Problems with the valver

[danny_p]

easy fix tho,  drop the sump undo the big end caps and push the littel buggers up.

I would leave the offset bushed rods out the equation thins time,   you ether want a second hand set of audi s2 pistons and rods ,  a set of 8 valve pistons with notches cut in them  with std KR rods or a set of proper pistons and rods

But then that means changing the big end bearings too along with re-grinding the crank to suit. The rods arent a problem, I recon the rings are playing up cos she was running lean at about 4k. I need to rebuild and then fack off down to stealth racing for a tune up

ouch   reading that sadly i think you'll have more than a ring problem,  i have a feeling you'll find piston damage.   

swaping rods dosent mean new shells or grinding the cranck you can use your existing shells in new rods.    even if fitted new shells you wouldn't grind the cranck unless it was worn or had surface damage. 

i would suggest lifting the head yourself and checking for piston damage as it makes it a right pita if its at a garage and your not expecting that size of bill   

[Sam]

easy fix tho,  drop the sump undo the big end caps and push the littel buggers up.

I would leave the offset bushed rods out the equation thins time,   you ether want a second hand set of audi s2 pistons and rods ,  a set of 8 valve pistons with notches cut in them  with std KR rods or a set of proper pistons and rods

But then that means changing the big end bearings too along with re-grinding the crank to suit. The rods arent a problem, I recon the rings are playing up cos she was running lean at about 4k. I need to rebuild and then fack off down to stealth racing for a tune up

ouch   reading that sadly i think you'll have more than a ring problem,  i have a feeling you'll find piston damage.   

swaping rods dosent mean new shells or grinding the cranck you can use your existing shells in new rods.    even if fitted new shells you wouldn't grind the cranck unless it was worn or had surface damage. 

i would suggest lifting the head yourself and checking for piston damage as it makes it a right pita if its at a garage and your not expecting that size of bill   

Well like I said I have been quoted £180 + I source parts to do head gasket and rings by a reputable company in derby. Does this seem about right?

[raferackstraw]

180? to take a head off and possibly do the rings? if thats true i would avoid like the plague. that maybe to possibly get you in the door then rape you with a huge bill.
having read most of your posts about your motor, imho its about time you junked the kjet n kstar and go with efi and megasquirt or such.
otherwise after getting it sorted this time, you'll be forking out again in a year or so,

most of the builds ive read about a 16vt, 300hp is usually achievable with modern fuel managment 

[Wayne]

Seems too cheap, might be better to get someone who really knows VW's to have a look or help maybe.

[danny_p]

£180 is ok labour rate for changeign the rings  but your bill will be much bigger.

i have done quite a few nasty, intresting and fun things to vw motors.   

i have never yet managed to kill the rings.  you can puff enough air at them to make over 400 bhp with std rings,  i'll put money no you have damaged pistons,  esp as you have said it runs a bit lean,   detonation car crack the top ring but it can also and normaly dose eat at the edge of the piston and expose the top ring, on engines useing spacer plates or offset bushes this is an even bigger problem as there more det prone.
 

[clipperjay]

If bits of that piston has chewed the sides of the bores then you need to factor the honing and reboring costs it would be a little more than £180, so worth checking the whole engine first and establish whats gone wrong? In the end you might be better off with a newish block to work on without the grief that has gone on so far!

[DOA]

In the end you might be better off with a newish block to work on without the grief that has gone on so far!

Exactly why I mentioned it might be worth putting off buying any bits till you know whats wrong  .

[danny_p]

if it still drives you can pop up the ws if your not to far away and lift the head if you want,   

if pistons are fked think i have a set or two of 2nd hand kr pistons you can have to get it going again