honda mechanic advice for frankenstein engine

[davidclayton]

i was hoping to start my B20vtec project for my CRX in the next few weeks. i have most of the parts i need already and was going to try do the work myself as i love learning about cars by getting stuck in myself. the problem is that i have never done any engine work before, so i am beginning to think it may be better to get a pro to do it. also if i were to do it myself i'd need to buy some extra tools, like an engine lift, torque wrench, etc.

the job entails the following:
1. taking the bottom end from my B16vtec engine and swapping it with the bottom end of a non-vtec B20 engine [from honda CRV jeep thingy]
2. swapping the injectors for larger ones
3. replacing the oil pump

the ECU will remain unchanged, it can learn the new fuel levels needed.
there are many tutorials online for this, and was hoping to do it myself, but i think the best conpromise is to find a mechanic that will let me work on it with him so that i can learn all the steps. i have time off work, so have time to spare.

i guess my questions are:
do you think any mechanics would let me help them out as they do the work?
and could anyone recommend any mechanics that may be up for the job? [i'm based in dublin, so the closer the better].

all advice appreciated...
dave

[Cyclonium]

What are you doing for your oil feed?

I remember reading somewhere that you need to put in dowels too, not sure though cant remember. Did you just buy a kit for this such as GE?

As for your question im not sure what exactly is involved but you deffo need a torque wrench, well you dont [] but is highly recommended.

As for the lift it woul dbe easier as Im guessing you dont live on a farm and that where there are other methods of getting and engine out

Dunno any mechanics in dublin but im not sure they would as time is money!

[general lee]

sounds cool. usually mechanics like to do a job like that in there own garage where they have all there own tools. costly buisness doing it that way. id say alot wouldnt like people working in there garage because of insurance reasons. what you need to do is get onto an apprentice who can get the tools you need from work take out the engine at your place then if he is handy ye both can tare into the engine. or else take the engine to someone who can.
or else buy some tools take out the engine yourself and sell them on again after the job. if ya make a small loss on them big deal, you would have saved a packet on labour etc.

[davidclayton]

cyclonium, i already have the golden eagle kit.

someone who has done it already and is experienced can get it done in a day, but i guess i'm not going to find a mechanic like that in dublin. labour costs could be quite high, but i am NOT experienced in engine work, so am worried about timing belt, distributor, setting TBC, etc. i don't want to mess it up, and i don't think i'd have the will to start again and buy all the parts all over again.

was hoping to get a name of a mechanic or apprentice who could do it as a nixer or pretty cheap.

[BEECEE]

hi david , a good friend of mine philly walshe is a good mechanic and works a bit from home , give him a ring 0868447505 and run it by him ,i can have a word with him first if you like .

[davidclayton]

yeah, if you could give him a call and see if he would be interested that would be great. i'm home on the 8th june, so would want to start as soon as possible after that... thanks in advance!

[BEECEE]

leave it with me .

[BEECEE]

ok , i spoke to philly , not to keen on doing the engine swap as he wont know where the new bit came from and what condition its in etc , let me know wher its from and ill have a chat again ,also if you have any links to where its been done before , just to show him its possible and not just something you think might work .

[davidclayton]

i'll get back to you with details when i have some net-time [in cambodia now, flying to bangkok tomorrow]. B20 bottom end was sent to me by a CRX-UK member.

[BEECEE]

ok, i might be slow to reply as my broadband is acting up .