Engine Rebuilds

[chowetime]

I am again on the search for another car... but have noticed in a large amount of for sales that people have rebuilt the engines in there cars and most are opting for forged/strengthened internals... now from what little I know about forged internals they do have a few down sides to them and was hoping that people can help with providing more accurate info on how these affect a Skyline R33

Cold start - is it difficult to get them to turn over first thing, example do they have a tendency to stall before being able to hold a steady idle?

Are they noisier on idle?

When the car has warmed up do they idle slightly higher than a factory car?

What is the lead cause for having to get an engine rebuild (I did do a search and it showed that most seemed to have problems with the pistons and rings...) what causes this to break down at such low klms 100kklms?

And if an engine needs a rebuild at 100kklm will this need to be done every 100kklm there after

and lastly - what sort of dollars are we looking at for a engine rebuild ?

thanks in advance for any help that can be given.

[Brockas]

Depends how good the internals are.

Arias pistons rattle hard when cold.

I'm using Tomei pistons and Pauter rods. Mine starts first time, runs exactly the same as a standard motor. Standard idle, no noise.

The reason a lot of motors die (especially 26's) is because they've been driven HARD for 100,000kms. They suffer oil problems if tracked, or if maintenance isn't top notch.

Piston rings/head gaskets can die from a number of things. Too much boost (not likely on a 26), detonation, etc.

How long will a rebuild last? How long is a piece of string?

Dollars for an engine build, before the exchange rate a full build (with top quality gear) was about 12k. Now, its about 19k.

Basic rebuild with average parts would be about 6k + labour.

[bubba]

I'm running Wiseco forged pistons. Starts first pop, no dramas idling cold or hot, purrs just like my old RB20 used to.

[chowetime]

cheers for that info - so with all that you have said I should not be put off buying a car because it has had the engine rebuilt... I suppose it is best to ask the right questions and see the relevent paper work in regards to the rebuild...

Also with a rebuild costing so much (even $6k + ) why not just drop another engine in there instead of a rebuild... or is the cost involved in a new/secondhand engine and availability similar cost

kindest regards

[ZXY]

if you are driving the car carefully, there is no reason not to put in another stock engine. but seeing as your engine is not lasting 100 000kms...probably means you are driving it hard. better off rebuilding as simply sticking in another engine wont solve it. To source another engine plus labour will come close to 6k.

[Swiper the Fox]

Arias pistons rattle hard when cold.

I found that teflon coating the skirts and running my own clearances with them they were one of the quietest pistons ive used...works a treat!. Tomei are ultra quiet though due to their construction and the tight clearance you can run with them (1.9-2.2thou)

[Brockas]

Fair enough, I've never seen that done to Aries, but good to know it works.

Also with a rebuild costing so much (even $6k + ) why not just drop another engine in there instead of a rebuild... or is the cost involved in a new/secondhand engine and availability similar cost

Complete 2nd hand RB26 = $4k.

With labour for removing/installing new engine, you'll be lucky to see change from $6k.

Then there's no guarantee that it wont pop again soon after.

At least if you build the motor, you can build it to the specs you want, and it'll last a fair while with strict maintenence.

[Char]

pretty sure he's talkin about a gtst not gtr..?

rb25det = 2.5k not including the box, but dont quote me as i havent looked into that for yonks..

[R32 Driver]

2nd hand engines good if you pussy your car around

rb25 = $1600 about a month ago engine only

rb26 = $3000

$1000 - $1500 to install the rb25 new oil/filter/timing belt

$1500 - $2000 to install the rb26

but even a rebuild isnt cheap

labour alone for machining/assemble/pressure crack test the head etc

Machine work $1000

Overhaul/Test head and setting up cams $1100

Assemble bottom end $900 whole engine $1500 (cam cover to sump)

thats 3.5k in labour + parts

Plus R&R $1500

be lucky to get change from 10k for a basic build these days

Some workshops will charge more for labour so do shop around (oh and a engines only as good as its tuner)

Ive been quoted 5k to 9k for labour + machine work drive in drive out

You supply parts