Gen IV 3SGTE - Bottom end help

**WRX_eater** · 07-10-2011, 10:14 AM

So I'm wanting to get the rods and pistons done in my engine I just need to confirm that they fit, I'm not wanting to bore out the block so I'm looking at getting CP Pistons and Pauter Rods not necessarily from that site but its all I can access from work.

Just needing some advice as to if they fit the Gen IV 3SGTE (from a Caldina ST215)

Cheers

**Cuts** · 07-10-2011, 10:45 AM

They will be fit, and both are well known and top quality brands.

**WRX_eater** · 07-10-2011, 02:25 PM

<----- Me

Now to start saving and then to order the parts lol

anything else i should do while doing the rods n pistons? I should prob get a new clutch too...

**Cuts** · 07-10-2011, 02:30 PM

There is a saying that applies here, do it once, do it well.

So definitely things like:
Bearings
Seals
Water and oil pumps
Timing belt and associated components (so tentioner, idlers etc)
and yes clutch for sure

**allencr** · 08-10-2011, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by WRX_eater

...anything else i should do while doing the rods n pistons?

Yes, really '...confirm that they fit,', your used worn & probably tapered bore may not have enough running clearance, loose on one end & tight on the other.

**jonathan yee** · 08-10-2011, 11:36 AM

one would assume when fitting new rods/pistons and rings, bore and honing the block to suit the pistons is a given.

if anyone is buying "stock bore" forged pistons and just wacking them in then they're doing it wrong.

**RONA** · 08-10-2011, 12:12 PM

Realstreetperformance are good to deal with that is who I got my 3sgte stuff through. I guess the question is what is your budget, it can blow out very fast ie what are you doing to the head while it is off. Are you building the motor just for safety or you throwing a bigger turbo setup ie manifold etc. While you are doing that convert to WTA or front mount intercooler etc. If you are planning on keeping the standard turbo setup unless the standard motor was toast I wouldn't bother building it.

PS If you want a cheap T2 Ebay style manifold for a Caldina I have one, not too bad but probably would mill the face of it to get it nice and smooth.

**WRX_eater** · 08-10-2011, 02:11 PM

Ok Just to clarify everyone, I have been working on cars since 2009 well started but didn't really do much until just recently so my knowledge base is.. lets say, next to 0.

At the moment before I go delving into anything, I'm saving and as I'm saving I'm trying to get an understanding what is good and what is unnecessary. Eventually I would like to have pretty much a dedicated track car but not interested in getting to that stage in a few years. At the moment I'm wanting to build a nice decent car I can take to the track for a bit of fun, currently I dont have to drive during the week so this is my only car but a weekend car. I did start a build thread on JDMstyletuning

So what I'm wanting to get out of the car at the moment is reliability to last me awhile so power isn't too much of a concern at the moment, but will be upgraded later down the track (probs about 12 months)

**terryo** · 08-10-2011, 11:53 PM

the caldina bottom end has the same problem as all 3S's. it will have out of round bores and a buckled top deck. if its done more than about 120,000km's, it is highly unlikely that a simple hone will sort it out and a set of standard forged pistons will thus not work properly. the caldina rods are a known weak point as they are basically the lighter/thinner 3SG ones.
The Cp's & pauter etc will be fine.
i've lost count of the number of 3S engines i've rebuilt.... done 2 caldina engines in last 2 months
dont be miserable, get it rebored & decked . i have a torque plate for them