Just wondering.

How many of you in here have assembled your own engines, not just the cylinder head or bolting in cams, but i'm talking from oil pan to valve cover?

What are some things you learned?

What would you do differently if you were doing it over again?

If there is one thing you could tell someone when it comes to them building their own motor, what would it be?

 

i did one of those "hemi" kits from walmart lol

 

I just dropped my block off for maching last week.Gonna attempt a full build with the help of a Nissan Master Tech and an FSM.This thread is a good idea though because ill take any good advice I can get!

 

id like some advice my self...im lookin to build my first motor

 

there is always the right tool for the job
those swivel sockets that craftsman makes are badass....

pay attention to details...

that's my 2 cents

 

Get a cordless impact wrench.

Makes it a million times easier.

 

I've built a chevy 350 with a group and my KA. everyones got there own spec's so do alot of research, because different pistons and components spec vary from brand to brand. triple check your specs and everybolt. Also check your buddies work and have your buddy check your work. Dont skimp on measuring tools.

its really not that hard if you take your time.

the only thing i regret about my KA is i didn't use enough RTV on my oil pan and it started to leak.

hope it helps and have fun!

 

I've built my share, if i could do something different, it would be to spend the extra cash on THE best measuring tools (mic's, dial bore gauge, dial caliper, etc) I've gotten some really really good stuff, federal, standard, and one mitutoyo dial indicator; but i wish i had the big bucks to get all the "Baller" stuff. Don't tell the machine shop what size you need everything, take them all your parts, new pistons, rods, or used, whatever you're using, and make them measure it with their tools, i've had the right box with the wrong bearings inside before. Double check if you're not sure of ANYTHING, i've opened "homemade" engines and found thrust washers on the wrong side of the crank, chewed up bearing confetti throughout the block, and this all could have been prevented by simply double checking.

 

I have built my share. The only "advice" I have to give is... Measure everything twice. it is like the old saying measure twice cut once. Get as much information about your build as you can, ask other people who have built that motor before. Go into the fsm do not be intimidated to admit that you dont know and ask. the only stupid question is the one not asked. If you are not sure of a measurement do not move on look it up in the fsm get it right feel confident about it then move on. The worst feeling you can have is building a motor and thinking to yourself I hope that was right. There is always a right tool you cannot build a motor "well/correctly" without them. Perfect example try building a motor without a micrometer, a dial indicator, plastigauge if you must. People used to laugh because I would and still do bag and lagel every part I also have different boxes if I build the whole car; motor, engine bay, interior, rear suspension etc. choose to have a high attention to detail. I have seen many builders over the years and one thing that all of the good ones had was a high attention to detail. When you stop, stop after you tightened what ever you are working on if you have several projects that are similar, consider leaving yourself a note as to where you left off. It would suck to assume that those head studs were in more than handtight. Cleanliness, the section of tomei where they build motors is in a vacume environment conver the motor at night, use brake clean, keep your parts and materials free from foreign matter. In the end remember that time and money are both forms of currency and you only get what you pay for, or your build will only be as good as the time and money you put into it

 

I am getting ready to start a build of my own motor.

I guess when I'm done, I'll be posting in this thread with whatever I've learned.




Matt, I might be looking to you for some help when I start.