Rebuilding 101

[jungspike]

Can someone please recommend some basic books for engine rebuilding?

Although I would love to rebuild a 911 engine, I am going to rebuild at Toyota 2JZ with my 18 year old son (for his car). I am pretty confident with my mechanic skills and have had just about every bolt apart on my '84 Targa. However, I am clueless when it comes to engine internals (crack, pistons, bearings and heads).

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Yes, I have Anderson's Porsche rebuilding book.

Thanks,
Tim

[RedCoupe]

There is much information about engine rebuilding fundamentals available. But, first I would make sure that you and your son have a solid understanding of internal combustion engine theory and design. The basics of the four stroke engine. Then on to different engine configurations: six vs V8 vs boxer 6, etc. Single overhead cam vs double overhead cam vs overhead valve vs flathead. Two valves per cylinder vs four or more. Air cooling vs liquid cooling. Once you have a good understanding of how engines work, then proceed to study about the fundamentals of engine overhauling and rebuilding. You actually might want to disassemble a small engine or two before jumping into a rebuild of a car engine. There are are certain "best practices" that one does with every engine that is worked on, while there are other procedures that are specific to the application. Factory workshop manuals are good places for the specific information, procedures and special tools for certain engines, while textbooks and general training manuals show the basic procedures and practices. I don't believe that there is one source. Learning is a continual thing. I did my first complete engine overhaul 46 years ago, and I'm still reading and learning!

[VFR750]

Do you have Wayne's rebuilding book? It's probably the best step by step book out there. Lots of pictures.

A good complement to Bruce Anderson's book

[Aurel]

You can read and read and become booksmart at rebuliding...or just dig in and learn on the go. Nothing replaces experience, forums are great to share experience, get advice and build confidence.
Not a bad idea to start with a Toyota engine. I am sure there are Toyota engine forums that can help. Waynes book is great for 911 engines because it is practical, step by step, almost written like a recipe to follow. The only engine I ever rebuilt is my 911 engine (top end, then bottom end). It can be done without prior experience and without huge theoretical knowledge. Just basic understanding of combustion engines should suffice to start. Then you build up your knowledge as you go.