new rings or new bottom end?

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

ok, i recently had problems with my 1.6 turbo. It was smoking from the head breather pipe. so first thing what pop'ed into mind was .. stem seals/gaskets.

so i spent 300 on the top end of engine.. new gaskets new valves new timing belt etc etc.

so seen as all that work didnt fix it, im assuming its piston rings. i've heard piston rings aren't expensive its the fitting what costs a arm and a leg.

so heres my question.. is it cheaper/better to repair the pistons.. or simply buy another 1.6 block with perfectly working pistons?

please help as im really stuck on which to go for.

cheers :thumb:

[burgo]

problem with buying another bottom end is you dont know the condition of it. your better off rebuilding your bottom end and do it yourself to save money. it really is easier than you think

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

A mate of mine says its one of hardest things to do on a engine. need some sort of 'special' tool?

[burgo]

do ya bollocks. your mates talking crap

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

oh :S he did all work on the top end of my car for me. only charged me 120 for 3 days work .. so beats a garage lol. ill ask him about the rings then, how much you think they will cost?

[burgo]

he charged you how much!!! ask mike what mates rate are ;) and rings are £100 i think

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

ahh well 120 still not too bad. see rings at 100 quid i could get a entire engine for 250-300? or just a bottom end for 70

[burgo]

yes but the point is that you cant guarantee the condition of a different bottom end. if you've got a rebuilt top end you may aswell rebuild your bottom end then youve got a bullet proof engine

[General Baxter]

rebuild it to hi spec :)

arps, proper low comp pistons, ect:

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

hmm think ill do that then. it has 3 gaskets on it atm to lower compression lol. So what you think i should do it and cost? :S

[burgo]

hmm think ill do that then. it has 3 gaskets on it atm to lower compression lol. So what you think i should do it and cost? :S:eek: oh my

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

lol dont ask, guy who i bought it off said if i want 1 gasket then ill have to change the pistons to higher compression ones. its got a gasket then a spacer plate with another gasket ontop :)

[burgo]

lol dont ask, guy who i bought it off said if i want 1 gasket then ill have to change the pistons to higher compression ones. its got a gasket then a spacer plate with another gasket ontop :)you mean lower compression:thumb: and make your mind up. you either have 3 gaskets or two gaskets and a spacer

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

aye 2 gaskets one spacer plate. so you think im best off just repairing the rings? i wanted to use this car for 1/4 mile and track days because its a monster :P

[burgo]

it depends how much youve got to spend and what you want out of it

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

hmm didnt really want to spend much more, as i paid 3k for the car did 200 miles and needed a rebuild, so spent 300 on that. but i do need it running properly, and like i said i want it to be used as a everyday car with the odd track day events :)

[burgo]

if it was my car i would have new ring, new bearings, arps, new water and oil pump. id also de-seem the rods and have the bottom end balenced. thats not going to be that cheap tho if you pay someone to do it all

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

ok, but if i got the piston rings fixed would it be ok after that ? then when my funds are topped up.. upgrade some more?

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

this is the car..http://www.pngclub.com/forum/viewfeaturecar.php?ref=3468

you probably know chris as he is a member on here. and looking at his threads, the cars had alot of work done to it.

[Adam]

Id rebuild yours....

using a old 2nd hand block, its bound not to last long with the turbo..

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

ok thanks, hope this car is worth it after all this messing around!

[Mike]

ask mike what mates rate are ;)

:thumb:

[white2lSR]

what could your mate possibly do on your top end that would take 3 days? :wtf:

You could re-build an engine in less time lol

[ck]

ouch, i wouldnt really charge my mates tbh... and if he knew alot he would have turned arounf and said that a heavy breathing engine is generaly down to rings and not stem seals ect ect..

[Mike]

You could re-build an engine in less time lol

lol correct you could. Although im at 10 months now and nearly at the end lol lol

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

haha well 1st day we had gazebo over engine bay because it was hammering down! he didnt rush it lol. yeah he said it might be piston rings at the beginning but head needed doing anyway. also we checked to see if there was any piston movement, and there wasnt.

so you guys think its definatly the piston rings? and cant be anything else? going to get a tooth taken out soon so i'll reply when im back. thanks for all your help guys.

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

BTW that hurt like mother fcuker lol

[Stuart]

the "special tool" is a piston ring compressor.... about £20 worst case.

haynes covers it a treat. DIY and learn a truck load.