The route I'm taking with my 'new' FJ20DET is to get an engine builder with a good rep to discuss what should be done and recommend who should do what in the specialist/machining department. Then I do the leg work. When everything is to hand, he will build the engine with my 'assistance'.

This saves me money, plus I have a hand in the process.

There are a few tricks with a L28 so I would be looking for someone who has a proven record with them, preferably someone who builds proven competition engines, which is the ultimate test for any engine builder.

I have one of those in mind actually, he built the L28 motor of a local yellow 240Z running low 12's.

Most know who I mean.

Your plan sounds similar to what I would like to do, I will discuss it in detail with the workshop when I am ready to pull the motor out of the donor.

I agree with the "watch the first time and learn all the tips" theory. This is how I built my engine. A good builder let me assemble it while he stood by and slapped my knuckles if I even looked like doing something wrong. This way you learn all the tips of the trade. . .things like end float on the crank, fitting rings to the bore and clearancing etc.

Its certainly not hard, you just need to take your time and be CLEAN! I recently got a new dial gauge (for measuring end float) and it cost me about $140 with a magnetic stand, you'd need a tension wrench, some Plasticgauge but most of the other stuff you've probably already got in your toolkit.

Cheers

Im ignorant.. is it the engine builder that is great, or the yellow car (or both)??? I'd like to know as I'm looking at doing a motor too...

Just for interest's sake there was a dyno day for the NDSOC here in Melb the other day. Using a guesstimate formula of multiplying the RWHP x 1.3 they came up with 500HP at the flywheel for a 240 with a GTR motor in it. Now that would be fun... the whole issue then is chassis dynamics and traction!! I can post the figures of other cars if people are interested, i.e. L28's w &w/o webers, triple SU's etc etc..

I guess the issue highlighted above is that anyone with patience, half a clue and the manual can build a motor. What you pay for is the bonus of added power, longevity and the motor's ability to sustain a good thrashing..oh..and maybe a warranty (if that's important to you).

Gareth

I'd be interested in the figures

Thanks Gareth.

cheers - Simon