s2millions

Hey everyone, I need some good advice for my rebuild. I had a spark plug back out of my 01 at 68k miles (I really wish I checked the plugs-I had just recently bought it). I pulled the head hoping it just needed a valve job. Unfortunately cylinder no.3 had deep scoring. I stripped down the block and sent it to Darton Sleeves in CA for a dry sleeve setup. I was thinking about keeping the stock pistons because they are 11:1 comp and forged, however I will need to replace no. 3 that is deeply scored which will cost $160 for a new piston and $100 for a ring kit (still half the price of new forged setup). It has been hard to find a company that can make this setup work since I can't use stock rings because they are no longer frm sleeves. Total Seal said they could custom make me a ring set that will work for $90 or a gapless ring set for $190(I haven't heard anything about this). They claim they wouldn't be surprised if I saw an extra 8 or 9 hp from the gapless set. So with that said, here are my questions:

1. I'm thinking of using stock OEM head gasket. Have you heard anything about a high comp gasket for more power?
2. I'm planning on ordering ARP studs since I'm a little weary about reusing the stock head studs. Thoughts?
3. Anyone know of a good ring setup that would work with this rebuild? I would like to have rings stronger than stock.

I'd like to keep the costs as low as possible, but be able to build a stronger than stock engine...so please keep that in mind when you reply. Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it.

s2cho

you should look into ap2 valves and retainers. or aftermarket ones.

the ap2 can take 2-3 over revs and be fine. but if the ap1 over revs... its done.

chris_barry

Have the pin end of your rods honed to suit aftermarket pistons. Get ones that use a coated pin so you can run them on unbushed rods. ( they call it diamond like coating).

Once you have done this you have your choice of compression.

Stick with standard head bolts and gaskets.