Would You Rebuild?

[vidospace]

Hi,

If you have read my recent posts here you would know my car is running like crap below boost but runs fine onboost. I took it to MRT today <puts on flame suit> to get my suspension aligned and they did a check on the compression at the same time. They said that I have to get all the coil packs replaced (yes I know that is crap, but I am getting spitfires anyway) and that number 3 cylinder is low on compression. Now I want to know if the car is running OK after replacing the coils, would I nessesarily have to strip the engine down? Surely a small drop in compression on one cylinder is not grounds for a full rebuild. Whats the "braking point" when it comes to compression levels and rebuilds. I mean the car has at least 110000ks on it (if not more) so I know it is wearing out, but it doesnt feel like a car that needs a full rebuild. Is there anything else I can do to keep it running OK without a full rebuild?

Bryce

[seeyagtr]

It all depends on how low the compresion is, what you want to do with the car ie; track work,drift and how long you are will to put up with it.

Has it started to push oil in to catch can/intake system yet?

[vidospace]

Oh! I didnt know that was a sign of trouble! I havnt really checked the pipes yet (no catch can yet) but will do!

[vidospace]

Hmm.... well I found out number 3 = 80 compression.

Not good...

So am I now making it worse driving it around?????

Also anyone know a good engine builder in Sydney who doesnt charge the earth? I am sure it is just the piston/ring as all other levels are perfectly fine (oil preasure, coolant, temps etc). I am not after a fancy rebuild with forged pistons etc. Close to factory (with say a restrictor plug for the oil added to the head, and an N1 oil pump). How much would I be looking at for labour if I sourced the pistons, rings, oil pump, and restrictor myself?

[wrxhoon]

Hmm.... well I found out number 3 = 80 compression.

Not good...

So am I now making it worse driving it around?????

Also anyone know a good engine builder in Sydney who doesnt charge the earth? I am sure it is just the piston/ring as all other levels are perfectly fine (oil preasure, coolant, temps etc). I am not after a fancy rebuild with forged pistons etc. Close to factory (with say a restrictor plug for the oil added to the head, and an N1 oil pump). How much would I be looking at for labour if I sourced the pistons, rings, oil pump, and restrictor myself?

Looks like you done a ringland mate, I think I may know someone that will built it at a reasonable price.

Can you R+R the engine youself?

P.M. if you are keen .

[vidospace]

Looks like you done a ringland mate, I think I may know someone that will built it at a reasonable price.

Can you R+R the engine youself?

P.M. if you are keen .

PM sent

Yeah I can probably rip it out with my mechanics help. Its a sad sad day.

Oh well, at least I will have a more relighable engine after this big cost

[foznice]

could it possibly be a fracture in the headgasket around cylinder 3?

Any oil in water or vice versa?

[vidospace]

No oil in water or vice versa. No smoke from exhaust other than when gunning it (which my mechanic did to check only!). My mechanic and his boss both think it is a valve or gasket rather than a cylinder. This is good news for me! If it is the head gasket I will put in a Tomei restrictor at the same time. He also said it could be loosing compression to the next cylinder along too. He is going to do a "wet" compression test this weekend and we will take it from there. Thanks for the advice so far people.

[siddr20]

A friend of mine got his car rebuilt at Ricol automotive.. Located at mortdale peakhurst sorta area.. Its on norman street...

They do excellent work.. I get my stuff done by them as well..

Just thought i help.. Maybe just give them a ring and get a quote..

Edited February 23, 2007 by siddr20

[wrxhoon]

Do a leakdown test that will confirm if its topend or bottom.

If it was loosing comp to the next cylinder that cyl should be loosing comp also.

Headgasket is possible and so is valves but I have my money on a ringland ...

[vidospace]

Still not sure of the problem, but if I do need to rebuild I will be getting new pistons anyway. Question though. I have heard that forged pistions are better if you boost it up from factory, but I have also heard they are noisy and chew oil when the engine is cold. Is there any alternative or fix for this? Surely there is a way to have high boost but without the problems of forged pistons.

[vidospace]

OK we did a full wet test too and it is definately a bottom end problem. The compression picks up when it is hot though. Runs very ruff when cold, but when its warm it seems fine. Oh well I guess I will start looking for rebuilt engines and/or parts. Anyone in Sydney who can help out please let me know. Also I am joining the NSW club right now. :-)