swapping auto crank for manual crank

[jeepguy04]

Sorry if this has been covered before but I couldn't find out exactly what I need to know. I Found alot of threads saying you could swap the cranks but not alot of info on what's involved. Specifically on what else needs to be replaced and what can be reused.

A little background, I was driving my car and the oil light comes on. I was on the interstate in the fast lane in rush hour traffic and got over the 5 lanes to the shoulder as quickly as possible. But before I could get over the engine started to sound like a diesel and stalled right before I pulled off. There was oil everywhere in the engine bay. The car has 147k miles on it and I doubt the engine bay was ever cleaned. Since there were years of grime and gunk I was unable to determine exactly where the oil was coming from.

A compression test showed 0 psi on cylinder 1 and between 115 to 130 on the other 3. I pulled the head and have a bent intake valve on cylinder 1.

A rebuilt head tends to run 800 to 900. I might be able to buy the parts and let a local machine shop rebuild it and come out a little cheaper, but it will still be up around that range. I would also need a new timing belt kit and water pump since at 147k it is ready for the second replacement.

I found a new reman engine for only 700 or 800 more than the rebuilt head and timing kit. The reman has a new timing belt and water pump already installed. So I'm thinking for only that much more might as well not reuse my tired bottom end (not to mention I haven't pulled the oil pan yet and there could be damage there as well).


The problem is the reman is an automatic and has a different crank. So if I swapped the cranks:

1) would I have to replace the main or rod bearings? Or since they have 0 miles can I reuse them?

2) are the rod bolts one time use? Do they need to be replace?

3) can I swap the crank with the head on? if not I'll also need to add head gasket and bolts to my budget.

4) any other tips about swapping the crank from someone who has done it or from someone who has rebuilt a 1.8T before?

Sorry if these are dumb questions but I've never done any internal engine work before. I've done just about everything else though so I'm confident I can do it. Just want a little reassurance and advice before committing to buy the reman engine.

[Leifer]

Free bump, I'm actually wanting to know the same thing. Good question.

[k0mpresd]

if your engine is a sludge engine or has an oil pump that has failed the crankshaft in your current motor may be damaged. so this doesnt seem to be the best plan of action.

but to answer your questions:

1) if the motor had never actually been started, then the bearings would probably be ok to reuse
2) you dont state what engine code you have. 058 blocks have studs/nuts that are reusable. 06a blocks should have the rod bolts replaced.
3) yes. head removal is not needed. but if one the pistons slides down and a ring comes out of the cylinder, then have fun
4) not really. good luck

[Wizard-of-OD]

058 blocks have studs/nuts that are reusable.

...None of the hardware used in the bottom end assembly is reusable.

The problem is the reman is an automatic and has a different crank. So if I swapped the cranks.

I have a reman here as well.I was thinking of making a pilot bearing adapter but the supply > demand

My suggestion is this.The reman engine is going to have new pistons rods and a crank.Remove the "guts",sell them and put an ABA forged crank in there + custom JE's.

If you are head strong about getting a forged 86.4mm crankshaft then look for a later style 06A/06B crankshaft from any of the AWP/AWW/etc engines and modify the crank snout to accept your AEB crankshaft timing belt gear.

[k0mpresd]

...None of the hardware used in the bottom end assembly is reusable.

i hadnt remembered reading it needing to be replaced..mostly because it is press in...so i checked this morning.. #13, "always replace"

http://www.mycarbl0ws.com/audi_b5/En...ing%20rods.pdf

[maxspeed]

meh, my internals are held together by chewing gum and bent paper clips, you can reuse the bolts.... NOT!

[jeepguy04]

cool... thanks for the info. So it sounds like it's best for me to pull the pan and see what I got first before deciding.

It would be a great time to upgrade the internals, but I'm not looking to make any more power. This is my daily and I have a 93 rx7 that will recieve all upgrade money. I'm just looking to spend the least amount of money but still have an engine that will last for the next 3 to 5 years.

I'll try to get it pulled this week and get some pictures.