building isnt for you. have an experienced shop do it for you.
he has a good point......if you are asking how much the tools are, then its a pretty good bet that you don't have the exsperience to build an engine right now.
Have a local shop THAT YOU TRUST (talk to a number of shops before you decide on one) build it and go WATCH them. Any good shop will let you watch the assembly of YOUR motor (I would be werry of one that didn't want me around...a kind of "what do you guys have to hide?"
) and ask quetions. Thats how you learn. 