How to Build a VTEC Engine
- 1). Have the block bored .030 oversized by the machine shop. Have them install new freeze plugs. Purchase pistons that are .030 oversized, as well as rings for the pistons. These can be purchased directly from a machine shop, auto-parts store or speed shop.
- 2). Have the machine shop install the pistons on the rods, size the rods and measure the crankshaft for the right-sized main and rod bearings. Main and rod bearings should be purchased at the machine shop.
- 3). Ask the machine shop for the proper torque for the crankshaft main bearings, the rod bearings and the camshaft caps, as it is different for different years of manufacture. Install the rings on the pistons using a ring expander. Make sure all the gaps are staggered by at least 90 degrees.
- 4). Install the main bearings on the block and lubricate them with STP oil treatment. Insert the crankshaft into the bearings and install the main bearing caps, keeping the numbered caps in sequence. Torque the crankshaft main bearings to the torque measurement you were given by the machine shop.
- 5). Insert the pistons into the block using a ring compressor that is well lubricated with STP oil treatment. Make sure the dot on the top of the pistons is facing forward, toward the front of the engine. Tap the pistons with the handle of a hammer. Install the bearing caps with the notches on the same side. Use STP on both bearing halves and torque to the proper torque.
- 6). Prime the oil pump with STP, then install the oil pump. Install the crankshaft sprocket and turn the crankshaft until the dot on the crank sprocket lines up with the arrow on block. The Number 1 piston should be all the way up.
- 7). Install the cylinder head with a new gasket and tighten it down in an X pattern, starting from the center and working outward. Lubricate the camshaft lands on the cylinder head with STP and install the camshaft. Make sure the arrow is pointing up on the camshaft sprocket and the two lines on the sides of the sprocket are lined up with the crease in the cylinder head. Install the camshaft bearing caps and torque to specifications.
- 8). Install the water pump using RTV silicone on both sides of the gasket. Check the timing marks once again and make sure the crank sprocket mark is lined up with the arrow on the block and the camshaft sprocket has the arrow straight up. Install the timing belt starting on the left side and working clockwise, keeping the tension on the non-tensioned side.
- 9). Loosen the belt tensioner and allow it to apply torque to the belt. Rotate the crankshaft two turns and realign the timing marks. Tighten the bolt on the tensioner to 35 foot-pounds of torque. Turn the engine two more turns, then check the timing marks.
- 10
Install the oil pan and the valve cover. Install the distributor with a new o-ring. Install the timing-belt covers and the crankshaft pulley and bolt. Torque the crankshaft pulley bolt to 105 foot-pounds of torque.
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