Hey guys,

Just had a couple questions as I'm getting ready to start the teardown on my Lq4. My goals for this build are stage 3 cam, lifters, pushrods, springs, pretty basic refresh with a little extra power. I am not going crazy with it, gonna be a simple na build. My question is this: what exactly do I need to have done at a machine shop? Assuming the internals are in decent shape, I'm guessing just hone the cylinders, hot tank, magnaflux, cam bearings? What else would need to be done and what is the approximate cost of something like this? Also, can i reuse the stock pistons if the cylinders just need a hone?

This is my first engine build so I appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks

 

Personally I don't see the need for a full on machine shop treatment if the engine is already in good condition. A good cleaning and camshaft bearings is kinda all they need to do.

If you have them do the whole nine yards and assemble it all for you it's going to cost you a good chunk of money. New stock main/rod bearings, new piston rings and you can totally use the stock pistons if the cylinders are just cleaned up.

 

Just don't look at the cam bearings!!!!

 

Wouldn't it be worth while to just have a shop throw in new cam bearings? I have heard a lot of people say to replace and others say not to.

 

Yeah I mean you might as well if you are going through all the trouble of taking it to a shop.

 

replace them, 100%

Its like doing a clutch and NOT doing the rear main. You're already there and its such a small cost to prevent future hassle

 

Ok thanks thats what I was thinking. Any idea what this will cost me to have them look it over, clean it up, and throw in new cam bearings?

 

depends on your area. Probably ~$400

 

I cleaned my LQ9 at home, honed with a 240# ball hone, new cam, lifters, rings, bearings, oil pump, gaskets etc. My cam bearings looked good so I didn't need any outside work or to buy the cam bearing install tool.

240# Hone



ARP 4.00 bore tapered ring compressor (pressed in pistons with my thumbs)



Plasti-Gauge



Who needs a machine shop to clean... not eye lol