Boost, Blow, and Replace: Repeat if necessary.

I

 

I think it's hard to predict what might happen to a high mileage motor.

If you want to proactively rebuild, then replace everything except the block and Port and Polish the head while your at it

FYI: People have done compression test at 40K and at 140K and have seen little changes.

This car was meant to be driven and be reliable as a toyota Corolla at the same time.

 

If it aint broke, don't fix it!

Check your compression. Does your engine burn oil? These engines have been known to make stock hp with 120k+ miles(200-205). Which means they are usually just as sound as when they were a few thousand miles old. Even if you have a weak engine it will not leave you stranded if tuned correctly. The only problem you might have is weak hp. If you have the means to put in a new engine you also have the means to check the condition of one(at least i hope you do). Do the compression and leakdown.

 

If the engine is healthy, why waste the money now? There is absolutely no reason to rebuild at the moment if this engine performs the way it did when it had 1000 miles on it, and the numbers will tell. I'm sure you can answer the question yourself, how well was it taken care of? Purchasing an engine with 35,000 miles on it vs. your 130,000 mile engine doesn't give you any type of insurance. Anything can happen at anytime. Your 130k engine could be in better shape then the 35k engine! Just food for thought, good luck with whatever you choose .

 

While i do agree with the whole "dont fix it if it aint broke". I also understand the worry that comes with boosting a high mileage engine(mine had 110K). Call up laskey racing and you can get all the parts that you want to replace for about 1700(valves, springs, retainers, pistons(rings and wrist pins) and rods). Put it all in yourself, i can help walk you through it since i just did it myself. Then boost the hell out of it without worry.

 

usually main and rod bearings, rings, new set of OE pistons can't hurt. On the head since your getting boosted I would just go with a valve job, dual springs, retainers and seats, no need to buy new cams if indeed your motor is in good condition. Most boosted cars around here don't change anything but the headgasket to lower compression and have the head decked for a good flat straight surface. Probably a new water pump with that many miles.
Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

Thanks Red and 4bang6 for the helpful info. This motor has been through alot and its still running pretty strong for the amount of miles it has.. (its gone through nitrous (65shot), and now Iam currently supercharged (w/out the n2o ofcourse).. Anyone looking to buy my vortech kit? lol

 

First off your head is most likey just fine. The only thing that you would really need to do is have the short block worked. If you say you are wanting to spend 3-4K on a rebuild then why not do a completely build shortblock. You can do a new oem crank, A set of wiseco pistons and a set of nice rods. Basicly you could have close to a completely built shortblock for what you are looking to spend. If you want to feel good, do it the right way

 

Did you sleeve the block or do you have Wiseco pistons that are compatible with frm sleeves?

 

Buy or borrow a borescope, pretty cheap I'm not selling them so look around, pull the plugs and scope the cylinders no scores no problems, More Boost.