Little Project For Myself

February 4, 2009

Hi all,

I was hoping one of you guys could help get me started.

I really toying with the idea of rebuilding a 3sgte engine. Was thinking along the lines of finding a high milage ST205, whipping the engine out and generally take it apart, clean where necessary and replace parts where necessary. I accept that worn cranks, heads etc may need machining too.

I'm, however, a complete noob and have no experience with this but would really like to do this as a project through the summer. I understand you can buy detailed manuals for the 3sgte (and pretty much any other engine for that matter) and i know how an engine works/goes together to a resonable level.

Few questions:

What information do i need before i start and where can i obtain it?

What tools will i need?

What parts are a good idea to replace once the engine is out and in bits as standard?

How much time in noob man hours am i looking at?

Are there any general rule of thumbs or specific methods that should be considered?

Is this beyond mere mortals or can i actually do this with time and patience?

Is there anything i MUST particularly know before i do this?

Just so everyone is clear: My ultimate intention is just to learn this engine, refurb (get it to almost new if you will), put it back together and have it NOT blow up on me lol. I am not aiming to modify/add/remmove/change anything that doesn't need to be. So sorry modders, you can forget you twin turbo, front mounted intercooler, forged piston mods, nitro injected, flux capacitor conversions ;). However i would consider modifications/additions/removals/changes that simply improve obsolete/outdated design.

Any/all help appreciated. :D

February 6, 2009

No advances on this? :(

February 10, 2009

TBF there are not that many people on here that would take that sort of challenge on, first thing you'd need to get your hands on would be a chilton's manual and the BGB (usually available online).

for tools you'll need an engine stand, a whole host of spanners, sockets(6 sided not the cheap 12), a torque wrench, a valve grinding kit, piston ring compressors (i think thats what it's called) and a stirdy work top.

the total hours is dependant on how competant a workman you are but i would put a few weekends aside.

if your wanting this to be a learning experiance i'd also consider getting the head ported and polished and see if the engineering firm you use would let you see what actually gets done.

if it's a high milage engine you get your hands one you'll need to check the bores for wear, the valves for signs of wear.... infact go to your toyota dealers or get the toyota parts man off of hear to get you a head re-con kit, it'll give you new valves, springs and all the seals you should need plus a few extra lol to save a bit on that it's actually cheaper to buy after market valves however these would need the head modified to suit if they are any bigger than standard, this could be done during the port&polish i mentioned earlier.

thats all i can think of just now, it's still to early in the day so i might come back to this lol

February 10, 2009

You have to be careful, these projects are all fine and well, but they will cost you a small fortune in the process, i had the same idea as you, but once you get started, you get power hungry, and start replacing standard bits for performance bits. I have spend in excess of £10k to date on my engine and it still aint up and running. which brings me to my next point, toyota charged me £56 for ONE exhuast valve! i think this is a bit steep! no?

Dont get me wrong the 3sgte engine probably has to be one of the best on the market, and i have learnt so much in rebuilding it, but for a first time project i would probably look at something a bit less complicated and expensive!

February 10, 2009

Awesome cheers guys :D.

If i'm honest i wouldn't be adding any performance parts. I wont even be replacing anything substancial unless required.

I doubt i will be pumping 10k into this but would be happy to spend a grand or three over the course of a few months.

Keep any tips/pointers coming guys.

February 10, 2009

well i would replace thing like the oil pump and water pump, i went for genuine toyota parts, more expensive but worth it, replace the cylinder head bolts as these tend to bend over the years, you will get a complete gasket overhaul kit from fensport for about £150. would also consider your main bearings and conrod bearings to. you would be best replacing the clutch aswell. then its just your usual stuff like plugs, filters etc.