I was just wondering (since I love the Bonnie and I'm ready to do some stuff to keep it!) : Can one think about rebuilding an engine when he only owns basic mechanic tools or you need to have a lot of special tools on hand?

I know you need something to hone and a torque wrench (which is not "basic" in my Conception of Stuff) but apart from that?

I'd really love to do one just for fun ( and to eventually install it ).

Also, but not as important : what about rebuilding a tranny?

As long as your not doing anything to the pistons and crank, or bearings. Basic tools is all you really need. Other then a engien lift and engine stand.

Won't I need to change the rod bearings as part of the most basic of rebuilds?

You will need a shop to do that. Best bet is to find a low mile short block. After that'* all torque wrench. When doing heads those are torque to yield, so a yield gauge is needed.

Dayum, it'* gonna be hard to find a low mileage series 1 L67! I don't want to go series 2, I like oem and don't need the thousands of aftermarket parts available.


I'd just do a small port and polish to remove and the casting schwag there is and that'd be it.

However, thanks a lot!

To rebuild your engine apart from machine shop work you will need a quality set of hand tools, preferably with 6 point socket wrenches, a torque wrench and piston ring compressor and a balancer puller. Rent or borrow what you don't have or invest in quality items if you plan on doing more of such work.

I'm inferring you aren't an experienced mechanic if a torque wrench isn't already in your tool kit. You will also need a good manual for your engine with how-tos, torque settings etc.

I dont see why changing main and rod bearings shouldn't be beyond a DIY mechanic, it may be the rod bolts (FIT NEW ONES!!) are set by tightning to angle degrees rather than a specific torque, then you will need an angle gauge, a few dollars from an auto parts store.

Probably the toughest job will be loosening the front pulley bolt just because it will be very tight.

Remember cleanliness is your top priority for this job, a tiny amount of dirt getting in the engine might mean all your work will be for nothing.

Good luck!,

Roger.

I forgot to add;
Rebuilding a tranny is best left to the experts, it can be done but you will need a bunch of special tools and know exactly what you were doing.

Roger.

Thanks a lot pal! Yeah I won't be in a hurry when I'll be doing that anyway and I'm a very clean mechanic, I like my parts glistening and shiny (car parts, pervs).

I'll try to find a decent looking used engine to start doing that anytime soon.

Anyways, I know the forum is here if a have ponctual troubles!

Thanks again!

Cam bearings will need a special puller, and not easy to find. If your going to do mains and rod bearings, then your going to need to test each bearing with plastigauge. Torque it down, remove the cap, and check the gap. If to big, then change bearing size. It'* a long process. But one out of spec bearing will take out all the rest.

And to say I was seeing that as simple as : take out one part, replace with new part...

Oh well, no pleasure in easyness I guess!