engine rebuilding, complete newbie Options

[mightyohm]

Ok, so I have myself a 2.0 core motor that I want to rebuild into something like a 2056. I am new at this whole engine rebuild thing, but I am willing to learn. I have the VW Wilson book and some general references.

Once I tear the core down and end up with a pile of parts, what do I do next?

From the book it sounds like you just take everything to your local machine shop. That includes:

1. case - inspection, align bore, etc
2. heads - valves, seats, crack repair, etc. mine definitely need some spark plug holes helicoiled and exhaust studs replaced
3. rods - inspection, rebushing?
4. crank - inspection, grinding, polishing, magnafluxing etc.

Does this sound about right? Where does balancing come in?

And most importantly... who does this work in the bay area? Is there one shop I can take everything to and they will know what to do (and not rip off a newbie like me)? Will they tell me honestly if any parts are not usable and recondition the ones that are? Should the heads go somewhere else? Do I need to clean this stuff before I take it in?

Sorry but I have a lot of questions. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[Tom Perso]

Lots of questions here, I will try to answer some.

You've got a good base for a 2056. Send your heads to Adrian @ Headflowmasters. I think someone has a link here. You can get a mild port and polish, new (larger seats) and matching valves and springs. It's going to be the most expensive part of the motor. Just FYI.

New Webcam and lifters.

Get a dynamic balance from Jake Raby. Money well spent. Again, let me say again... MONEY WELL SPENT. I've experienced a perfectly balanced motor. Silky smooth at 6500rpm.

Don't worry about the rockers. Actually, if you can get your hands on a set of early 1.7 rockers, those are the best. You run 911 valve adjusters for a better footprint onto the valve stem and more accurate valve adjustments.

Keep your 94mm cylinders, have them honed to 96mm and get a set of KB pistons with Deves rings. Aircooled.net carries these. Jake Raby did mine... I don't know if he is still offering that (I think it depends on his workload), but maybe he could do yours if you have your rotating parts in for balancing.

Webcam cam and matching lifters. Ceramics would be best.

Hmm, enough for now. I'll think more.

Tom