mazdaproud

where can I get the Jspec FSZE pistons for cheap? I know Corksport has them but they are more than I want to pay. I also checked protege5online but they are not listed.

Also, would they drop right in? What do I need to buy besides rings to install them? A new head gasket? Thanks

dewey

I don't know the answers, but I can guess, and since nobody else has replied, I suppose that's better than nothing.

They ought to fit in your cylinders OK, but that's a far cry from "dropping" them in. Most of the engine will need to come apart in order to install them.

I would go ahead and put new rings on. For one thing, they're pretty cheap compared to the pistons, and you might as well start your new pistons with new rings.

I believe that the head gasket is generally replaced whenever the engine is taken apart, simply because it does not hold up well to being repeatedly installed and removed. Again, this will be a small part of the overall price, so it's probably wise to go ahead and replace it.

Bluethumb

Don't rush this if you're going to do it yourself.

Think about all that's involved and do everything at the same time. Of course you'll need new rings, head gasket, bearings, etc...cyl. honing (milage?)?, but I'm talking about all the other stuff that might as well be done now while you're in position to do it.
For example: cams, springs,bearings, timing belt, maybe forged rods? It seems like a lot of extra money to do it all now, and of course cams can be done later, but never again will you have a better opportunity - hell, once the head is off, you can do the cams in your living room, watching Baywatch repeats . By the time you've got the old pistons out, you're about one third of the way to rebuilding your engine.

This isn't meant to scare you, only to point out that whatever you have in store for your car (engine wise) might as well be done NOW, 'cause you don't want to go that far too often.

If it's beyond you to do it yourself, then forget about it. Unless you know someone, it'll cost too much, and although N/A HP is far more rewarding, a turbo would probably be more effective.

-Bt

On the same subject: I've never changed pistons without removing an engine for rebuild. Can someone tell me/us:
Is it possible to do it without removing the crank? ie; one at a time, throught the top, just changing thr rod bearings?

gcs118

I haven't taken apart an engine yet, but if you didn't remove the crank how could you get the wrist pins out, or any tools to fit to disconnect the rods from the top?

Bluethumb

I was thinking you could remove the pistons from the crank, and pop them up through the top of the engine (pistons & rods together) then you could take the pins out once the assy. is out. (which you'd have to do anyway). You'd have to rotate the crank into postition for every cyl. This way you'd only need to replace the rod bearings, and not the crank bearings on your back in your driveway- or without removing engine.

Just a thought, anyone done this, or am I dreaming.

-Bt

gcs118

It sounds reasonable, just a LOT of work. I get what you're saying now, and I don't see why not. How easily would the pistons slide up the cylinder?

kansei

The pistons always go up through, and you can leave the motor in the car. I have rebuild about 30 protege engines and unless cyl boring was required we will usually remove the cyl head ( the cams must be removed and stay out to access cyl head bolts) and remove the base make your rods and rod caps and remove 1 and 4 then rotate the crank and remove 2 and 3. Changing the pistons is not as easy as you are thinking they are pressed wrist pins and you would be better if it was done at a machine shop ( except BP ,I know my pistons are floating wrist pins with circlips). You should be sure you want to tackle an engine rebuild with out experienced help.