Engine Rebuild - advice wanted

[The Black Flash]

Hi all,

I've a high-mileage alfa v6 (150K miles) which I'm using in my kitcar build. Thought I'd run my thinking past the collective experience of the forum to see if there's anything I've missed or should do differently. It was running fine before I removed it, BTW, but I figure it could probably use a refresh.

My plan is:

- I'm having the heads done for me - bigger valves, new cams, vernier pulleys.

- strip the block (mostly done)
- Remove plugs and clean the block oilways/waterways (is it best farming this out, or spending a few hours with white spirit and bottle brushes? Alloy block BTW.)
- Check all clearances etc; assuming they're ok:
- replace big end and main bearings
- replace piston rings
- light re-hone on the bores (haven't measured yet, but the crosshatch is visible all the way down, so I'm guessing that they shouldn't have much wear) - after reading the "engine smoking after rebuild" thread I'm thinking I should get this professionally done?
- timing belt and tensioner I'll replace as a matter of course.

Any other should/must do's ?

[GavinPearson]

The Black Flash said:

Hi all,

I've a high-mileage alfa v6 (150K miles) which I'm using in my kitcar build. Thought I'd run my thinking past the collective experience of the forum to see if there's anything I've missed or should do differently. It was running fine before I removed it, BTW, but I figure it could probably use a refresh.

My plan is:

- I'm having the heads done for me - bigger valves, new cams, vernier pulleys.

- strip the block (mostly done)
- Remove plugs and clean the block oilways/waterways (is it best farming this out, or spending a few hours with white spirit and bottle brushes? Alloy block BTW.)
- Check all clearances etc; assuming they're ok:
- replace big end and main bearings
- replace piston rings
- light re-hone on the bores (haven't measured yet, but the crosshatch is visible all the way down, so I'm guessing that they shouldn't have much wear) - after reading the "engine smoking after rebuild" thread I'm thinking I should get this professionally done?
- timing belt and tensioner I'll replace as a matter of course.

Any other should/must do's ?

Have the block dipped at a good rebuilder's shop and thoroughly clean out all oilways afterwards.

Have the block honed by somebody that knows what they are doing. Pumaracing would be the sort of guy to use if you are near his premises. You tend to get what you pay for.

If the crank is undamaged just use new bearings. If not then have the crank reground, then tuffride & lap. Lapping is extremely important.

When you build the engine the setting up of the cams is going to be one of the most crucial parts, if in doubt enlist help.

[ColinM50]

Change the oil and water pumps. Always fit new ones. Easy and cheap to do at this stage a right beggar further down the line.

[The Black Flash]

GavinPearson said:

If the crank is undamaged just use new bearings. If not then have the crank reground, then tuffride & lap. Lapping is extremely important.

Crank cannot be reground as it is nitrided (says the alfa manual). So I'm hoping it's all ok, should find out soon.

[The Black Flash]

ColinM50 said:

Change the oil and water pumps. Always fit new ones. Easy and cheap to do at this stage a right beggar further down the line.

Will probably change the water pump, I've stripped, inspected and rebuilt the oil pump and all clearences check out, so I was going to stick with it.