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yup. Lost compression in #2 at last weekend’s HPDE. Figured I had a problem in the head, after the gracious techs at the event did some troubleshooting. Sure enough I did. Though this was a reasonable fix until the second look after the head came off tonight. And… oh crap… is that cylinder scoring? Suuuure enough.
I’m still processing this and trying to decide what to do. Rebuild, engine swap, part it out?
car had 65k miles on the clock. In pretty good shape, despite a fair amount of neglect up to 2019, when repairs and upgrade began with one part failure after another. Mostly electrical, seals, and a failed timing belt.
86 turbo, right? Way too fun to let die. The 2.5 hairy block is the same as NA’s. Get some new guts and get back to having fun- a good winter project. You can do it!
Thanks for the replies! It is an ‘86. And it’s a non-sunroof car that’s in fairly decent shape. I was all about rebuilding the head, but at first glimpse the costs when it comes to rebuilding the block, if it is even rebuildable, were overwhelming.
there are a couple used blocks around here that may fit the bill, and I’m still open to the rebuild. I did reach out to Edredas, but it looks like his last activity here was over 5 years ago(?)
is the turbo block the same as the NA? That could open things up.
Yes, it is the same block, and they are plentiful. There is a laundry list of things that are different after that, like valves, etc, but a rebuild using a block you picked up is very doable! There are some real experts here that can send you some excellent info, but bottom line is that you can save this car!
The exhaust valve exploded on #2, and some of the debris apparently stayed behind in the chamber. Why that valve blew, I don’t know.
I appreciate the guidance! So, my first course of action here is to get the current block out, and see whether this block can be reasonably saved. Same with the head. I know of a clean looking head nearby that I may source, and will start the search for a good short block.
and then begin the laundry list of “while you’re in there’s!”
We got the engine out today! I realize some can do this in a matter of hours, but with my experience and setup, it was a bit of a project.
I have located what appears to be a decent short block nearby. The current plan is to get this and take take it along with the existing head to a recommended machine shop for evaluation, and hopefully repair and valve job on the head. If all goes well, I’ll be rebuilding top and bottom end, and moving the various parts from the old block to the new block, replacing gaskets and worn out parts as we go. Along with a small number of “while you’re in there’s.”
so, along that line, what should I do as far as motor mounts? I had no issues with the old ones to my knowledge, but while I’m in there…. Is there a way to tell where these are in their lifespan? I don’t see any goo leaking out, cracks or dry rot. They look supple. Should I replace anyway? Would rather not fork out the $$$ for new, but would prefer that to having pull the engine again.
Measure the height of the engine mounts and then google for the specs on them. That should give you an indication of how fresh they are.
thank you. Didn’t occur to me there was a spec. Only thing I found was new has a height of 70mm from top of mounting surface to bottom of bearing plate, and replace at <65 when detensioned. Mine sit at 67mm, so I suppose they’re okay.
Manufacture date of 2000 so they're not young but they are factory mounts so they can probably live another few years if not in the current budget. Switching sides would be helpful to extend the life as the exhaust side suffers more. Replacement later, although not fun, does not require engine out.
09-19-2021, 09:49 PM
Rebuild time(?)
