So I've called around for some estimates on changing the piston rings and they've all quoted between $1000 to $2000 because getting to the piston rings is about as laborous as an overhaul for the GS-R o_O

WTH is up with Oregon?!

I need to find a how-to so I can save mucho moolah.

 

How to:


1. Remove head
2. Remove oil pan
3. Remove pickup and windage tray (never took a GSR apart but I am assuming it has some kind of one?)
4. Remove rod bolts
5. Tap out the piston from the bottom
6. replace rings.
7. Installation is the reverse of removal (worst line ever!)



Just wanted to give you an idea of what the work is.

 

An OEM cat is about 840 bucks new.

 

I'm sure there's a how-to on the first two, but I have no idea what you mean for #3 there. I've never done any sort of engine work other than changing the spark plugs so is step #4 as easy as it sounds or is there more to it? Also, would I have to worry about positioning of the pistons or any other parts when reassembling it all back together?

Seeing how I'm removing the head, are there any mods I can do while I'm at it?

 

it all depends on your budget

 

If you've never done any kind of engine work, don't try and do rings yourself. The reason it costs almost as much as an engine overhaul, is because that's basically what it is. You're taking out the internal components of the block to replace the piston rings...and you should also replace the rod bearings before they get reinstalled. It's not cheap, and if you've never done anything like it, don't try it yourself.

 

Haha, ok, forget I asked. I was thinking of getting the cylinder heads ported at the same time though. Is that a good idea?

 

You forgot the most important step of any piston ring install: honing the cylinders with a 400 grit or finer honing tool. Without doing that, the new rings won't properly seat and you will have to rip it all apart again because it will be burning tons of oil.

You will also have to remove the oil jets because they get in the way of honing.

I really wouldn't recommend doing it unless you have proper tools and a step by step walkthrough to help you. It is major engine work and shouldn't be taken lightly. $1000 sounds about right for parts and labor on a piston ring replacement at the dealer.

 

$1000 at the dealer? When all the other mechanics are estimating twice that.. I should call the Acura dealer tomorrow and ask them. I never thought dealer prices would beat independent shops..

 

I can't fathom why they would charge that much. I replaced my piston rings in about 10 hours in my garage with jackstands and hand tools, so I can assume they can do it a lot faster. Unless they are charging over $100 an hour for labor and taking their sweet ass time, there is no reason it should cost more than $1000 for parts and labor.