Is it harder to assemble a block or head?

[mspiegle]

Is it harder to put together an M20 block, or an M20 head? I have a head that I was going to strip down and do some work on, but i've never done engine work before. I was considering rebuilding the block too, but wasn't sure how much work it is.

So, what's harder... Disassembling and reassembling the block, or the head?

[nando]

I dunno, probably the block; things like the front crank nut are not going to be easily removed without the right tools. the head is more like a puzzle, but it's certainly not too difficult if you're inclined. that said I haven't taken apart an M20 block (yet). You won't be able to rebuild the bottom end without machine work though (cylinder honing, decking, etc).

I would probably leave the bottom end to a shop, and if you are adventurous you can try assembling your own head (you still need to have it checked for flatness and have a valve job done though).

[mspiegle]

Here's what i'm thinking....

I would like to fully disassemble the head and block, then send the bare block/head to my local engine builder to hot-tank, examine, hone, and clean up. Then, I would like to fully reassemble the engine on my own (swapping in performance parts where necessary). If I screw it up... oh well. M20s are cheap. The biggest bitch is removing and reinstalling the thing.

Is that crank nut something that couldn't be removed with an impact? What kind of special/expensive tools would I be needing?

[azzkikr]

Disassembling the block and then reassemblying the block is not too difficult. The head is even easier because there is less overall to do, at least I think so. I did not have to use any special tools on the M20. The M30 would have been a bitch with the big crank nut. Impact did the trick without any problems though. On the M20 I did it all with hand power, I think. I dont think I had to pull the impact out once for the M20. Most everything on engine can be done in your garage with basic tools. Obviously the honing/boring has to be machined and resurfacing should be done at a shop too. If you are going to you can re-ring pistons and even re-sleeve the cylinders in your garage. I stripped my head down and had the head checked out but otherwise everything else I have done in my garage.

The best thing to do is to just get in there and try it out. Like you said worst case is you end up breaking someting but M20 parts are cheap. You would be surprised how much damage you can do to an engine and still get it to run. :-) Now getting it to run efficiently, both power and economy wise, is another story. The biggest roadblock will be not doing something because you dont think you know enough about it. You will never know it all so plan on learning as you go. I mean do some research but dont be afraid to just get in there and play around with it. Besides if you need any help there is always everyone here to help you out.

[mspiegle]

I think you hit the nail on the head. That's pretty much what i'm aiming to do. Good to know that I should be capable. Maybe my 2.7L will be a 3.0 after all =)

Disassembling the block and then reassemblying the block is not too difficult. The head is even easier because there is less overall to do, at least I think so. I did not have to use any special tools on the M20. The M30 would have been a bitch with the big crank nut. Impact did the trick without any problems though. On the M20 I did it all with hand power, I think. I dont think I had to pull the impact out once for the M20. Most everything on engine can be done in your garage with basic tools. Obviously the honing/boring has to be machined and resurfacing should be done at a shop too. If you are going to you can re-ring pistons and even re-sleeve the cylinders in your garage. I stripped my head down and had the head checked out but otherwise everything else I have done in my garage.

The best thing to do is to just get in there and try it out. Like you said worst case is you end up breaking someting but M20 parts are cheap. You would be surprised how much damage you can do to an engine and still get it to run. :-) Now getting it to run efficiently, both power and economy wise, is another story. The biggest roadblock will be not doing something because you dont think you know enough about it. You will never know it all so plan on learning as you go. I mean do some research but dont be afraid to just get in there and play around with it. Besides if you need any help there is always everyone here to help you out.