Refresher engine?

[mulligan-can]

Ok, would it be worth my time/money to see if I can pick up an old buick 3.8 and attempt to tear it down and rebuild/recondition/get it into good running order + better if possible? My father has a LOT of experience with carby engines but doesnt know a huge amount about EFI. I only know what I can get out of a manual

I would like to do it as 1. my present engine is the original one in the car, its in good condition but I cant vouch for how long it is going to last me. 2. I think it would be a good learning experience.

Anyway I would like to get an engine in shape for a mild S/C and the whole project is pretty long term as finance is often an issue. So time isnt really an issue at all so having to spend a week researching and learning how to do something that only takes 5 minutes doesnt bother me

Umm, yes, just after some opinions as to wether I should bother?

[Emackulation]

If you have the time and the tools then I say why not. Im sure with your dads experience and your time you could get through a rebuild. Money can play a major part in this project though, you may find yourself not finishing it if your funds are tight.

[pow3rslave]

yeah i've been thinking about getting a bottom end and having a shot at it for when mine dies, nothing insane, just something to handle higher NA power.

only thing is no experience with it, just seen stuff done a couple of times.

[Morton]

I think it would be worth the effort You'd love the experience.

If I find myself a place to rent with a garage, I'm looking to teardown my motor to the block and port/polish/recondition the heads. It's always a good feeling to do it yourself, and do it right

[matty88]

The learning experience you gain from rebuilding an engine is unforgettable, it's even better when you hear it kick into life for the first time. Time and money are obviously a factor, and you may need some extra speciallist tools (piston ring compressors, feeler gauges etc).

[aussieghostrider]

as matty said to rebuild an engine yourself and getting enjoyment from it is a good high ... nearly as good as any drug lmao ..

but mattys a ford owner ... sheeeesh ... FORDS SUCK .... what drugs are you on matty hahahha

[V85000i]

yeah have a crack at it, the main things are, checking everything twice, keeping everything clean, and basically oil everything before fitting it,

[matty88]

but mattys a ford owner ... sheeeesh ... FORDS SUCK .... what drugs are you on matty hahahha

Hey man, I've rebuilt Holdens too....

Getting a Commodore one of these days

Also, invest in a Haynes workshop manual, they are perfect for anyone rebuilding an engine (or just working on the car in general).

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

If funds are tight and time isn't a factor, expect it to take a few years. Building a strong bottom end takes money. Get yourself an engine rebuilders manual to learn the principles of doing it as well. Being methodical and organised is the key, it is easy to forget where things go if they are not labelled correctly.

To cut a long story short, go for it. Knowing what is inside an engine makes you appreciate a car more, and knowing that you built it, even more so.

[Zuicider]

ha i got a fully stripped vr motor, acid bathed honed the bores with guidance from an engine reconditioner at work, just need bearings got to the staged i cant be stuffed anymore, sick of cars u fix sumthing some thing else goes its never ending