how to make a realiable engine without full rebuild

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LOCKjaw

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Joined
Mar 22, 2009
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my first engine i blew because of a big end bearing, second engine i blew the head. besides learning frrom my mistakes and driving smart/having a good tune/ constant servicing, what can i do to my engine to help realiability without going with a full rebuild and changing internals.

the engine is going to have a bigger then stock turbo, fmic, fuel pump

so far my ideas are:
-aftermarket radiator. ( http://runonce.msn.com/runonce3.aspx )do evo 3 radiators fit straight in?

-remove balance shafts
-CAI

im new to this so thats all iv got...

thanks
 
I'm on my 9th 4G61T/93T/63T/63 and i've yet to have one fail one me- not even a head gasket.

I'm not sure how you blow a head- (i'm assuming headgasket here) but every time I look at my fuel or speedo I take a quick look at the temp gauge too. Regular servicing will help you prolong the life of your motor, but you really need to start off with one that is healthy from the start. Anything lower than 120-125 psi compression, or 15psi difference between cylinders suggests that the motor is close to needing an overhaul.

Doing a big end bearing suggests that someone dialed in too much boost! If you are going to play with boost levels higher than 14.7psi, advance the timing, or put a larger turbo on than stock, then make sure you get someone who knows what they are doing to check that the car isn't leaning out, or running too rich- as these are factors that are common causes of engine failure, along with poor maintenance schedules, and thrashing it without warming it up properly.

Stock radiators work fine. What car do you have?
 
Checking fluids regularly
regular servicing with quality oils
using the correct fuel for your tune
Not thrashing the car when cold
Having the car tuned correctly
Knowing the limits of individual parts of your car ie; Turbo, injectors, Fuel Pump.
I havent killed a 4g motor yet, i guess as a car enthusiast its more common sense things to do, and knowing the consequences of not carrying out general maintanence.
 
Quote: "what can i do to my engine to help realiability without going with a full rebuild and changing internals" ..... "the engine is going to have a bigger then stock turbo, fmic, fuel pump"

Depends on the condition of the engine because if you dont know it, its a gamble. Too many times I've seen failures not long after bolt ons have been added because the engine bearings, timing belt or headgasket werent maintained and the extra stress, heat and rpm of the engine internals caused failure. A reliable bottom end and timing belt can only be ascertained by visual inspection... and if you have your doubts, replace them.

If the compression checks out OK, and you're planning on removing the balance shafts, then whilst under there get an experienced builder to check the condition and tolerances of the big ends and crank bearings - could save you some grief down the track.
 
Oh and change the goddamn waterpump whilst you're there... those things have a habit of dying on engines that have been sitting dormant for a while (unless they are new) :lol:
 
driving styles would kill a "stock engine"

keeping everything in check will limit the amount of damage..

engines are expected to wear but you can prevent an early death :)
 
Dean said:
Negligence is the only thing that will kill your motor.

Negligence is a sure-fire way of killing your motor, but it's certainly not the only thing...
 
thanks alot fellas. i blew the engines when i was still a young lad addicted to boost. good idea about the water pump and compression testing. thanks for the heads up.

the reasons for an aftermarket radiator is because i realy dont trust them. and factory temp gauges always seem to keep secrets from me
 
CLuTZ said:
I'm not sure how you blow a head- (i'm assuming headgasket here) ?

Dre your'e forgetting you treat your cars with more knowledge than most.
It aint that hard to blow one, Ive had it happen once.....And it aint that hard to pop a 4G63 headgasket..depending on the motor/year/boost.
Given that they, are bullshit engines and go down as being one of the toughest.


CLuTZ said:
I've been driving a Mitsi for over 10 years now and have never had any issues with a stock radiator :huh:

Agreed, the stock radiators put up with shitloads, and do it well too.
 
Having a good knowledge of your engine.
Knowing how things work.
Knowing the limits of your engine.
Regular care, oil change, filters
 

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