Engine rebuilds Options

[AWD DSM 1]

What are everyone’s experiences with these? I’m staring this 7-bolt in the face, knowing that the day will come only too soon that it will be ripped out and replaced with the bulletproof 6-bolt. I figure everyone else’s experiences might help me with my own indecisiveness, and it would be good reference for some of the newbies (or not so newbies).

My own experience:
91 6-bolt rebuild. Bought a top-line kit from Mach V. This included full gasket set, rings, bearings, freeze plugs, pistons, oil pump with case, all seals, belts, etc. For the most part, I was very happy with the kit. Blew the head gasket about 500 miles later, but I think that was more from me overheating the car than bad parts. Block had minimal machine work done to it, as did the head (although the 2g head was ported to match a 1g intake). Car is still in service and producing an estimated 275+/- hp. Mitsu timing belt, water pump, tensioner, and tensioner pully were all used from a prior acquisition.

What have you guys done? What wouldn’t you do again? What parts would you use only OEM Mitsubishi stuff for? Thoughts on Stainless Steel valves?

So far I’ve got a block, 9:1 JE pistons, and a 1g head that needs valves sitting in my garage.

TIA

Rob

[Turbo Tension]

I am what you would call a friend of the family. The owner's son and I have been best friends since junior high. When I'm not at school, work, or home, I'm at the shop. They basically include me as one of the family and I take the opportunity to work on my car or the stock car in there as much as possible. They are the ONLY place in town that carries APEXi and Greddy. That's all I am positive of right now. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to be mistaken and tell you wrong. They just bought into a company called Racer X who is a major sport compact car aftermarket parts distributor and this Racer X carries so many parts it's insane. The linecard takes up an entire computer sheet three rows wide. You should come down and visit sometime.

Precision Engineered Engines
1231 North Mason
Bloomington
Larry or Chris will be there
Chris is the guy that does all the port work
you can also see my new motor on the stand and my car in the shop
just tell them that Brett sent you
8AM - 5PM
the don't keep exact hours but if you stop by sometime in between there you should find them

I can't wait to see the 2.3 Run!