Low Mileage stock bore Rod/Piston swap

[scheides]

Procedure: Yank off the head, drop the oil pan, unbolt stock rods, remove piston/rod assy's, hone cyl walls, install aftermarket rods/pistons into block w/o detaching the crank at all. Install new headgasket and timing components, and then go wreak havoc on the streets with a stronger (but not fully 'built') motor.

So I've heard rumors about this flying around on various forums, and was wondering if anyone has done this and with what results. Obviously this isn't like swapping out an alternator, and it's not the same as doing it 'the right way' and doing a full build, but this would be for strengthening the bottom end before disaster strikes, not waiting until there's a hole in the block :D Also, any comments on the procedure to make it work better, etc etc. Just looking for comments, clarity, and advice.

And for the record, I'm not thinking about doing this myself.

[blageo23]

This is what SleepyDSM did with his when the side of his piston melted. But he only did one new piston and all new rings. The only thing you need to do is make sure the oil holes on the head gasket surface are taped over or pluged so you dont get any of the metal from honing down there. Also we scrubed the block with hot soapy water to get rid of all the left over metal chunks.

But I would say its just as easy to pull the block out. I mean you have what 4 motor mounts to unbolt and the thing would "fall" out. To me taking it out would be less work then actually doing it that way. Just because then you can tip the eninge over and you have all the space in the world and dont have to worry about metal chunks maybe getting into the engine and staying there.

[scheides]

You mean it would fall out if it wasn't attached to the trannyand thus the xfercase, axles, driveshaft, etc.

[DBMajik]

I did rod bearings with only dropping the transfer case, oil pan and a cross member. But that's not quite pistons/rods.

When you think about it, you could swap them without even taking the head off, though.

[Goat Blower]

Yeah, I've done it, it can be done.

[scheides]

Steve, do you have anymore to comment on? Longevity? Ease vs. yanking the motor, etc?

[joem]

I did rod bearings with only dropping the transfer case, oil pan and a cross member. But that's not quite pistons/rods.

When you think about it, you could swap them without even taking the head off, though.

How do you get the pistons past the crank? What about compressing the rings to install the new pistons?
Joe

[scheides]

Right, gotta yank the head off, pistons come out the top!

[Matt D.]

You don't need to take the pistons out if you're just replacing the rod bearings.

[scheides]

Anyone else have any comments?