Hey guys I was just curious if I could replace the pistons and connecting rods without pulling the motor and doing the whole machine shop thing. Reason I ask is I want to build the motor eventually, so I thought doing it now and not waiting for it to blow up would be better. Also cheaper.

 

You could depending on how many miles you have on the car. You will have to get something to hone the cylinder walls with though while the motor is still in.

 

18,000 relatively low key miles. never drag raced etc.

 

You CAN replace pistons and rods with the motor in the car...But!
It would be probably more difficult than if you pulled it.
I wouldn't spend the hundreds of dollars required to install good rods and pistons, without a little machine work and measuring.
I'd check the crank, magnaflux, polish and balance rotating assembly. Check bores for wear, hone and deck the block. If you put in main studs you'll need to line hone main caps.
You could also remove balance shafts, replace timing belt stuff and generally have an easier time building the motor out of the car.

 

way easier to just pull the engine and do it with it out of the car. trust me, i have had plenty of experience. but yes you can do it with the block still in the car. still gonna have to pull timing belt, balance shaft belt, head with intake manny(back bolts holding intake manifold to block are not fun to get off while in the car), etc....etc....

 

Yeah it sounds like it wouldn't be worth it. Next question what would you guys say an average labor cost would be on the whole shabang?

 

Any idea's fellas on labor cost? thanks