To rebuild or not?

[97Gs-t]

Ok so i did a compression test today to see where my winter modding can start.

Ended getting around 60psi on every cylinder...
I figured something was going on because i noticed increaced spool time during the last week of driving it in the fall.

Now my question is should i rebuild it, or just find a good running bottom end?

Engine is a 6bolt. I installed it the winter of 2010. Had unknown miles but was 145psi on every cyl. Ran like a champ and i had 0 issues with it.

[bigbird94]

I know the seller and he is a nice guy that knows his DSM's. I am sure this engine is legit. Drop it in and go...
http://forum.widsm.org/showthread.php?22190-Built-6bolt-shortblock-1g-IPT-restall-converter

[the_mork]

Nope, nope, nope.

Making more than 400hp? Don't bother.

Grab a motor for 1/4 the price that will last just as long. Honestly if you're less than 350hp then don't even bother with the 6bolt. A 2g 7bolt (well all 7bolts but even better with the 2gb version) has a lighter rotating assembly and plenty of power handling capability. Why go with a heavier rotating assembly from the 6bolt, or the extra expense from the high end rebuild (or even stock) that probably wont last as long as a good used OEM motor.

Spend some time considering what failed. If you're not going to drive the car now start by pulling the motor. Inspect it and see what actually failed. Since it wasn't bearings, rods, or pistons the problem isn't in the power handling so you're probably not pushing the motor past what it can generally handle. I find it a bit weird that all of your cylinders would be at such low compression. Have you checked the physical timing to make sure you haven't jumped a timing belt tooth? Did the rings or valves really wear so evenly that all cylinders started losing compression?

[92dsmrocket]

I know this is just my opinion, but, I think that you should rebuild it so you know what you have when you are done.

[97Gs-t]

Nope, nope, nope.

Making more than 400hp? Don't bother.

Grab a motor for 1/4 the price that will last just as long. Honestly if you're less than 350hp then don't even bother with the 6bolt. A 2g 7bolt (well all 7bolts but even better with the 2gb version) has a lighter rotating assembly and plenty of power handling capability. Why go with a heavier rotating assembly from the 6bolt, or the extra expense from the high end rebuild (or even stock) that probably wont last as long as a good used OEM motor.

Spend some time considering what failed. If you're not going to drive the car now start by pulling the motor. Inspect it and see what actually failed. Since it wasn't bearings, rods, or pistons the problem isn't in the power handling so you're probably not pushing the motor past what it can generally handle. I find it a bit weird that all of your cylinders would be at such low compression. Have you checked the physical timing to make sure you haven't jumped a timing belt tooth? Did the rings or valves really wear so evenly that all cylinders started losing compression?

I will inspect the motor when i have time. I thought it was odd as well that they were all very evenly low.
I believe it will be the rings that are worn, but only time will tell when i can tear into the engine.
Imo i do have a very good block to work with. I pretty much babied this car. Always shifed at 6.5k oil changes at every 2k.
Im set on buying a diffrent block and keeping this one as a project motor.
Thanks for all the info Mork