machine work on s38

[dmoffitt]

On my bare s38, besides tanking, getting the (exterior) surface rust and probably a light hone (and measuring / checking / decking the head mating surface) is there anything I need be aware of or have the machine shop do?

I'm doing a thorough rebuild, but to be frank, I can take parts on and off of a car proficiently, but am NOT all that knowledgeable of engine building (thus having someone do it)... but I like to at least walk into situations knowing the basics.

And on that note, I have a good shop in mind (BRK in Buffalo NY) but am very open to suggestions in upstate (I live in Rochester, 14614 to be exact).

[euroshark]

The block shouldn't honestly need any work, the metallurgy in the M30 / M88 / S38 blocks is incredible. If you can still see the original honing marks in the cylinders, and the cylinders aren't damaged, just have them verify that the walls are straight and move on. No need to fix it if it aint broke! If the deck is straight don't bother having them mill it either, the less you do to it, the better. Spend money on good rings and good head work.

Keep us posted too!!

[2002maniac]

Have them measure everything and make sure it is within tolerance.

All bearing surfaces should be checked as well as the cylinder bores

[euroshark]

Oh boy, 2002maniac, I just about pooped my pants when I laughed at your location!

[dougsic]

If you're going through the expense of rebuilding an s38, you should assume nothing. It doesn't take much to check everything.

Don't let hindsight teach you a lesson.

Rebuilding an s38 is not for the faint of heart or the weak of wallet. I've done it three times and it's always come in over budget, despite my research prior to each rendition.

Final edition is 3.8l, coil-on-plug, oil squirters, low compression for FI, TEC3 and more. 265RWHP NA. Turbo was sidetracked while I did an s50 in my e30ic.

Good luck with your project! I'm sure it will be fun!

[dmoffitt]

yeah, I'm pretty much prepared to drop it off at the machine shop and bend over and hand them my credit card and a bottle of lube.

of course, I need to find an ECU and exhaust manifold and a few other parts soon too :(