Top End Rebuild
 

I've had my SC for a couple of years now and have been reading the boards for almost as long. I see the term top end rebuild alot but don't know what it is. So, excuse my ignorance, but exactly does a top end rebuild consist of? Any good tech articles?

It probably varies a little but in general, a "top end" rebuild includes rebuilding the heads and sometimes re-ringing the pistons. The heads/valves don't have as long a life as the bottom end (rods, main bearings) so just doing the top end is popular for this reason.
-Chris

Any idea of the cost? If I drop the engine myself, what else can I do to prepare for this process?

Had my 3.2 done about a year ago. Cost approx...$3500.00

I've heard most shops charge between 30-40 hours of labor for the job. If you have a garage and can do it yourself, you can probably get away with $1000-$1500 in parts and head work. This is another ambition of mine, but I hope I don't need to fulfill it for a while.

I'd say more like $1500 - $2000 when you're all done, even doing much of the work yourself. Assuming valves are replaced, which are probably out of spec (shaft taper). Remove and disassemble the engine, or at least take the heads off.

"Top end" really includes pistons and cylinders, FWIW. that is, "bottom end" is the stuff in the case and "top end" is the stuff sticking out.

Think hard about whether you want to do this to a healthy SC engine. How many miles? Any broken studs or other excuses to disassemble?

Did mine some time ago on a 3.2L engine and did not get away for less than $3500 with my own labor. I also did a few extra things because you might as well when the engine was out ...

Big costs were
1. Machine work $500
2. Gasket set $300
3. Engine stand $300
4. Cam holding tool $100
5. Dial indicator $100
6. Clutch package $300
7. Extra seals and gaskets $100
8. Piston rings $200
9. Ring compressor ...
10. oil, filters, tranny fluid, etc ...
11. cleaners, rags, misc tools ...
12. God knows what else ...
13. All new rocker arms $250

If you end up replacing the chains, ramps, tensioners, valves, pistons or cylinders ... you are pushing $5K with your own labor. But, the valve adjustment is then ... free.

Local shop in North Carolina quoted ~$4000 give or take. That was for an 89 Carrera.

Thanks for all of the input. I'm thinking about dropping the engine, but not untill November-December. If the engine needs anything done it can wit till then. Thanks again.