Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cylinder Machine Work

[R-N-R]

Situation - 3 minor scratches on Cyl #1, 1 of them might be a problem. Also, cyl #4 sucked in debri, cyl #4 looks okay but piston needs replacing.



Goal: 100% confidence upon startup - 520 hp, EGTs under 1200* for my typical towing (MI/OH/IN = flat land) of a 6500# TT, decent streetability, occassional street and strip playtime, and long term reliability. I know, I know... . a common TDR member's dream...



Honing the cylinder does not seem like it will get rid of the scratch and stay within stock spec?



Sleeve the cylinder, bore it back to factory spec, replace 2 pistons?



Bore all cylinders and replace pistons to next size up, replace 6 pistons?.



I appreciate that seeing and feeling is required to accurately diagnose and give a recommendation. However, should I be concerned about a sleeve holding up 500hp for use as described above? Anybody have an idea as to what ballpark this type of work is in?



TIA,

Bill

 

[keimmmo]

I have rebuilt MANY motors over the years. I DO NOT like to replace only a piston or two. There is a good chance that the replacements will be a different weight and/or have a slightly different dish. Either of these differences will make a motor vibrate more and run worse. If you have to replace two pistons, I would recommend replacing all six.



A repair sleeve can be acceptable if properly installed. A common problem is that they do not go all the way to the bottom of the cylinder, which makes the cylinder shorter. The bottom of the cylinder supports the piston skirt. Make it shorter, and the piston is less stable in the cylinder.



If money is a major issue, hunt up two used factory pistons that match yours and sleeve the damaged cylinder. If you want it right and can afford to do it, bore it and buy new pistons.



Steve

 

[Supermod56]

I don't really like replacing 1 or 2 pistons either, like Steve said, bore it and put 6 fresh slugs & Rod Bearings in it, then you know what you got. Or make it into a planter and get a new block, especially if it's a "53".



Tom

 

[Fishin Guide]

I don't really like replacing 1 or 2 pistons either, like Steve said, bore it and put 6 fresh slugs & Rod Bearings in it, then you know what you got. Or make it into a planter and get a new block, especially if it's a "53".



Tom

Sleeve the bad one and replacing the offending pistons. It'll run fine for years to come!



Dave

 

[keimmmo]

The thought ran through my mind too that you might be able to replace the block for what it would cost to repair what you have. If I add things up right, you also have a concern about the head. You might very well find a motor for what it will cost you to repair what you have... especially if you can not do the work yourself and have to pay shop labor. Just a thought.



Steve Keim

 

[R-N-R]

Thanks for sharing your input guys, I really appreciate it



I have been getting help from quite a few people during the past couple of weeks.

Machining all cylinders and replacing all pistons is being recommended more and more frequently lately.

This is the direction I am leaning towards, I just have to decide how to get there.



I am more confident in my local shop's ability to provide specified machine work than I am in their ability to make a recommendation on how to achieve my goal.

Is this rational, understanding that I have only spoken with them once so far?



Thanks again,

Bill

 

[Bandit1]

do it once and do it right, bore it and put in oversized pistons, it should increase torque. while you are in the motor put in a mild cam and you will NOT regret it. my motor is bored . 20 over and has oversized pistons from EEP, they werent very expensive either. plus i am running a modified race cam, and i love it.