Background: The engine is a L-134 that smokes and burns lots of oil and has water foam in the oil after even a short drive. So I decided if it was to get an overhaul it should be a Hurricane engine (F-134) to replace the Go Devil (L-134). I purchased a running 58 CJ5 engine and tranny and all parts. When I broke down the engine the machine shop said the engine was cracked and recommended an new block. I've purchased a M38A1 block MD83103 and they said it looked good but that they recommended sleeves and to 'take it back to original'. When I said go ahead he said he'd need the pistons. Initial I thought I'd just reuse the pistons from the 58. But after thinking more about it, of course, they need to match the bore and they may or may not be right.
So.......could I go grab the 58 pistons? Or if I'm at this point are new pistons are the way to go? What should I expect to pay for a set of four? And where would/should one get them?
Am I on the right course? Can a M3A1 block and all the parts from a running L-134 and 58 CJ5 come together and get me a decent engine for a M38A1 F-134?
You will need to be more specific in exactly what parts you want to mix and match with for us to give you any reasonable answer. Some L134 parts can be used on the F134. Generally most machine shops prefer not to go over a .060" oversize on cylinders. There are parts to go as far as .080" oversize but that leads to thin cylinder walls and tendencies to overheat can arise. You machine shop has advised you to go with sleeves. This will bring the bores back to standard and you will need a set of standard pistons and rings.
don't get rid off the cranked block, it can more than likely be repaired. a coulple of weeks ago, i had my cracked block repaired with Lock-n- Switch. my crack on top of the block only cost me $60.00 to repair. they did it right on the trailer i pulled with there. 45 min. job.
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