So I got a mechanic to drop my short-block and install a new one for 820. He is extremly good, and knows his shit. I do not need the rebuild yet but i hit 100k and am going to soon. So my question is should I buy the 2.0 short block from howell or the rebuild kit? I am leaning towars the pre-built block, that way I have little -no hassle and everything is ready to go. The people that have done this, how has the block treated you? any problems, and downsides... Thanks for your insite guys...

Nick
97RS
OBX Headers, OBX CAI, OBX Cat-Back, 8%tint,Walbro High flow pump, Accell wires/plugs, Custom interior, Upper Strut Bar, Kenwood/pioneer stereo.
Old: Custom IHI Stage2
In about a week: NX75 shot, AFX Ecu

i too am rebuilding w/ the howell kit, or shortblock. i would FOR SURE go with the pre-built if i put a few punch marks on my block and bedplate before i shipped it and asked them to send me back my block. i could wait the extra few weeks for my own block back. besides i wouldnt want a 95-97-98-99 block in my 96, nor would i want a motor that was from a neon or an eclipse. quite picky i know, but just the long way of saying i want my motor. it shouldnt be that hard b/c if you buy w/ the core you have to send them your block after you get the built block. why not just send my block the day after i order it and they email me when it gets there and assembly starts, then another email when my block is leaving. for that care i'd pay the same cost as the motor w/out core + shipping, anyone else?

heres what howell says from what i could find

2.0 Litre Create Motor Short Blocks comes with the following parts installed. Clevite 77 Rod Bearing Set Clevite 77 Main Bearing Set Total Seal Piston Rings All Mopar gaskets and Seals Melling Oil Pump Eagle Specialty Forged Rods JE Pistons in your choice of 8.6, **10.5** or 12.5 compression Seasoned Block Blocks are bored and honed with a deck plate to insure that the cylinder walls are true. Crankshaft and rotating assembly are race balanced All clearances are blue printed When ordering your short block specify SOHC or DOHC, and specify compression ratio you desire. These are race engines and are sold for racing purposes only. They are sold as is, with no warranty expressed or implied. Short blocks are shipped without cylinder heads or oil pans. Engine contains no oil. Proper break in of engine must be observed to insure long life. Inspect all bracket mounting holes before use.

**HERE WE GO**
Engines are built to order, allow 4 to 6 weeks before engine is complete and ready to ship.
--so does that mean if we ask nicely they can send us OUR block back?--

Short block with your core short block $1899.95. Short block without your core short block $2149.95. Shipping cost is extra. Blocks are shipped by Motor Freight from Keyser. Lift gate service to help in unloading is available at additional cost, but must be requested at the time of order. Engine must be signed for at time of delivery.

if you must, just buy the parts if you know of someone who can built it up for you and machine it.
Michael 99gs
HRC Stage 2 @12psi :D
Stage 3 process begins gathering parts for rebuild

http://www.dreamwater.net/purplebeast

hey Collente
have you got shipped that kit yet?

I say just go with the rebuild kit as well, I believe Matt95tgs had a bad experience with his pre-built shotblock from Howell.......

go with the rebuild man....matt95tgs is still having problems with his short block kit. thats why when i do mine i am going with the rebuild kit. much more economical in the long run:)

If you are not minding the down time to send them your block, then just take your block to a local machine shop. Thats what i am doing, and I will fully assemble the block myself. Here is what I am getting and the price. I am getting some pretty good deals though.

JE 8.6:1 .020 over pistons, with rings, locks, and pins= 400
Eagle rods= 320
Bearings= around 100
All machine work- boring, honeing, blanceing, cleaning = 150-200

So for a little over a 1000, i am getting a new rebuilt block, that will be done right. Assembling the motor isnt that hard, just follow all manufact specs and procedures. I will also need a full gasket kit, and an oil pump, so that will bring the grand total to around 1200 bucks or so. Still MUCH cheaper than dishing out 2000+ grand for a prebuilt block..

i'm having issues with my pre-built shortblock too. i had piston ring landing issues thanksgiving, ordered the pre-built shortblock almost halfway through december, and i STILL don't have it. pretty pissed. it seems as if my car has been sitting in my garage up on jackstands for an eternity...

i miss my car a lot.

i miss boosting.

i miss driving a 5 speed the most.

but anyways... they said 4-6 weeks and it's been 8. i'm kinda disgruntled.