H/C/I Question, Should I Touch the Bottom End?

DFG 5OH

Active Member
Aug 28, 2004
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Louisville, KY
I'm gathering parts for my H/C/I soon. So far i've got P heads, and an explorer intake. I'm going to get all the supporting mods to go with them. But my father seems to think i should get the bottom end rebuilt with new rings, because he thinks they'll blow right out with the added HP. I know that guys on here are running stock blocks with boost (JR) and no problems.

My car burns about 1 qt. of oil every 3k miles. It runs great, i've never done a compression test, but maybe if i did a compression test and it came up fine, i wouldnt worry, if it didnt, then i might think about rebuilding the bottom end.

So should i do a compression test, or just not worry about it, and do the H/C/I?

Thanks,
Matt
 
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Matt, I wouldn't mess with it. It's a LOT of work. I too come up with a low oil light once I get right around 3k miles, which usually means 1 qt. low. I'm not messing with mine when I do the swap. I figured I would wait until I blow out the rings then do a 347 stroker kit. Good luck man.
-Chris
 
It all depends on how warn down your block is. I have 130,000 on my stock bottem end with plenty of mods on top. I have NO problems. You said you use up 1 qt every 3 thousand miles. You make the call. These blocks last a long time. I recommend driving it until it blows up, then replace it. What is the difference between replacing now, it runs fine, and replacing when it blows up? Driving it until it blows up gives you more time to save up $ for other mods when you finally have to tear it down and rebuild. My .02.


95GT Stock 302 bottem end. P. Products Typhoon upper/lower intake, MAC shorty headers, Cam, Underdrive pullies, MAC CAI, 1.7 roller rockers, Lifters, Edelbrock Performer RPM heads (out the box), Diablo Sport tune, 70mm TB. 3:73s, Subframe connectors, Lowering Springs, Caster camber kit, 18" Saleen rims w/ Nitto Extremes.
294rwhp 327rwtq
 
Definately do a test. Like wy said, "good to know what is going on." It will hold up, though. Keep the fluids changed with the synthetic at least every other oil change and run 93 octane regardless of what other people may say, IMO.
 
I know you don't wanna here it but.......

Better listen to dear ole Dad.

1 quart every 3k miles and 135K on the clock will not stand up very long with 300 to the wheels. Those rings are tired.

Later
Grady
 
if you do plan on changing something out of your bottom let it be the pistons....you can get some trickfllows for cheap or any other good brand....thats what i would do.....theres no point in changing anything else if there isnt anything broken.....i see most guys with 140k- 200k with built top ends with blowers...theres alot of good examples of high mileage stangs...you make the call
 
matthiasj said:
thats what i'm afraid of grady. my next question is how much for a bottom end rebuild

Now you see the frustrating :bang: part about this hobby :D

Decisions..........Decisions..........Decisions :shrug:

If I was gonna think about a short block rebuild................................

I'd consider a b&bed 306 short block.

The other guys have a good point also.

Gather up and use the parts for a nice combo and when the motor is just too tired to go any longer, all of the go fast parts will work with the new short block as long as you don't go for a 347 stroker ...... that is.

Later
Grady
 
3 angle valve job...nothing major...i'm gonna call a guy tomrrow, i'd like to get my heads/intake ported. but for now i'll just go with stock block/non ported heads till the block gives out. I dont have the money to build up a nice stroker. I just wanna see how its gonna do wit this chit. The bottom end will be my next project. :D