My motor's been using a quart of oil every two weeks for about two years now (sorry bout the high price of oil guys, my bad! ) so it's time to start thinking rebuild. Last year I got a 94 1.8 long block that had similar oil use issues and I suspect it to be in need of new rings as well. The motor turns over well and looks good. I'll only have to swap over the crank pulley sensor to make it work on my 97. I've also got a 99 Head and Intake that I can use to make this thing really sing.
Since I'd really like to avoid doing this twice or spending money on parts that won't work.
What kits do you guys recommend buying or avoiding?
Should I get new pistons?
hklvette wrote:ford 302? I have nothing more of value to add to this discussion...
If I go for 8cyl I'll get a Chevy LS motor, God know's I had tons of fun in your vette with one!
Unfortunately due to budget and downtime restraints I'll just be swapping in a freshened (and possibly 99 headed) 1.8.
My current motor still runs really well but...I'd rather have a spare motor at the ready to swap in if it goes than wait till it does and be up a creek.
Rings and pistons definitely. Pistons from Mazdaspeed are not terribly expensive. New water pump just because you have it torn apart. Get the block and head (whichever one you decide on) "cleaned" and checked at a machine shop. Get it all clean and shiny and smooth bfor putting it back together.
Hey Mick, when you took your head into the machine shop did they want you to leave everything assembled on it or just the bare head? I've heard that some shops prefer you leave everthing intact.
) so it's time to start thinking rebuild. Last year I got a 94 1.8 long block that had similar oil use issues and I suspect it to be in need of new rings as well. The motor turns over well and looks good. I'll only have to swap over the crank pulley sensor to make it work on my 97. I've also got a 99 Head and Intake that I can use to make this thing really sing. 
