Engine building/recon

[Antz_clubbyR8]

Hey guys

Just wanted to ask a the guys that build there own engine'a a question.

How did you learn to build engines and what do you think is the best way to learn?

Reason I ask is it is something I'm interested in and would like to learn currently I'd say I have a good mechanical ability not great still got a lot to learn but am still young.

Am looking at building my own 383 ls1 but am Abit weary as could be an expensive learning curve haha.

Thanks

[Bling Bling]

You are pretty game at doing this ,yes you can but you will need a lot of GOOD tools and know how to read them, give it a go it will be a learning curve good luck

[white lie]

There used to be a few places/workshops that would teach you how to rebuild a motor, can't say I've seen anything along those lines for a long time.
Would probably be best off looking for a night school or tafe course but the 'proper' courses usually require a qualification or current studies in something related to it.
By the time you do the course and buy the tools, it would be cheaper to pay someone the labour to do the job but you don't get the same satisfaction or sense of accomplishment. Depends what's important to you I guess?

Know anyone that can build it for you and let you lend a hand as you go along?

[IJ.]

Built my first car engine when I was 13 under the watchful eye of a neighbour, it was a 179Ci Holden Red, I ended up selling it and it ran like a dream.
(had built a few Bike engines before that)

That was 39 years ago.... man I feel so old, countless engines of all types since then

Often when I'm building an engine for someone I get them involved hands on with turning spanners and torqueing some fasteners, I find they then have some mechanical sympathy for the engine and look after it better.

Have Mentored quite a few builds offering guidance when needed.

[Antz_clubbyR8]

Iv already got most of the tools know how to use most and have build a few 4 cylinder motors measured up etc but I want to learn more performance etc.

I have spent 5 years as a heavy diesel mechanic and done rebuilding courses at tech but they don't exactly teach you everything needed just a basic understanding

Ideally building an engine or two with somebody supervising would be great but not to many people like passing on knowledge haha

[bush_basha]

There's always great satisfaction in doing it yourself. I have a mate with a super quick drag car so pit crewing for him and helping him out is how I learnt. However I wouldn't be game enough to do it to my own engine by myself. Lol. Same Mate and I did the top end in mine, tho he did most the important stuff while I helped and watched.

If money wasn't an issue if definitely give it a go myself but being on the budget I was I couldn't risk it as it could be an expensive learning curve.

[Antz_clubbyR8]

Yea good tools are expensive and might be cheaper to pay somebody but what about 3-4 engine and friends or business.

See I'm a young guy only 25 and the only thing that really interests me is engines (most males) so if I can learn now iv got a life time of builds to go

[Antz_clubbyR8]

Yea all experience passed down.

iv even tried asking shops if I can volunteer on my week off & eventually learn, as I work one on one ATM but nothing only other possibility is a course in America

[white lie]

Sounds like you've got all the experience you need IMO, just start reading!
Loads of info on the american sites, particularly step by step how to's
Pick an LS1 up cheap cheap and tear it apart.

[Antz_clubbyR8]

Yea iv done loads of reading and YouTube videos ;p good old night shift haha

Just could be a 3-4grand mistake for something simple which I would hate!

[white lie]

That's always going to be a gamble. Just have to check and double check

[Antz_clubbyR8]

Yea would you recommend rebuild before stroker?? Only real difference would be clearance the block n a few other bits n pieces my plan was heads then bottom end.

[vyls1wa]

Just do it, but find someone who has the time and experience to help you through your first. Only way you learn is by doing it.

[seedyrom]

I had rebuilt my JB Camira back when I was 17, but that was done with the block still in the car. Was done with my dad (mainly my dad), so I really didnt "learn" anything.

Fast forward a few years, and I built my own forced induction LS1 engine.

I used a guide I found off the net, which i copied the high resolution photos from and made a book which I then bound, and used as my step by step guide.

uploadfromtaptalk1401182376779.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1401182405760.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1401182425158.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1401182442927.jpg

It was a really easy to follow guide, with good advice and humour.
The Authors name is Chris Werner.
The article I stole is here


I note when searching jsut then, that he has a book about rebuilding LS1s

http://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-LS.../dp/193249460X

[Antz_clubbyR8]

Thanks for that will have a read.

Have you had any wish i knew that earlier moments building your engines? I.e tips haha