My 2003 Evo 8 is currently at the shop with the motor pulled to get a HTA Green, S2 cams, clutch/flywheel, headstuds, etc installed. My buddy who's doing the work said I might want to look into building the bottom end since we're going to be tearing into the motor anyway.

I'm on a budget, but want to do things right the first time if possible. I'm looking for some recommendations on what parts/brands I should purchase... IE: rods, bearings, pistons, etc. I did search but didn't find exactly what I was looking for. Thanks in advance.

 

It's not going to be cheap. Depends on all the parts you want and quality of them. I have Cosworth bearings in my car, most people use ACL.

Piston and rod combo's will have you up all night. Everyone has their favorite.

It a good idea to build if you have it apart and have the funds.

 

A budget build may cause more problems than help. If you're block is in good condition, compression test good, leakdown good, I wouldn't worry about upgrading now since it sounds like the work that going to get done doesn't require the short-block to be dropped. You're looking at 4-7K for an average build. How many miles does it have? Has it had 120K timing belt change, water pump, etc? The choices on parts are set to different needs. Going 2.0,2.1,2.3,2.4 liter? Decide that then start looking. I've got 2.3L o-ringed with Wiseco 1400HD pistons, manley turbo tuff I beam rods, ACL bearings if that helps any. Good luck. Maybe some vets can chime in, I merely blew my engine and was suggested what to buy

 

Thanks for the responses. The motor has 77k on it, with plenty of power and has been problem free from the begining. The complete 60k service was done to it as well.

I wouldn't want to go all out and do a 2.3 or 2.4 liter conversion. I was thinking about more along the lines of some drop in pistons, rods and bearings just to toughen it up... but maybe it all is good, I shouldn't mess with it? I just keep reading posts from people that have blown their motors because of the initial torque punch that that HTA Green delivers....it's got me a bit scared, lol.

My buddy is going to pull the oil pan and take a look and see how things are wearing and let me know if this is something that I should consider. He's a stand-up guy and has been more than helpful with all of my cars that I've brought to him in the past.

As far as my budget, I wouldn't want to spend much more than $2k, so I'm not sure if I should just until I have more money later on down the road and go all out, or just purchase parts within my price range right now...