Things you wish you knew before starting your first rebuild

[Vertigo]

Thought this might be a treasure trove of info that budding mechanics can use to learn from experience So, what vital things do you wish you had known about before setting out on this journey? Also, what little bits of info do you think are vitally important that you might consider common sense/knowledge? Doesnt have to be specific to any engine, but if you have something interesting in that regard, please share! This can be during the rebuild, on first start, or during break in.

(4AGE's especially !)

[FANGIN]

Before you even pull the engine out, take pictures of everything and label the parts / loom plugs / vacuum lines etc.

Makes it soo much easier to put everything back together.
And a tidy garage / workshop is a must, you can waste alot of time searching for a tool that could be hidden under a rag or something.
Also, make sure you have or have access to the correct tools for the job.

When I rebuild my first engine (pinto *shudder*) I did none of this and it took me ages to put it back together.

All common sense really.

[Dell'Orto]

Make sure you have EVERYTHING ready before you start...nothing worse than having to run off to buy a specific tool halfway through!

[cogent]

more generic advice rather than specifically rebuild advice, but set yourself clear and achievable goals and stick to them, rather than deciding halfway through the rebuild that your 4agte is going to become a clone of bazdas 7agte

[Heylin]

Ensuring the company you use to rebuild your motor are not a bunch of disorganised incompentent f**k heads.

[eskimo]

Make sure you have EVERYTHING ready before you start...nothing worse than having to run off to buy a specific tool halfway through!

THIS!

[gasman]

set a realistic time frame and dont brag about it till its done.

[Akane]

Wish I knew that most of the engine builders / tuners / mechanics in this country are just f**ktards in overalls, don't know jackshiet and just want your hard earned cash.

[AE92-5ONIC]

Don't have a set budget, you'll always find something else that is F#%k'd.

[Scottie]

Wish I knew that most of the engine builders / tuners / mechanics in this country are just f**ktards in overalls, don't know jackshiet and just want your hard earned cash.

You are so cool. Can we be friends.

[Akane]

Wish I knew that most of the engine builders / tuners / mechanics in this country are just f**ktards in overalls, don't know jackshiet and just want your hard earned cash.

You are so cool. Can we be friends.

Are you a mechanic and want to work on my car?

[gasman]

Wish I knew that most of the engine builders / tuners / mechanics in this country are just f**ktards in overalls, don't know jackshiet and just want your hard earned cash.

You are so cool. Can we be friends.

Are you a mechanic and want to work on my car?

looks like you've been made Scottie

[IH8TEC]

Get the parts to do it right the first time

[RomanV]

I reckon, spend the $$$ on parts that bolt on to a decent engine block, and leave everything inside alone. (Especially so with forced induction)

You may not make as much power ultimately, however when your engine inevitably poos its pants, you can just get another block, and bolt all the bits back on.

When you've got a $$$$ rebuilt engine that craps itself, you're screwed.

[tsoob]

Having built 3 motors now, I'd say if you want a turbo 4agte.

Work out what you want the car to be used for and what kind of power.

Use a decent engine builder to inspect the crank (grind if need be)
Get the block acid dipped and the bores cleaned up profssionally.
I'd suggest ACL race series, ARP main studs and rod bolts
STD toyota head gasket.
Have the head crack tested AND at least upgrade the valve springs
ARP head studs ( I went thru 3 sets of bolts before I changed over)

Make sure you put it together in an environment that youd be happy to see your mother have her knee operated on

Use good quality sealant for the sump

Take your time.

[neo]

make sure its not your daily driver, as doing it yourself it may be off the road for up-teen months.

Price up all the bits, tools and machining costs, then double it. Ensure you have said cash before you begin.

[Bling]

Surface rust on old cars is never just surface rust.

Also along the lines of what IH8TEC said, do it once do it right. Or just don't bother.

[Vertigo]

heres one i rediscovered - leave belts on before undoing certain bolts! (such as water pump pulleys)

[HachirokuGTV]

Label parts and corresponding bolts/screws.
Plan, plan, plan.
You don't need 5 sets of wheels for one car, but it's still nice.

[MAGN1T]

Work out why you're having to do a rebuild in the first place. Correct the cause of it first.

Otherwise you'll be doing another and another.

Steve