Quote:
Originally Posted by devtec
Questions:
1. Mistakes? Miss anything? Overkill?
2. How much have other people spent on this swap? It seems people are always saying ~3-4k, but adding up all of the above with an estimated labor of $1500 I'm getting 5-6k (including the vibrant header, LSD). what am I missing?
3. Given this price again... rebuild make more sense?
4. Anyone used those Full engine rebuild gasket kits for the H22 that are available for $150-200. I assume they are non-OEM. reliable?
|
1) Could be a little overkill. This is more than probably anyone has ever done all at once on a swap. Most people will just swap it in and worry about leaks or the t-belt or problems later. This definitely would provide you with the greatest insurance and least amount of worry later.
2) Most people do most of the work themselves, or pay someone just for the swap and don't do all the other work. Keep in mind that the belts, even the timing belt, is easy with the motor out, the seals are a PITA though they are less of a PITA with the motor out vs in.
3) I think with what you are looking at here, a rebuild would probably be a wash. For the price you will pay on all these seals alone, you could probably buy the top and bottom end seal kits. Figure in new pistons, rings, and bearings, and the machining and assembly cost... you would probably be looking at $5k total for a full rebuild and removal/install labor. The last few that I have done, depending on what was needed, ran between $4k and $5k.
4) I would stay way the hell away from any non-OEM gasket kits. They are probably OK, companies like Fel-pro and Mr. Gasket make decent stuff, but I can guarantee you they were not tested like OEM and will not last like OEM. It's not worth the risk. If you want gasket kits, get the Honda ones (bottom end and top end kits). They will probably be cheaper than buying what you have planned and you can always sell the extra ones (like the head gasket) that you don't need.