1.8 DX full stripdown and rebuild - how much can you DIY?

I'm looking at starting a full stripdown and rebuild of a 1.8DX for my Campaign. Although pretty OK with a spanner, this is the first time I have attempted a full engine rebuild. I don't have access to really specialist equipment, but was wondering which bits of the stripdown an rebuild I would HAVE to have done professionally?

I'm guessing the crank would need to be checked for wear for example. I would also prefer to have the head and block properly cleaned before re-assembly. Can anyone give a rough list of the jobs I am likely to have to hand over to a machine shop?

Like I say I want to do as much of this as possible so I learn from the experince and can do it mayself in the future if required. This rebuild will be on a spare engine, so time is not necessarily a limiting factor, although I would like to get the rebuild done as soon as I can.

Would be good to hear other peoples first hand experinces of rebuilds and the things thats its really worth paying out for a pro to do and the stuff you can handle yourself with a lot of TLC  :wink:

Cheers,

Chris

Apart from the things you mentioned, maybe pressure testing the head and pressing in new valve guides if you find excessive play. Other than that just take your time noting what goes where!

Can you not run the spare engine and rebuild the original for originalities sake or are you not really bothered?

Chris,

Obviously get any machining done at a reputable shop where you've had some good feedback.

I would budget around ?300-400 for machining and head welding, and get the bottom end balanced with cluch and flywheel.

Well worth getting a head pressure test done - price above will be more like ?400 with head welding done.

Then add on the likely various parts to that - big end shells, main bearings, thrust washers, rings, valve guides and seals, new head bolts, new crank bolts (DO NOT REUSE)

That should give you a rough top end price but alot comes down to how worn the parts are.

Hairy - that would be ideal, but it would rely on my being able to source an extra DX head (I have one already which will be used to rebuild the spare engine).

The current head is non standard on the car. I think a lot of it will come down to cost. I would like to do all the things that Rich has suggested to get an engine that runs smoothly and is reliable. I would like to replce as many of the ancilleries as possible (water pump, oil pump, new valves and covers, new dizzy, cap and leads).

I think from a cost perspective what I will do is rebuild the original engine as funds allow and have all the machining / balancing etc done. I will then maybe pack it up with suitable protection against moisture etc and save it for a rainy day.

What I REALLY need is a cast iron recommendation for a good machining shop, anywhere within a 2 hour drive of London, but preferable closer. I have never had this stuff done before, so I know of nobody off the top of my head.

Anyone got any recs?

Cheers,

Chris