The Cal-look Lounge

How much time did you(anyone) need to build your first ever high performance engine?

Is it just me thinking,that It would take me months......If I start to do it myself.

When I think about ,how many tools I need,how much time spent I need for precise measurments and there is still trial/error bits of stuff,beacause teory knowledge is only one thing,and the practical work a tottaly different thing...... ::)

This is why I think I should let the professional do it,

But then again,even Gene Berg says do it yourself.... ;D There's the excitement ,and the hope for the end result,something everyone is proud of. :)

Hmm...my first high performance engine was a nice 1776 that I had built in June 1996, but the first one I built myself was a 2160. I started collecting parts in April 1998 (Phoenix BOR) and by the beginning of November I had everything ready to assemble it. I built it with advice and tech suppor from a good friend over the course of two weekends. I stuffed it in the car the weekend before thanksgiving. And the following wednesday, a Honda cut in front of me on the highway and I ran into the back of it and wrecked the front of my car up pretty good.

Anyway, I pulled it apart to freshen it up in fall of '05 (with about 40k miles on it) and it still looked great. My advice is to not worry about how long it takes you. Take your time, triple check everything, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and and you'll be fine.

I built my first motor about two years ago. I deceided to attempt an engine build because the local guy who builds motors takes too long and I knew it would be a fun learning experience.

It took me a few months to gather all the parts and get a few tools that I did not have. Then I bought "How to build a Volkswagen Engine" and started assembling all the bits. My father and I worked on the engine as a project and I also received advice and help from friends. It only took a couple months to have the motor fully assembled. Take your time, ask questions, double check steps and trust yourself. You can do it!

Built my 1st in 1974 and still building them today - got my other in the stand right now - 1776cc - 1st one took my about 3 days - but we had all the tools - my dad owned a full shop, parts, service and machine work. Take your time and it will turn out ok - just keep asking questions here and well all help  :)

For me the longest part of the build is the $$$.  I buy what I can, when I can, and assemble what I can, when I can.  With all the parts at hand it's really only an afternoon's worth of work.  Add in turnaround time for machine shops, etc, and it could take months...

My first engine took me one month to buy and build,i had alot of money saved and when i started with vw's i already had teh cash to start.Later it took longer to build as my priority's lay elswhere.