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Engine rebuild question

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corona
Posts: 12803 - Karma: 32,817
So I'm in the process of rebuilding a 2.1 L 89' Vanagon engine. The cylinder bores have pitting in them and definitely need either replacing or boring. My ever so difficult question is if I have the cylinders bored, is it fine to use the stock pistons with oversize rings? Or would I need to use oversize pistons as well. The cylinders would have to be bored out by ~0.25 mm (0.01") to take out a large pit in one which is causing abysmal compression and oil burning.


I know this is probably a long shot, I've spend a bit over an hour scouring google links to find an answer with no definitive answer and called a couple mechanics with no definitive answer, so I figure I'd ask here before I start making accounts on auto forums. Never know, maybe someone knows.
Aug 17 2015 9:05PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
Unfortunately i don't have a good answer for you but stoked you've got a project vanagon! When i do work on cars i tend to just replace whatever i can reach. Not the thriftiest way to go about it but yeah... Whats your instagram i wanna see your ride
Aug 17 2015 9:09PM
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Heart
Posts: 6156 - Karma: 3,462
I googled it and this came up:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/using-oversize-rings-on-stock-pistons/16964/page1/

Sounds like you'll need some new pistons
Aug 17 2015 9:24PM
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Casey
Posts: 7875 - Karma: 24,672
If I were you I would try to get the guy from Vanistan on the phone. He does vanagon rebuilds and boring exclusively. I know the demand is ridiculous and he only does like one a month but I bet you could get some really good advice.
Aug 17 2015 9:32PM
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corona
Posts: 12803 - Karma: 32,817
TheStamosUnfortunately i don't have a good answer for you but stoked you've got a project vanagon! When i do work on cars i tend to just replace whatever i can reach. Not the thriftiest way to go about it but yeah... Whats your instagram i wanna see your ride


no insta, but here are a couple pictures from its last trip (then I spent the winter in it in BC):







and here's dropping the engine.. didn't have an engine hoist but a forklift and car hoist make the job just as easy.

Aug 17 2015 10:03PM
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corona
Posts: 12803 - Karma: 32,817
ObeseBunnyI googled it and this came up:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/using-oversize-rings-on-stock-pistons/16964/page1/

Sounds like you'll need some new pistons


Thanks for the link, dunno why it didn't come up when I searched. Yea it's definitely looking like new pistons are in order. But he is talking about taking 0.03" off which is about 3 times what I'd need so maybe it wouldn't be that big a deal.

CaseyIf I were you I would try to get the guy from Vanistan on the phone. He does vanagon rebuilds and boring exclusively. I know the demand is ridiculous and he only does like one a month but I bet you could get some really good advice.


Will definitely try him. The other 2 mechanics I talked to had mixed opinions on it so someone who focuses on pretty much this specifically should have the answer I need.
Aug 17 2015 10:09PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
my dad has the nicest vanagon...i will post pics tomorrow if he sends me one.
Aug 17 2015 10:10PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152


Here is a pic from a recent camping trip. has the ladder on the other side, too. Looks even nicer in person.
Aug 17 2015 10:16PM
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corona
Posts: 12803 - Karma: 32,817
Sno.


Here is a pic from a recent camping trip. has the ladder on the other side, too. Looks even nicer in person.


damn. has some nice add-ons. the side screens and roll-out overhang are fantastic. I'll bet he keeps the engine in pretty prime working condition too.
Aug 17 2015 10:23PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
VinnieFdamn. has some nice add-ons. the side screens and roll-out overhang are fantastic. I'll bet he keeps the engine in pretty prime working condition too.


He just had his rebuilt and bored I believe,--he does his work through Vanistan, as Casey mentioned above.
Aug 17 2015 10:31PM
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TACO-DOG.exe
Posts: 11989 - Karma: 12,264
you'd be putting a shit ton of pressure on the rings and they probably wouldn't last long. and plus, bigger bore+bigger pistons = MORE POWWWAHHH
Aug 17 2015 10:42PM
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mmallender.
Posts: 5805 - Karma: 936
fuck a rebuild. go pick up a 3.2L vr6 and make that puppy fly
Aug 18 2015 2:20PM
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Lus146
Posts: 422 - Karma: 2,282
VinnieFno insta, but here are a couple pictures from its last trip (then I spent the winter in it in BC):







and here's dropping the engine.. didn't have an engine hoist but a forklift and car hoist make the job just as easy.



That looks so fucking fun dude. I don't know enough about engines to help you but yeah that looks like it is a super fun vehicle to have and good luck with the rebuild!
Aug 18 2015 2:27PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
Here is another pic my dad sent me. Good luck with yours--they're pretty awesome.


Aug 19 2015 1:18AM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
Aug 19 2015 1:37AM
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corona
Posts: 12803 - Karma: 32,817
in case anyone wanted to know, it's finally up and running again. Took waaaaaay too long to source all the proper parts I needed and endless issues with pretty much everything that could have an issue. Ended up needing new heads which cost a good chunk, but now it's all shiny and running great!
Oct 24 2015 2:54PM
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daannnnieel
Posts: 5163 - Karma: 4,293
I would have looked into a newer engine swap quite honestly. If a tdi can power a 4Runner, it could be an interesting swap.

Regardless, those things are deathtrappy and awesome and I'm glad you got it running again.
Oct 25 2015 8:39PM
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