[michel richard]

My own view:

With all the help on this board and the books, it's not really that hard.

Just a few things:

1) torque absolutely everything, with a good wrench, to spec and no more !
2) Have everything super clean
3) Mind the tiniest detail, down to using the right type of washer in each application
4) take your time
5) invest in tools.

I think the biggest hurdles for a beginner are the jugdment calls i.e. figuring which parts are worn beyond use, which need to be changed; when to return a part that you just bought new (gaskets for example). Sometimes, it takes a lot of discipline to discard an expensive part that is wornout, but would still work, and is expensive.

I had an engine rebuilt a couple of years ago. I figured, knowing myself, that I simply am not enough of a perfectionist, and I had it done by a shop. I was very closely involved, though, to the point of spending a few evenings watching the expert mechanic do it.

I had to bring four different cases before one would pass muster. If I had been doing it myself, I would have declared the second or third good enough and used it. But I now have a better engine.

The short version: it is possible for some beginners to rebuild an engine as a first project (it depends on the person's general character and skill-set), but an experienced mechanic is likely to produce a better, less leaky, engine.

This being said, you're not likely to do a ton of harm, except a slight dent in your pocketbook, if you try.

Michel Richard
914-6, 2.2 E MFI