Engine rebuild question

corona

corona

Active member
So I'm in the process of rebuilding a 2.1 L 89' Vanagon engine. The cylinder bores have pitting in them and definitely need either replacing or boring. My ever so difficult question is if I have the cylinders bored, is it fine to use the stock pistons with oversize rings? Or would I need to use oversize pistons as well. The cylinders would have to be bored out by ~0.25 mm (0.01") to take out a large pit in one which is causing abysmal compression and oil burning.

I know this is probably a long shot, I've spend a bit over an hour scouring google links to find an answer with no definitive answer and called a couple mechanics with no definitive answer, so I figure I'd ask here before I start making accounts on auto forums. Never know, maybe someone knows.
 
Unfortunately i don't have a good answer for you but stoked you've got a project vanagon! When i do work on cars i tend to just replace whatever i can reach. Not the thriftiest way to go about it but yeah... Whats your instagram i wanna see your ride
 
If I were you I would try to get the guy from Vanistan on the phone. He does vanagon rebuilds and boring exclusively. I know the demand is ridiculous and he only does like one a month but I bet you could get some really good advice.
 
13481404:TheStamos said:
Unfortunately i don't have a good answer for you but stoked you've got a project vanagon! When i do work on cars i tend to just replace whatever i can reach. Not the thriftiest way to go about it but yeah... Whats your instagram i wanna see your ride
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no insta, but here are a couple pictures from its last trip (then I spent the winter in it in BC):

779091.jpeg


779092.jpeg


and here's dropping the engine.. didn't have an engine hoist but a forklift and car hoist make the job just as easy.

779090.jpeg
 
13481417:ObeseBunny said:
I googled it and this came up:
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/using-oversize-rings-on-stock-pistons/16964/page1/

Sounds like you'll need some new pistons
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Thanks for the link, dunno why it didn't come up when I searched. Yea it's definitely looking like new pistons are in order. But he is talking about taking 0.03" off which is about 3 times what I'd need so maybe it wouldn't be that big a deal.

13481424:Casey said:
If I were you I would try to get the guy from Vanistan on the phone. He does vanagon rebuilds and boring exclusively. I know the demand is ridiculous and he only does like one a month but I bet you could get some really good advice.
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Will definitely try him. The other 2 mechanics I talked to had mixed opinions on it so someone who focuses on pretty much this specifically should have the answer I need.
 
779094.png

Here is a pic from a recent camping trip. has the ladder on the other side, too. Looks even nicer in person.
 
13481461:Sno. said:
View attachment 779094

Here is a pic from a recent camping trip. has the ladder on the other side, too. Looks even nicer in person.
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damn. has some nice add-ons. the side screens and roll-out overhang are fantastic. I'll bet he keeps the engine in pretty prime working condition too.
 
13481469:VinnieF said:
damn. has some nice add-ons. the side screens and roll-out overhang are fantastic. I'll bet he keeps the engine in pretty prime working condition too.
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He just had his rebuilt and bored I believe,--he does his work through Vanistan, as Casey mentioned above.
 
you'd be putting a shit ton of pressure on the rings and they probably wouldn't last long. and plus, bigger bore+bigger pistons = MORE POWWWAHHH
 
13481446:VinnieF said:
no insta, but here are a couple pictures from its last trip (then I spent the winter in it in BC):

779091.jpeg


779092.jpeg


and here's dropping the engine.. didn't have an engine hoist but a forklift and car hoist make the job just as easy.

779090.jpeg
Click to expand...

That looks so fucking fun dude. I don't know enough about engines to help you but yeah that looks like it is a super fun vehicle to have and good luck with the rebuild!
 
in case anyone wanted to know, it's finally up and running again. Took waaaaaay too long to source all the proper parts I needed and endless issues with pretty much everything that could have an issue. Ended up needing new heads which cost a good chunk, but now it's all shiny and running great!
 
I would have looked into a newer engine swap quite honestly. If a tdi can power a 4Runner, it could be an interesting swap.

Regardless, those things are deathtrappy and awesome and I'm glad you got it running again.
 
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