Hi guys.so my car died...again so now I'm just going to take it off the road and attempt to rebuild it from ground up. I want to start with the engine. I'm not looking to make it a racing car just make it reliable and able to give me a few good years and give it to my little brother. What would you guys suggest I do first? I believe it has the Chrysler neon engine non-turbo.

Check the Wiki? A_Proper_Rebuild

Depending on what "died", you might not have to do such an extensive rebuild. You will need a set of snap gauges and micrometers to really assess what can be re-used and what should be replaced/machined.


Corbin
'95 ESI-T

Now with more power and fewer leaks



Humble servant of the Wiki

Alright thanks a lot.

Don't skimp on bolts. Buy all arp bolts for internals. Sounds silly but I know alot of people who blew motors due to reusing stock bolts.

Yes sir thanks. I just wish I had someone close to my area to help me out. I tried to message some of the members on here from my area but I guess they haven't been on in a long time. I was going to take apart the engine first to see for any corrosion and such. I do not have an engine lift so is there any other way to do that?

Well I heard of people using a pipe and sling but thats a lot harder. I'd say but the engine crane and be done with it. Its easier and you can use it for alot!

Originally posted by Dstach
Don't skimp on bolts. Buy all arp bolts for internals. Sounds silly but I know alot of people who blew motors due to reusing stock bolts.

I agree..........this does sound silly. IMO a waste of money. Espcially for a stock rebuild.

OP, read and re-read Corbin's write up. Get aquainted with the engine before you go to build. There are various specific write ups on other "sources of anguish" in the wiki, lol. You should read through these as well.

Most importantly, while it is good to set a goal of time, don't rush yourself. It will take as long as it takes. I presume you have a reliable machine shop?

In addition, as Corbin noted, you want to be sure of what is wrong with the car. I think you'd hate to do a full rebuild, and install her, just to find out it was actually your fuel pump relay that went.

Yeah study study study indeed. I've been reading and re-reading for days and don't feel ready yet so I'm just going to keep going through that wiki. But now someone wants to trade my eclipse for his 91 Mr2. So I'm in a bit of a stand still right now

Best general advice I can give is pretty much what you've already got: Go slow, don't force it, don't rush. Building a motor isn't something you want to do in a hurry.

In addition, get a decent torque wrench, Plastigage *everything*, and be really goddamn careful when you're using the piston ring compressor or you'll be buying another set of rings. (everyone breaks a ring on the first try. Expect it.)