Hey I picked up a AP1 engine that I am going to build for more boost/hp. I have a compression tester and the flywheel and starter are still on the engine so I can check compression.

I was debating putting the motor into my car for a week or two N/A just to see how it runs and if it burns oil, etc. but if I can save myself the hastle it would be better.

What other things can I check? I was going to check retainers, oil squirter bolts(to ensure I have the updated ones)...anything else?

I am planning to upgrade the oil squirter bolts, ARP head studs, and 2mm HG. Then turn up the boost...

Should I just run the motor in my car for a couple weeks to be safe before I begin the build?

I have no history on the engine so this is why im asking

 

Swapping an engine is a lot of work. Why not spend a little extra time and money and rebuild the block with low compression pistons and then swap it once rather than twice?

 

I agree, its a pain in the ass to take the trans off and swap all your componets over to another block just for a week or two. Freshen up the motor and have it checked at a machine shop so you know its all good.

 

Well the engine is low milaege so I know it should be alright I just wanted to be sure. Also i'll look into it further but I was under the impression it wasn't a good idea to buy low compression pistons because the "frm" compatable pistons were not all the hype they may seem. My tuner suggested either 2mm headgasket or sleeve the block and do a full "proper" build

any thoughts?

 

Forgot to mention by swapping in the motor I meant I would put the motor in my car in stock form, drive it n/a on the stock ecu for a week or two, then pull the head with the engine in the car and install 2mm headgasket and arp headstuds...

 

What the heck? What does that mean?

 

well, i guess you can do that. but its way easier to work on a motor on a stand then in the bay.

 

As someone who installed a head gasket in an engine in the car on the weekend I can confirm what camuman says.

 

I know im not trying to start rumours and like I said I still have to research the subject. But when I asked my tuner about FRM "compatable" pistons he said that they were not a good idea and it was just a marketing ploy...Not trying to start any rumours and dont want fiction to become fact because like I said I have yet to look into it further. However that was the response I was given and my tuner is very reputable and has tuned many turbo s2000s in the area.

I know that doing the headgasket would be much easier with the engine out of the bay but like I said I want to assure the engine is 100% before I start messing with it and have to chase a neverending problem!

 

then do a compression test and leak down test. that will pretty much tell you everything you need to know.

how much power do you want to make?