Down to the pistons...now what?

[napatiger]

What about the bottom end for maintenace and maybe performance.

I am going to have the heads serviced.

What should I do with the pistons and such? Pistons sure are black.
Maybe rings. I don't really want to get new pistons if I don't have to.

I will at least inspect the oil pump, for metal shavings. And change some seals.

Looking at the exhaust manifold, it sure is a poor design.

[TheProfessor]

what was the origional purpose for taking it apart

[napatiger]

Well, actually you will laugh, but I couldn't get the f-in O2 sensor off so I was like just pull the engine and while I'm at it I will clean the engine bay and pimp out the motor.

I will be getting Ben's lifters in January, now I am thinking new pistons, rings, and valves.

......
Battery is in trunk, HO alt and ONE gauge wire!
Top and Bottom gasket sets, including valve seats.

Just have to wait till bonus from work in January before I can purchase the Pistons, rings, and lifters...
What else should I do, I will have about $1000 for engine and another $2000 for the wife.

I sure want some nozzzz. I want a strong engine that is a daily driver that I can beat up on imports.

[TheProfessor]

damn for real lol
yeah id say go for some higher compression pistions as long as youve got the money
do you plan on taking apart the engine yourself

[napatiger]

The engine is apart now all except the innards ie pistons are still in, but every thing is pretty much apart, I don't really want to F with the rods and such so if I find some pistons and rings, I will just bring in the bottom end with the parts to a machine/speed shop. The pistons have indentations for each of the four valves....
Looking for part numbers or sites for pistons and rings. The rods I hope will be fine as is.
Also, I am going to get Bens lifters, what about valves, where should I get some.

[TheProfessor]

last i knew there werent any valve upgrades
and yeah unless you really know what your doing
there is alot more to replacing pistons and rings than just taking the motor apart and putting it back together better to pay someone else

[napatiger]

Yeah, Im not sure any amount of beer is going to help me with that one>

The engine sure looks small w/o heads, exhause, front cover.

So I should just look at the valves and see if they need replacing.

What about the oil pump, is that somehting that should be replaced at 112k miles?

[TheProfessor]

have you replaced the timing belt yet

[SappySE107]

I would replace the oil pump if you plan to run the motor for a while and don't plan to tear it down again. It should be ok either way, but better safe than sorry in these instances, and the DOHC is not as forgiving for a lack of oil.

[napatiger]

Timing belt was replaces about 5000 miles ago....so I will just re-use.

I saw on rockauto.com a rebuild kit for the oil pump, I think just a gasket and something else.

should I just get replacement pistons from gmparts? Are total seal rings really the way to go?

[Zfreak]

PISTON INFO

Aftermarket Pistons

There can be applications where Chevrolet does not supply pistons for those that are building an engine to be able to handle, for example, power adders such as forced induction. Usually in this case it is important that the compression ratio be lower than normal in order to take full advantage of the boost from a turbo or supercharger. There are many aftermarket places that will make pistons customized to your specifications such as JE, Weisco and Ross. To save some cash it would be a good idea to call your local High Performance specialty shop that can place the oder for you.

JE Pistons are familiar with custom 3.4 pistons used for nitrous, and turbo applications.

[dohcfiend]

balancing the engine might help it. umm, throw in some lighter rods with that. i don't know what year yours is but i had a 94 engine and the wrist pins were press fitted to the pistons. so if yours is like that, u might have to take it to the shop to get your original pistons off.

maybe a little overbore since you are getting new pistons.

[TheProfessor]

lighter rods??????????
where are those available

[dohcfiend]

some1 told me that these engines used chevy 5.7 rods. if that is true there should be a slew of rods available. i should have verified that be4 posting it up, sry.

[TheProfessor]

yeah you can use SBC rods but they are a little heavier not lighter