where to get rb20 rebuilt in BC?

[evolution23]

Might be buying a skyline off a fellow member on here, had a compression test done, 5 are all around the 130 mark but 1 is down around 70 so if i get the car im looking to get the engine rebuilt (130xxx km's on it). What are some places in BC that know rb engines really good and would do a great job for the best price? I live up by kamloops so as always, the closer the better.

And what kind of price am i looking at for a rebuild? Theres another rb20det engine with tranny locally, might be able to get it for around 1000, if i got that one tested to make sure it runs and had a compression test done on it on the bench to ensure its still in good shape, would it be cheaper to get that engine and have a swap done? This engine has less than 60xxx km's on it.

Thanks!

[S13Jordie]

In my experience it would be cheaper to do the swap. not to mention easier. the 70 psi could be valves, rings, headgasket. you dont know until you take it apart. to have a shop take the head off would be a couple hundred dollars anyways

[Skym]

Cheaper to replace engine. Also can rebuild engine that came out of car over time.

It could be headgasket and sometimes leaking valve seats. If blown ringlands on that cylinder due to knock, running lean, you should get 0 compression and hole in side / top of piston or broken ringland under top ring. Could try a bit of oil (wet compression test) too see if compression rises on that low cylinder (rings to glazed? bore).

Also what cylinder is 70 with compression (cylinder 1,2,3,4,5,6?)?

[MKIV]

A full RB20 swap goes for less than $1200, I would just get a good running motor swapped in over a rebuild.

[Supraclean]

Yup plus then u can part out or just have a spare head/ sensors all the goodies.

Never hurts to have a spare engine and block. That's what I have in my basement :P

[m_melen]

Best place for a rebuild is in your garage, home skillet! If all you're looking to do is fix the low compression, try to diagnose it first. If you want to do a total rebuild or swap there's no better way to get your hands dirty.

[MKIV]

Best place for a rebuild is in your garage, home skillet! If all you're looking to do is fix the low compression, try to diagnose it first. If you want to do a total rebuild or swap there's no better way to get your hands dirty.

I assume the OP would be looking for a fast an easy repair. I would assume not everyone has the tools necessary to take on such a task.

[evolution23]

yeah id be looking for a somewhat quick rebuild and as for which cylinder it was i believe #1 but i will ask to double check that. So its pretty clear that the engine swap would be cheapest and easiest. now im just wondering, how do i go about telling if this rb20det thats in town is any good? it has less than 60xxx on it but is there anyway to like bench test it?

[Skym]

Also might want to check hydraulic lifters on that cylinder, as if one is locked or playing up it might hold valve open hence low compression. One of those rare things but it does happen.

If cylinder 1, can be traced back to ECU. At least on last RB20DET engine I know of that kept blowing cylinder 1 rings lands, even with replacement engines.

[evolution23]

Also might want to check hydraulic lifters on that cylinder, as if one is locked or playing up it might hold valve open hence low compression. One of those rare things but it does happen.

If cylinder 1, can be traced back to ECU. At least on last RB20DET engine I know of that kept blowing cylinder 1 rings lands, even with replacement engines.

Well if i get this other engine in town, it has the rb20det complete engine, transmission, ecu, and all the wiring. I will see if i can get him to do a wet and dry compression test as well to see if the rings are shot. I have read that if the rings are shot, its best to do all 6 cylinders rather than just the 1?

[Supraclean]

If it were me, I don't usually trust private sales but if they are willing to do wet and dry test.

I would just buy from a jdm shop like Jdm Source that way you have a 30day startup coverage if you document what you do/ have a mechanic buddy with ya.

[MKIV]

Supraclean sorry I'm unfamiliar with JDM shops as I've never made any purchase over $100 at any jdm retailer, but is that 30-day rule only for engines? Is it law?

[Supraclean]

Its ok man, yea 30 days guarantee provided you have a certified mechanic install it. Aka if you have a buddy with a mechanic license/paperwork. It covers the block/head not sure about turbo tho. PS pump/ alt are a gamble tho.

I just find it hard trusting other peoples "engine pulling" or it only needs a couple things speals. One thing turns into 10, even if they might be a member of a car forum.

[MKIV]

Ah interesting, makes buying used motors a little bit easier. I'm sure you can ask for a compression test as well though?

[evolution23]

seller was unwilling to do another compression test, not sure he even did a first test and instead just lied about it. oh well though, the car needed a fair bit of work so ill just keep looking. thanks for the help and bits of knowledge everyone!