Recommended Engine Builders in Ohio

[ducky]

Anyone know of any reputable shops here in Ohio that have specialized in the L-series engines? I'm on a spring of getting screwed over when finding places to work on stuff, and looking for suggestions. I've got an L20B in my truck, and want to pull it out for a complete rebuild. Perhaps bore it out a bit if there's room for that, upgrade the cam, new basically everything, and get it set up to run the dual Webers I have. Might be cool to even get a small turbo on it where the smog pump used to be.

[banzai510(hainz)]

does it run now?

Find a L20 on the side to build up while still driving the truck.

anybody can do the bottom end. the top end more needs to be more Datsun or Japanese skilled.  so the lash pads are all the same size. Dont sink the valves . Or make sure they all cut the same. Since its a L20 most likely has the harder seats and just a grind will be good enuff.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

No turbo. Too much hassle and can get expensive.

 

Dual Webers need cylinder head work and a good cam, plus a good exhaust system. Most engine rebuilders won't know what to do with the cylinder head so finding a specialist is a good idea. As Hainz said, anyone can build a bottom end.

 

There are Datsun specialists in the midwest, but most are on the coasts.

[ducky]

12 hours ago, banzai510(hainz) said:

does it run now?

Find a L20 on the side to build up while still driving the truck.

anybody can do the bottom end. the top end more needs to be more Datsun or Japanese skilled.  so the lash pads are all the same size. Dont sink the valves . Or make sure they all cut the same. Since its a L20 most likely has the harder seats and just a grind will be good enuff.

 

It does run. This was going to be something I could drop off for the winter.

 

9 hours ago, Stoffregen Motorsports said:

No turbo. Too much hassle and can get expensive.

 

Dual Webers need cylinder head work and a good cam, plus a good exhaust system. Most engine rebuilders won't know what to do with the cylinder head so finding a specialist is a good idea. As Hainz said, anyone can build a bottom end.

 

There are Datsun specialists in the midwest, but most are on the coasts.

 

One of the only things I lament about not living near the blue states is the lack of sweet cars and specialists.

 

Thanks boyos for the info. I'll ask around a few of the general high end shops I know of here.

[datzenmike]

Best rebuild is to re-bore and get oversize pistons and rings then the engine is basically new. I doubt anyone has even seen a Datsun where you are so you know as much as they do. Disassemble the engine yourself, locate some oversize L20B pistons and rings (doesn't matter if 0.5mm or 1.0mm (0.020" or 90.040") it will have no effect on performance. Send the bare block away to be bored and honed to match the new pistons.

 

If you decide to have the head re-built take the cam and rockers out first as they don't need them they will charge for this and they may loose something. Keep rockers in order. Specify hardened valve seats and have the head surfaced and new valve seals installed.

 

You'll need new main and rod bearings, a re-build gasket set, and a timing chain set that includes tensioner, cam sprocket and guides.

 

All the work you can't do plus new parts is probably $1,500? Assembling it yourself will more than save enough for any tools you need and a Nissan FSM (factory service manual) from E Bay. When done you will have something the mechanics don't... knowledge.... and you keep the set of tools. Why pay them to learn?