I'm thinking about going turbo, hopeing 12psi+. Before anything, I need a rebuild. So the question is...
1. What do I need? I'm thinking about buying an used engine, but do I need the whole thing? What specific parts would I need? And would the bottom end kits include everything I need for the rebuild?
2. What are the recommended kits? (like piston forged compression, brands, etc.)
3. What actual work needs to be done with the engine before the actual rebuild? (like boreing, etc)
4. Would the actual rebuild be easy enough for me to do it? or would a shop have to?
5. Can you rebuilt guys tell me the process and price that I should expect. (prof. done vs. self done)

I just want to get all the estimates so I can be prepared for it. But, I want to do as much as I can, because I want to learn these things. So, please let me know what you guys went through.

TIA

p.s. anyone from or near TN that can maybe help me this summer??? hit me up!

you can buy a built block, i think people were paying around $1600

>1. What do I need? I'm thinking about buying an used engine,
>but do I need the whole thing?
buying a used engine isn't required, but being able to build it without the downtime is a great plus!
What specific parts would I
>need?
mainly forged internals. you need strength and reliability.
And would the bottom end kits include everything I need
>for the rebuild?
any bottom end kit worth a damn would. Talk to MotoFool (www.gottude.com)
>2. What are the recommended kits? (like piston forged
>compression, brands, etc.)
typical bottom end kit has forged pistons (choice of compression), forged rods, new bearings and oil pump.
>3. What actual work needs to be done with the engine before
>the actual rebuild? (like boreing, etc)
you really just have to have it cleaned up, but by having the cylinders bored 20 over (.020") youare ensured a true cylinder with little/no variations
>4. Would the actual rebuild be easy enough for me to do it? or
>would a shop have to?
I'm getting ready to do this myself. My first rebuild. :o To be the most practical, I would suggest removing/disassembling the motor yourself, BEING CAREFUL TO INVENTORY WHERE EVERY NUT, BOLT, SENSOR WENT. Then take the block to a machine shop to have them prep it and maybe install the rotating assy's. Then reinstall it yourself. You will save precious hours of paid labor, and still have the tricky stuff done by a professional.
>5. Can you rebuilt guys tell me the process and price that I
>should expect. (prof. done vs. self done)
I don't know about complete rebuild prices, but I dropped $1100 on MotoFool's bottom end kit, then for another $500, I got a PT Cruiser clutch, ALL NEW GASKETS upper and lower, a UDP and a NEW T-BELT. Then I have $300 budgeted for machining. Boring the cylinders 20 over, cleaning and prepping the block for the MLS head gasket. All together, I spent $2000.
>
>I just want to get all the estimates so I can be prepared for
>it. But, I want to do as much as I can, because I want to
>learn these things. So, please let me know what you guys went
>through.

You could get a prebuilt block like ^^^ said, but for that kind of money, you can do alot of work yourself, IF YOU'RE METICULOUS IN WHAT YOU DO WITH THE STUFF YOU REMOVE SO YOU KNOW WHERE IT GOES WHEN YOU NEED TO PUT IT BACK ON. Do some research around your town to see what your local mahine shops harge for rebuild machining and even install just in case.

There are a couple guys around here from TN, but the last time I heard about them, they were talking about jumping their cars out in the country. I bet they have a lot of repair experience. :P

Best of luck to you! Like I said, be patient, and take your time with this. I don't need to tell you what happens if you blow it. :nono

Cool man, thatnks. Would I need to upgrade anything else? like clutch and stuff? if so, what would I need? I just want to know everything that I "should" upgrade for a turbo. I know the ENGINE for sure, but what else? I want to start structing my plan for my turbo...which i don't know when, but i sure as hell want to get it asap and start kicking some ass!

howell bottom end kit
upgraded clutch
turbokit

have fun, dont blow shit up, kill all civics and other cars on road within reason