Minimum while you're in there..?

[rmcdonnell]

My engine died: piston skirt breaking up, scored cylinders. It's a 2.7L 1989 N/A 944.
Needs a rebuild. Engine is in several pieces in the garage, waiting for me to get it to an engine rebuilders for some measuring up.
Got a quote on wet liners: £115 plus machining, fitting. (144mm final size) Would need standard pistons and rings.

Got a quote on custom oversize pistons, about £130-£150 (roughly $200 to $235) each with rings provided I buy three sets (4x3). Quoted for 146mm oversize. Anyone interested in a set..? I'll find out more if so. Or maybe you have guys that could do them for less and ship some to me..? Anyone got standard or oversize pistons, new or secondhand..?

So, onto plan B. I have bought a secondhand engine, (180,000 miles!) said to be in good running order, and it's sitting in a small trailer in the back garden. It's complete with recently cleaned fuel injectors, manifolds, but no flywheel: still I've got one on the old engine. Plan B is to put this engine in asap, while I work on fixing the original, or scrapping it if it is uneconomical to repair.

So, I have an original rubber clutch plate, this was fine. 175,000 miles..!
Do I replace this: (£130=£200) for the metal spring version?
Or figure the current one was fine, so stick it in..?
I'd like to do the sensible minimum to get the car moving again

So what's the sensible minimum..?
Hey if it gets me through the winter, I can start again in spring...

cheers
Rissole

[nynor]

replace that rubber center clutch. pulling the whole thing apart when it fails is a pain.

[rmcdonnell]

Is it worth flywheel lightening while I'm at it...?

[nynor]

Originally Posted by rmcdonnell

Is it worth flywheel lightening while I'm at it...?

there are arguments for and against. i wouldn't. but there are others with different opinions. if you do, please post your impressions.

[ckelly78z]

Flywheel lightening will reduce the rotating mass which free up a horsepower or two, but will make the engine rev up quicker. The downside is that it makes driveabilty suffer a bit by not having that rotating weight keep the momentum of the motor going.

[mytrplseven]

You can't over-bore these motors due to the material used in the cylinders. You're better off getting a good core engine and going from there. These engines don't make much horsepower so if you lighten the flywheel, you'll notice come sensitivity in the throttle and it makes it less fun to drive. That stuff is recommended more for race applications where the driver is constantly on the throttle. I would recommend replacing the clutch with a spring plate (conventional) clutch while you have access to it (WYIT). Also be aware that you may notice a slight increase in positive reaction to off and on throttle sensitivity as well because the rubber dampening aspects of the stock rubber clutch is no longer there. It's not a major problem, just a bit noticeable. There may also be a slight "buzz" feel in the shifter but that may be exacerbated by weak engine mounts. Good luck with the project.

[rmcdonnell]

What?
I thought these engines can be overbored up to 146mm provided the cylinders are finished with the correct sunnen honing process, etching exposure and accuracy. Am I wrong about this?

regards
R