Old block, bad rings?

[Jordan325iC]

So...wait a minute...SETA bottom end on boost?

Yea. Why?

[StereoInstaller1]

How much boost do you plan? I am just about to do the 2.7/885 on my "is", getting ready for boost, but turbocharging is not gonna happen for about 2 years...I would love to do SETA (unless this sweet deal on a M50 comes my way) pistons and be able to rock that until boost...so you see why I am curious?

So now hurry up and get it done!
Luke

[eugeman]

it's an M20.. it's like rebuilding a tupperware container. just take it apart and refresh it properly. bearings, rings, rod bolts, hone and polish the cylinders/pistons. put it back together. done.

Hey Chris,

How long should a mechanically inclined first timer like myself, take to assemble an m20 short block if armed with a Bentley? TIA.

[nando]

just the block? I'd say 4-8 hours, depending on how much beer you're drinking. Probably the hardest thing is getting the rings/pistons back in the bores - but that's only dependent on your tools.

Don't do what I did and try to use a cheap ring compressor, get something nice. I tried using a $8 ring compressor (because I needed it and didn't spend time looking for a good one) and then it cost me $75 to overnight a new ring because I broke one with a cheap tool. And then I still had to buy a better ring compressor.. I could have got a really damn nice one for the $100 it ended up costing me, and saved 2 days of headaches.

-keep things clean
-don't mix up the bearing caps (they're stamped so it shouldn't be an issue)
-get a bearing clearance kit from napa or the like - they cost around $1
-use a torque angle gauge for the rod bolts (I made one from an old CD-R)
-use lots of assembly lube

[eugeman]

Any chance that you would sell me yours, or better yet give me a hand when you are in town, for $$$'s of course. :D