Thread: new 3.9 block

Hi all,

I just got a quote from TRS, and to top hat line my block alone is $1700.
With high comp pistons, crank grind etc. I've been told $3500 for the complete short motor. I'm thinking this is a good option, as then I have a block that will be strong. Sure I could go with a new 4.6 short for a bit more but then I would always have that nigly idea that the motor could fail at any time. Peoples thoughts?

Stock standard IMHO the level of risk for failure in big bore RV8 blocks decreases in this order according to engine allocation/use.

4.0 (the worst)
3.9 pre 1994
4.6
3.9 post 1994 (the best)

With flange/T hat liners there is no difference in failure risk between blocks allocated/used for 3.9 and 4.6 engines. If I was going to trouble of changing the liners then seems silly to waste that money and effort on sticking with a smaller engine.

I realise this but the total cost with the 4.6l tophat lined is too much for my wallet. If I wasn't married etc I would throw in a 500hp 5lt tophat lined motor and wouldn't care lol. But these house renos have crippled me and there is only a bit left in the jar for me and my things. damn it lol

Originally Posted by Pierre

Miild, I got a set of tophat liners from ACR in UK (www.automotivecomp.com) and rebuilt a 4.6 with a set of 9.35 pistons from Turners (UK) and got a local engine reconditioner to machine the liners in and deck the block. The block was hardness tested before anything started. The block was 55D out of 99 Disco. I had 4.6 crank and rods.

The machining for the liner installation, new cam bearings, crank grind and block decking was about $1500. Liners were honed for the pistons - all standard. Bearings (ends and mains) cost another $150.

Liner cost I can't track down, but not expensive. Hepolite slugs were about $50 each landed. I used the heads from 3.9l 38D - ended up with about 9.6:1 comps.

All up, reco cost was about $2500, but I did the assembly myself and sourced the best prices for OEM (or better) bits.

You could land a short engine from Turners or ACR, but I don't know what the costs are. Remember you'll pay GST on the landed cost because it'll be more than $1000.

Ended up with unbustable 4.6 HC in 93 RRC on dual fuel (thanks young bee utey) making good hp and high torque. What more could be wished for?

Cheers & hth

Pete

Turners were about the same cost as TRS on a 4.0L short motor plus rec'd front cover but as freight time was longer I went with TRS. Freight cost to Hobart A/Port was $350. PS Turners recommended using head studs and offered a 12 month warranty. Nothing was said about 4.0L slipping liners.

Well after much ringing around and much thinking, I'm going to send my block to MR automotive and they can top hat line my block for $1200, I'll send them the high comp pistons. Since the motor was fully recond 10k ago, everything else should be good, touch wood.

Peoples thoughts?

Umm can I ask a stupid question?

what the hells a top hat liner?

It's a steel cylinder liner with a flanged top.

A complete assembled 4.6 long engine from Turner Engineering (the best) with their special ductile iron flanged liners, cam, timing gear, and ported and polished cylinder 4.6 heads fitted with new rocker gear and a full set of gaskets to fit the sump, inlet, etc is about $8,000 outright (with no exchange block). That includes UKP500 for DHL shipping and Aussie customs charges. And they can deliver to Oz within 10 days.