I’m pulling my engine out and rebuilding/improving it this winter. I have a brand new timing chain, and head gasket. So far I think im going to get an engine rebuild kit with all new bearings, pistons, and what not. I’m also goign to get new valves and have it port and polished… What else is worth doing while I’ve got it all apart? new cam? … any suggestions would help .thanks
What are your plans with the motor?
Turbo or N/A?
If you go Turbo get Forged 8.5:1 pistons if you go N/A get Forged 10.5:1 Pistons
im not planning on doing a turbo setup right away, but most likely in the future… care to explain why forged pistons, and why the ratios? Or should i be googling that… (i really dont feel like googling it )
I don’t think I’d recommend forged pistons in an NA build up. Forged pistons have to be run with very loose tolerances. They are brutally strong yes (which is why EVERYONE recommends them) but they are not efficient.
They seal poorly, and are very heavy.
Realistically, even a highly tuned NA KA isn’t going to be making much power, not nearly enough to warrant forged pistons IMHO. You’d make more power with high carbon hypereutectic pistons, and they’re a lot cheaper. They’re also much lighter, so you’re gaining power there.
If you’re building a turbo motor and are planning to try and push the motor way past where it was meant to go, then go with forged.
If you have time, I’d recommend the IP HP KA kit
http://www.importperformanceparts.net/
Complete Gasket Set
Copper Head Gasket (to 30 psi)
WISECO Pistons
(89.5, 90, 90.5 and 9-1 compression) or
(89.5, 90, 90.5 and 10.5-1 compression)
(89.5 and 8.5-1 compression)
ROSS Stock Bore 89mm Pistons available
(add $100 to kit price for ROSS Pistons )
ROSS Performance Rings
Performance Wrist Pins
TOGA HP Main Bearings
TOGA HP Rod Bearings
Thrust Washers
Expansion Plugs
all that for $899
Then if it’s a KA24E, I’d get in touch with Colt Cams out in BC. Last time I had them looking into a cam for me, they told me that had some pretty hairy bumpsticks for the KA.
IIRC it was around $160.
k, besides the pistons and what not, what woudl you recommend? Larger injectors? header? etc. I’m looking for the most power for the buck type of improvements. Thanks