block prep for new pistons
Wayne Cox
wmc_sr20@bellsouth.net
Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:09:50 -0500
At 06:34 PM 10/24/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>If I am replacing the pistons in a low mileage sr20de what do I need to do
>to prep the block? Do I need to have it honed or can I just slide in the
>new pistons and rings?
In the Old Days, bores used to wear a bunch. But I think just about all
modern Asian engines utilize metallurgy and manufacturing techniques that
nearly eliminate cylinder bore wear. I've seen like-new hone marks in a
74K mile SR20 and a 240K mile Toyota 4AGE, and that's pretty typical. I
think if the marks are visible, and there's no damage you could just slap
in new pistons. As with any quality engine build up, measuring the
clearances a couple or four times is a Good Idea.
>If I need to have it honed is this something I can do myself?
You can buy DIY hones, but they're best suited to lawn mower engines or a
grocery-getter. Besides the hone you need a bore gauge -- figure $400 and
up for one in the 86mm range.
>If not can any good machine shop do it right or do I need to send it to JWT?
Any decent machine shop should have a Sunnen or C/K bore honing mill that
will produce much better results than a DIY job, probably for under $100 on
a 4 cylinder.
-Wayne '91 NX2k - '93 NK2k - '92 SE-R parts car