Is this a good/bad way to do a D16Z6 build?

[Scott91EF]

I can get a block and head from a guy for $150...no rods or pistons. I thought about picking it up and slowly putting together the parts...end result being that I have a motor that I am 100% sure of the condition. Once I have all the parts, I do the swap. I know this will be more expensive than just getting a motor from hmotors, etc. but I see the advantage being the cost is spread out over time and I know the exact condition of the motor as opposed to getting a motor with unknown miles, etc. This will be my first rebuild and a good way to learn I think. Is this a good idea or a stupid waste of time and money?

[gtviper2178]

that is pretty cheap and honestly it leaves you with room to build the bottom end since you can pick up some better rods and pistons for turbo or all motor or w.e you plan to do. just make sure the rest of the block is good.

[Scott91EF]

What are some things that I should look for? I think it would be a good learning experience and when I'm done with the rebuild I will have a swap that I know is 100% good to go.

[cougar289]

Sounds like an awesome idea to me, I say go for it. This way you'll know all about the internal workings of your engine, and as you said the condition of the internal parts. Just make sure you've got everything correct, piston ring gap, crank/rod bearing clearances, true surfaces, etc....Sure you may spend a couple hundred extra bucks, but you'll end up with a brand new engine as opposed to a used salvage engine!

[pikey87]

I think its an excellent idea. and even if it does cost more, as you said you can spread the cost out over a longer period of time. besides, budget engine builds are way more interesting and you will learn a lot of priceless information! also, dont be afraid of used parts! they can save you tons of money. (please dont use used gaskets or bearings though... )

[Scott91EF]

What are some things that I should look at on the block and head? Total nnob here, wanna make sure I don't pick up some junk.

My intent is this...pick up a block and headthat are in good shape and do whatever I need to do to prep them. As time and money allows systematically build a good motor...not planning on used parts or necessarily a budget build...just the best stuff I can afford. My priority is new alternator, new water pump, new oil pump, all new seals and gaskets of course, new belts, new starter, etc. Once I figure out what pistons/rods I need I will decide if I splurge for top of the line or somewhere in the middle. When it's done I want to have a rebuilt motor with mostly new parts that will last the remaining life of the car. Basically I don't want to worry about doing anything else except routine maintenance after the swap.

My 5-speed Si transmission was overhauled last year. I will either check it out again or pick up a second one and rebuild it while I'm driving the first. I'll do a new clutch then, either OEM or performance after I do some research.

I want to do most if not all of this work myself as a learning experience. I figure I will know everything about how it works when I'm done. Basically build a motor from scratch, rebuild a transmission, swap them, and enjoy reliable performance for a long time. I don't know how long this will take but since my motor is running great there's no hurry. I figure by the time I'm done it will be time for a timing belt or major repair anyway so I'll do a swap then.

In the meantime my car is running great and getting 40+ mpg.No hurry, just want to learn and improve my performance in the future.

[el_jelly]

If you can get the engine from the original owner it will be the best option. He/she may now well what has been done to the engine or at least some idea. If a head and/or block has been resurfaced many times I would stay away from it, in case you decide to build the head you may not have a lot of area to improve or resurface in case something goes bad. This will be important if you decide to turbocharge or go with a NA setup with high compression, like the typical z6 NA build of putting high pistons, change rods and get to 10.5 compression or above.