who here has rebuilt thier own motor?

[ryoken]

about a dozen 318's and 340's, some performance.. couple 440's...

about 20 SB chevy's, some performance... about a dozen BB chevy, stock merc, crusader, etc rebuilds..

couple Volvo diesels...

only comeback i've had on any of those was the first 440 i did i put the oil slinger on backwards... had to pull that one back apart..

attention to detail is paramount...

 

[TX Mudder]

I rebuilt my 350.

I rednecked it - didn't do ANY machining. Just put in new bearings, rings, pistons, cam. It's as much work as doing it right, just minus the machine shop charge.
I picked up rebuilt heads to put on it and called it done.

It's a strong motor and I learned a lot.

Next one I'll do right.

 

[mouse]

I rebuilt my 350.

I rednecked it - didn't do ANY machining. Just put in new bearings, rings, pistons, cam. It's as much work as doing it right, just minus the machine shop charge.
I picked up rebuilt heads to put on it and called it done.

It's a strong motor and I learned a lot.

Next one I'll do right.

Nothing wrong with that way of rebuilding a motor. I would make sure to hone the cylinder walls to get a good seat on the rings, but if everything else is OK, machining is really not necessary. A good inspection of everything is a must when trying to avoid the machine shop.