Engine Suggestions, What would you do? Options

[sww914]

That's why I don't scuff & squirt people's cars. When you're getting paid to do something for someone it's easy for them to say that it will be good enough when they're thinking about dollars but when they see the results they're less happy.

[749142]

sww914. thats true. i thought you were saying never use old parts. ive never built engines for others or had them built for me but i see your point. you can get good service out of used parts, being that they are in good condition, but there are cases when new parts are best. although some new parts arent always best being that they are under developed and under tested. im currently int the process of building a 2056 with a mild cam and extensively ported 2.0l heads, and a custom dual exhuast.
using some old parts though. crank, rods, cam. the crank is almost perfect, like its not been run but about 15k miles. looks almost untouched, and its not ground.

[Jake Raby]

More skill is required when building an engine with unknown or used parts. The inspection of old parts and identifying the issues that are critical is the key.

This is why guys with zero experience are the absolute best engine kit assemblers.. Just follow the video and bolt it together.

I put together the engine in my 912E with 85% used parts, only replacing the cam, lifters, bearings and valves with brand new parts. Most of the old stuff came from the original engine and my stash of parts from test engines that had failed in some way and still had other good parts left inside them.

That was 145K miles ago.

[azbill]

More skill is required when building an engine with unknown or used parts. The inspection of old parts and identifying the issues that are critical is the key.

This is why guys with zero experience are the absolute best engine kit assemblers.. Just follow the video and bolt it together.

I put together the engine in my 912E with 85% used parts, only replacing the cam, lifters, bearings and valves with brand new parts. Most of the old stuff came from the original engine and my stash of parts from test engines that had failed in some way and still had other good parts left inside them.

That was 145K miles ago.

Now tell us how many engines you built be the one in the 912. Jake is right, don't skimp on the parts. Live with what you have, save your money and do ti right or don't do it.

[Jake Raby]

Now tell us how many engines you built be the one in the 912

I have no idea!

[jmill]

It can be done right without breaking the bank. I got a different take on Jakes post. What I think Jake was saying is that identifying which parts are good and which aren't is the key. If a part is still within spec why buy a replacement? The key here is actually recognizing what is good and what is bad. That takes some skill. I've seen engines filled with brand new goodies grenade shortly after startup. I believe an engines longevity is based more on the engine builder than the parts. I wont know how much I need to spend until I crack the cases and see what I have. If all is good I might actually get away cheaper. If not I'll save my nickels for the Raby 2270.