stutaeng
I'm Awesome
I bought this LQ9 (flat pistons) many years ago to do a swap, and long story short, it had a front main spun...I didn't really have a clue back then on anything mechanics related. It sat in my backyard for a long time, and last Fall I finally tore into and the cam looked okay, as well as the cylinder bores. Because I knew rebuilding/machining can get expensive and time consuming, I found a 5.3 for my project to drop in and left this thing as is. I've got parts scattered all over my garage, LOL. But they are all nicely labeled. I did call a local machine shop and got a quote for a complete rebuild at $1800. A line-bore only IIRC was around $180. I don't know what those costs are today.
I think I will have some time/money this year to reconsider rebuilding the LQ9. I can probably just go hunt for another (good) one form a parted out truck and probably be actually ahead on money. I think I like the challenge on getting this one rebuilt. I've never done an engine overhaul. I bought this book also back in the Fall, and it was then I realized that this was not as easy as it seems:
My question is: What tools would you recommend for doing my own measurements on the cylinder bores measurements? Taper, out-of-round, etc. to compare to the specifications. My thinking is if I can confirm that all I need is a line-bore, I can probably keep costs down on the machining? Or realize the block is junk? I think crank machining is a must also, or replacement. Is this a reasonable approach? I need a dial bore and micrometers at the minimum? Anything else? I see some vintage Starret/Mitutoyo on FBM sometimes. Or get a new Chicom set from Amazon/HF/Summit? Would the 3-4" micrometer be a good option? It looks like those pistons are actually 4.000". Only precision tools I own are dial calipers, dial indicators and feeler guages. Been watching a few videos on using micrometers.
At the moment I'm not thinking boost, forging or anything crazy like that, just looking for a standard rebuild. No specific use for the engine either. "Maybe" it might find it's way into my K3500 beater if I decide to keep it for good?
I think I will have some time/money this year to reconsider rebuilding the LQ9. I can probably just go hunt for another (good) one form a parted out truck and probably be actually ahead on money. I think I like the challenge on getting this one rebuilt. I've never done an engine overhaul. I bought this book also back in the Fall, and it was then I realized that this was not as easy as it seems:
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My question is: What tools would you recommend for doing my own measurements on the cylinder bores measurements? Taper, out-of-round, etc. to compare to the specifications. My thinking is if I can confirm that all I need is a line-bore, I can probably keep costs down on the machining? Or realize the block is junk? I think crank machining is a must also, or replacement. Is this a reasonable approach? I need a dial bore and micrometers at the minimum? Anything else? I see some vintage Starret/Mitutoyo on FBM sometimes. Or get a new Chicom set from Amazon/HF/Summit? Would the 3-4" micrometer be a good option? It looks like those pistons are actually 4.000". Only precision tools I own are dial calipers, dial indicators and feeler guages. Been watching a few videos on using micrometers.
At the moment I'm not thinking boost, forging or anything crazy like that, just looking for a standard rebuild. No specific use for the engine either. "Maybe" it might find it's way into my K3500 beater if I decide to keep it for good?