First newb question. Light the flame throwers and get em' ready Rebuild Q

[BuLLeTdrift]

Ok, so finally got my red top, i wanna do things right, need to "freshen" up the motor.

Background info on the engine: Miles are unknown, but when pulled out, it was running. My friend drove it from Monterey to San Jose and back fine. If you dont know, thats quite a drive. Only thing he said was he couldn't boost hi and it just didnt run right. Did a compression test (dont remember exact numbers), although the numbers weren't horrible, they were not up to par.

I've been told by a few people if i replace the head gasket, i'll be fine, also, i've been told i should do that and a lot more to make sure. I already have a gasket, but before i start the whole process i want to know what you guys think.

I am not going to add crazy HP to this engine. From what i've seen, the more you mess with it, the more it messes up. Especially with SR's. That statement might not be true cuz i might be surrounded by people that dont maintain their motor well. Anyways, so i need to get this engine up a very well running stock motor that wont see HP mods left and right. Its going to be a track car only, but i just want to get it running well.

First question, where can i find a FSM for a Red Top?

Second, can you guys guid me in the right direction for all the parts that i will need to make her run strong? As detailed of a list as possible. or "kits" if possible from websites.

I did search, but didn't find exact answers. Huge thanx in advance to those willing to help.

[redtop91]

You probably have a boost leak which is what he felt. I'd redo all hoses and both the water and oil pumps. You should check the oil pan for any dents and things in which case I'd replace it. All belts should be replaced as well. Your post was a little long and I have ADHD so I might have completely missed the point. As regards the FSM unfortunately there is no redtop FSM, you just have to make due with the S14 SR FSM and the specs are the same/similar.
Modified by redtop91 at 6:20 PM 9/6/2007

[Hijacker]

Check the sticky for SR FAQ. I have a link to the S14 FSM, which will be 99% everything you need to work on the motor.

Dave Coleman at Sport Compact Car had his S13 running 270-ish HP on a mechanically stock block. If compression is low, you might have some worn piston rings, so you could always tear the motor down and replace the bearings and rings if you want a truely fresh build.

As far as a parts list, since I really don't know your power goals, I wouldn't know where to start. All I can say is that you shoudl really just look around and do some research before you decide what path you're doing. In our FAQ, there's a link to a good thread our old mod, Movingviolation240 made about power goals and parts needed to get you there for some over generalized lists. Just remember everybody has different means to the same end.

And on a last note, and this will be highly inflamatory. You're friends just don't take care of their cars right. SRs have typically been rock steady and great, but like every motor in existance, if you fail at basic mechanics, the motor will eventually sh1t on you. And turbo cars are the worst about it.

Just do some more research and come up with a good parts plan. Don't really expect a lot of people to hand you a list and tell you to go forth.

[redtop91]

Quick threadjack, I just want to clarify something, the S14 FSM specs can be used for complete rebuild of the S13 SR?

[Hijacker]

most of the mechanical bits are the same. torque specs, tolerances, and the like. I've rebuilt a handful of SRs so far using the S14 manual

The only difference I've found so far is that the CAS installation seems to be different. The manual says to set the block at TDC of the compression stroke for #1. I did that and I was a complete 180 degrees off in my ignition timing. My next build I'm gonna try setting it at TDC exhaust and see if that cures the issue.

When you get down to it, the biggest difference between the two would be the addition of VVT in the S14 and the elimination of the AIV. Mechanically speaking of course. I definitely don't recommend using the S14 manual as a guide for electronics.

[nwmrkt]

what were the compression numbers? What are normal #s? anyways im getting a sr also will drive it in stock form for a while then rebuild it for more boost...and after the "proper" rebuild the engine should be literally "new" correct? If you get what im saying, just wondering...

[chicos240]

Good compression bumreba are around 135 to 160. With no more of a 12 psi difference between any two cylinders. After you take the head off look for wear on your chain guides. And replace if necessary. Replace head studs with arp ones and use a metal hg. Get your head decked. Have machine shop check the valve seats and redo if necessary. Also remember to replace your oil seals and if you can oil and water pump.

[BuLLeTdrift]

Been snoopin around trying to find a local shop to do the rebuild for me, but came up slightly empty handed. So heres what i've come up with to do it myself.

again, i'm not gonna go for crazy HP numbers down the road. All i want is a good stock running Redtop. here goes:

*OEM head gasket (cuz i already have it)*Peak Performance Valve springs*ARP head studs*HKS or Greddy Rocker Arm Stoppers (why is HKS so much more?)*OEM Water pump*New belts and hoses*New Turbo Lines

I'm not sure what retainers to go with. They all seem highly priced and i just read i should be ok with stockers. Once all this is done, i will get the head machined/resurfaced and put all back together. Anything else that i should look into?

[95silvia14]

*HKS or Greddy Rocker Arm Stoppers (why is HKS so much more?)

because its hks

but nah if your tring to go alil cheaper on springs and retainers just get brian crower there like 220 for both

[BuLLeTdrift]

I would like to get the Brian Cower combo, but they are on back order till the end of this month or more.