Suggested short block upgrades for 250bhp

[hannibal]

I think you totally missed my point. But good luck with your project. You cant go wrong by building the motor...

[420sxse]

Only a little, but then you weren't the one who actually said I should destroy it. You only implied that I should plan on it happening. I will prepare for the possibility, but not plan on it. Beside that, don't you see mine? The engine I've been running isn't fit for a turbo without some work. I wouldn't put one on a nearly 200K mi set of gaskets anyways. Put a turbo on it and it'll mushroom the first time it sees boost. It's in it's little groove and kicking, but getting tired. My engine's like an old man. He's plugged up, leaking, coughing, wheezing, and occasionally a fuse pops and he'll just stare blankly into the distance. Best not to be seeing 2g's of acceleration when that happens. So, if I've got to clean up the grounds/wiring, new gaskets, change all the vacuum lines and hoses, the head's coming off anyways. If I go ahead and put new struts/bushings/tie rod ends/lower ball joints on the front at the same time (which is actually what I'm doing)...the work to just pull it is 75% done. Time to change the entire thing instead. I'll have this new engine done soon, drop it in and everythings gravy. After I pick out the lumps, anyways. I'll doubt I'll whip it enough to come out completely smooth. So why would I build the engine to fail? Or fail sooner? I want to avoid pulling it out (or pulling the head) for as long as possible. Although, I think I could compromise with your suggestion. If I turn around and just refresh the old one, I could put it in a beater truck or a 510 shell and turbo THAT first, while just sitting on this prepped engine...babying it.

[hannibal]

I would never suggest destroying a motor intentionally. But youre right. Take markemark's advice. He's been there, done that. And maybe I just missed it, but I didnt realize it was a 200k mile motor.

I think at a minimum, someone should change the hoses, belts, gaskets, timing chain, and oil and water pump. I'd only touch the head gasket if I was feeling brave.

Keep us up to date on your progress. And LOL at the old man analogy!

[420sxse]

I don't think I mentioned the mileage (that's rounded up. It's more like 185K) just that it's getting to the point that I'm being consumed by gremlins, and MarkEmark's pagan idolatry metaphor strikes a chord with me at this point. The rest of the engine is done. New lines and hoses, freshened head, cleaned, new knock sensor, connections cleaned, timing components. I just need to take the block to the machinist to see what he says now that I have an idea of what I'll do with it. Hopefully it'll be in and running in a couple-three weeks.