So I finally finished the RS+T last week, then blew my pistons rings spiking 12psi. There's a thread on tuners if you're interested in details and pics: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196963&page=2&pp=25

I was planning on doing the full rebuild late winter timeframe when tax returns came back, but it's definitely a bit sooner than I wanted. I don't have the money for everything I wanted to replace, so I was just thinking about getting new oem replacement pistons/rings and possibly a headgasket as well. Now I know I've read on here somewhere that you don't have to pull the motor when just swapping out pistons. I understand it makes things easier and what not, but I was gonna pull it and super clean etc. during my rebuild come February anyways. Is it really necessary to do so now, if I'm just putting new oem replacements for the time being? TIA

personally i wouldn't do it half ass now, i mean i guess you can just get stock replacement pistons and rings but thats just wasting money you could be saving for a performance rebuild, if you've got no other car to drive until febuary i guess you could do that for now, but i dunno good luck

Swapping in a new piston/rings isn't too hard. Remove the head, and oil pan. Unbolt the 2 bolts holding the rod to the crank journals, and press/tap the piston out the top of the head. Use ring compressors to compress the rings and tap em back down onto the journal. Bolt everything back up and boost away until you melt/crack something else. :) As stated above, doing the full performance rebuild would save you the headache of going through this again. You'll not only feel alot safer, but also be much safer, as well as able to make ALOT more power. If you need any help with anything, don't be afraid to post. It's pretty straight forward thouugh. Follow a chilton or the factory service manual for removing the head, first time might be a pain, but after you're through with it you wont be afraid to do it again. I'd estimate about 10-14 hours for your first time, and maybe a few headaches getting the head off, but with some finnese and patience you will git r dun. After that it will be a breeze, but I don't suggest you do the bottom end yourself when you decide to a REAL rebuild. Hope I didn't underestimate your skills or things you've alredy completed, if I'm so sorry. But anyway, good luck.

you hit 12psi on stock block?

Yeah, it's either about $200 that I have now for pistons/rings and a headgasket, or no car till Feb. I can't afford the full rebuild now, but will have all the dough I need after tax returns.

...My first drive around, I was hitting about 9psi, but then my wastegate actuator arm came apart cause it wasn't on very tight and was on like 1 thread or so. Well, when I put it back on that night, apparently I tightened it much more, and the next night out as soon as I got on it I spiked like 12 pounds :-o

So, that's why I'm looking to replace the pistons/rings for now just to have her running again with lower boost lol, then pull motor and do full rebuild after the money is flowing haha.

It's not hard it's just time consuming - and a learning experience.
Alvin

http://www.cardomain.com/id/96rst

Are their any special tools I'm gonna need besides patience :D

Torque wrench for head bolts.

I'm gonna reuse the rods I have now and put them on the new pistons. I was told ours are press fit or what not, so I can't switch them myself??

http://forums.2gnt.com/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=93079&mode=full

Well, I'm getting OEM replacement pistons for now, it's just a matter of getting the rods from the used pistons I have now to the new ones.

yea you will have to get a machine shop to do it, unless you've got a big press, anyways good luck!

Just get some used pistons w/rods attached and get some new piston rings.
Alvin

http://www.cardomain.com/id/96rst

It has begun...












Now I need to get the timing shit off, cam gears, then cams out and finally on to the head. Any special help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I have all the manuals and what not, just not all the special tools...maybe some suitable equivalents? TIA

Well, made a little progress today. Got as far as trying to remove the crank pulley, but the slide hammer I borrowed from my buddy just didnt' cut it. I'll be headed to the parts store in the morning in hopes of renting a puller, so I don't actually have to buy my own. Once that comes off, it's the rest of the timing then hopefully the cams and head to follow. I'm looking to take the pistons to the machine shop on monday to have the rods removed then pressed into the new pistons...which means she may just be running by next weekend.

This scares me...im still getting parts to turbo my rs....and its my only car i have for transportation to school and work. But i guess if anything goes terribly wrong ill have a little money saved up and ill probably get a student loan next semester to help out with living expenses, and if anything goes wrong like this...i will be prepared. Good Luck man.

Just don't overboost and you'll be good to go haha. It's definitely worth it in the end though, good luck :thumbsup

Originally posted by jonhix
This scares me...im still getting parts to turbo my rs....and its my only car i have for transportation to school and work. But i guess if anything goes terribly wrong ill have a little money saved up and ill probably get a student loan next semester to help out with living expenses, and if anything goes wrong like this...i will be prepared. Good Luck man.

Lol im in same boat, almost ready to put turbo on, luckily i convinced my mom to buy a beat up jeep for the winter, I dont want to drive the eclipse in the snow anyway.

Timing stuff is a pain in the....esp. the motor mount bolts. Taking off the head is simple. Good Luck, you will learn alot about our car doing it yourself.

ALvin

this is the reason i dont run a timing belt. i can have the head off in 30 minutes.

how do you run no timing belt?