Help sort out my build

[Muskrat]

Over the summer the car dumped all it's coolant and overheated on the highway. I lost compression, so it was time to tear down the engine and see what's going on. (btw, anything I should look out for on the lower end?)

I was already planning a head rebuild. It's just coming a little sooner than I had thought.

I've got the head pulled, and now I've got "while I'm in there syndrome" and am thinking I might as well just do a full rebuild, instead of just the head like I was planning.

Now I'm trying to sort out what to do.

The goal is 350-400 whp in an occasional driver/autocross car (with an occasional trip to the drag strip)

Off-boost response and spool time are factors I'd like to optimize.

Head:
*DSM Graveyard Frankenstein Stage I w/ port work

I was going to just go mostly stock (maybe evo spring/retainers) but figured for slightly more, I'd do this and not have to worry much about the head down the road.

*ARP Head Studs
*I'm not sure if I should go with an MLS gasket, or a regular gasket.
*Cams - Again not sure. I want to go as small as possible to reduce spool time. Trying to find the right balance between spool and top end power. I think I'll either see what I can do with stockers, or pick up a set of used 264's and go from there.

Block:
*Stock except for:
*Evo pistons on 1g rods

Any reason not to do this? It's about $250 cheaper than the standard Eagle H-beams and Ross piston combo, and should be good for my goals and then some.

Turbo/Intake Set-up:
*Holset HX-35 w/ BEP housing.
*Punishment recirculated O2 housing with Tial 38mm MVS w/g
*FP cast manifold
*ETS Intercooler
*Cylcone intake manifold

Fuel:
*Walboro 255HP
*FIC 850 cc/min injectors
*Aeromotive compact EFI FPR

Tuning:
*DSMlink V2.5

All opinions/suggestions welcome.

 

[mitsuturbo]

$700 for a head rebuild with mild port work?

Unless dsmgraveyard is local to you, I'd save my money and have it done by a local machine shop. Shipping is going to cost you plenty.

I've run heads ported and non, and i honestly don't think there was a noticeable difference.

 

[Muskrat]

Their standard, stock rebuild is $290, which seems reasonable.

Add the costs of the non-stock parts (new valves, guides, springs, and seals + 3-angle valve job), and it comes out correct.

Shipping is only $20 from them. I figure a bit more to send the core.

I haven't looked into what shops are local yet, but unless someone comes very highly recommended, I'd trust DSM Graveyard's quality over some random shop.

What would you expect to pay for a similar rebuild, and where at?

 

[mitsuturbo]

That actually sounds really reasonable.
I never ship anything anywhere for work though. That way if something goes wrong, i can see them face-to-face, or i could take them to small claims court if necessary.
There is ALWAYS someone local who can do good work, unless you live in the middle of BFE. I like to keep the money circulating locally if possible. It's good to support a DSM-specific business though, so there's that aspect as well.