Small engine refresh/build

[MikeWasHere05]

In post 3 of this nightmare we might end up pulling my entire engine tonight. I don't have really a lot of money, so I can't afford to go all out . I have a PC-16 K04 setup so I'm looking for something affordable that'll keep that powerful and reliable.

Would Integrated Engineering rods with the stock AEB pistons and a good machining/cleaning do this? Or should I upgrade to some JE pistons as well? Right now JE is out of my budget, but my parents have offered to let me borrow the money.

If I end up stumbling on like a grand I might end up going the water/meth route in the future. If I end up stumbling on a few thousand (hahahaha) I'll be going BAT and could pay for any internals I need then.

Opinions? Any headwork or anything?

[k0mpresd]

scat + aeb pistons

[317ssayzarc]

yup, im with ian

[MikeWasHere05]

Cool. What kind of performance could I harness after this? Would it allow me to run more boost possibly?

Idk, I'm looking for the light at the end of this shitty shitty tunnel.

[Ian@Absolute]

scats are going to be more than enough rod for the power you will make w/ a k04 or almost any bt.

[MikeWasHere05]

Looks like its scat. I'm actually going away tomorrow so my friend will be doing the work. I'll get a parts list and all that later on and post back what I decided to do.

More opinions are welcome though :)

[317ssayzarc]

check your pms

[onemoremile]

A few of us have done this so don't be shy about asking questions. You'll need gaskets and tools and whatnot too. Total cost can be around 550-600 if you use a tool loaner program and do the work yourself.

The 'while you're in there' stuff varies depending on who is doing the work. I port matched the throttle body, intake manifold, and head intake ports, changed the oil pump, engine mounts, timing belt, water pump, PCV stuff, o-rings, etc.. My total was a little higher but still under a grand with Scats, new rings and bearings, the stuff above, and cleaned up stock AEB pistons.

You'll need something that cleans oil easily but is safe on aluminum and some scotchbrite scratchy pads. The idea is to get all the crap off without removing any aluminum. I soaked mine in Oil Eater and it did the trick. Dish detergent would probably be good too. Be careful not to wear the coating off the skirts.

They come out of the engine looking like they've been soaked in coffee for years.


They clean up to look like this.

[k0mpresd]

^ i remember those pictures.

my inspiration. i think i hit you w/ a cpl questions too. before i was brave enough to attempt my install haha.

[MikeWasHere05]

Another question for you guys... assuming the rods are fine and I just need to replace the bearings, should I spend some more cash and skip the rods and go for a lightweight flywheel? I'm seriously contemplating it. I'm just worried about the stock rods...


EDIT: onemoremile, about how long did it take you to finish the entire job?

[k0mpresd]

take it fwiw, because i may be missing out and just not knowing it. but i am still running stock dualmass flywheel.

ran it w/ stock clutch, southbend stg3, and it is now being used w/ a clutchnet 6 puck disc.

if you are thinking about ever going to a larger turbocharger then doing rods would be the way to go.

[k0mpresd]

EDIT: onemoremile, about how long did it take you to finish the entire job?

im not him...but this took me 12hrs start > finish.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2653893

i have more pics if you are interested.

[MikeWasHere05]

im not him...but this took me 12hrs start > finish.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2653893

i have more pics if you are interested.

Cool. Should be pretty useful.

I really want the lwfw, my friend (who will be helping me) has one in his 90 Jetta VR and its a real fun car because of it. Assuming the stock rods are fine and can hold my kind of power I think I'll go with a 16lb from 034.

[k0mpresd]

you cant just buy a single mass flywheel and slap it on. you are going to need an entire new clutch set up.

[MikeWasHere05]

Nevermind, moot point. My friend opened the filter at his work and said its more than likely not the rod bearings.


GOD DAMMIT.