Odd question: Timing Belt or Build Shortblock?

[GraverD]

Right now I have an STi shortblock with stock internals at around 110k miles and I think I may be on borrowed time with the timing belt. With the current tune it dynod at 330whp and 320 torque which may be on the high end for stock internals so here is my question.

I have a new ej257 shortblock in my garage. Instead of doing the timing belt on my current engine would it be more cost efficient to build the new shortblock with stronger internals and swap that in with a new timing belt? My worry is that I will pay for the timing belt and risk something else happening because the shortblock already has high mileage.

Am I being paranoid and stupid?

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[04ScoobyWtf]

If the belt breaks you'll belt a valve and have to spend more on new heads. Install the shortblock with the new timing belt have the heads refreshed and call it a done deal. And you won't have to worry.
Just my .02

[GraverD]

Originally Posted by 04ScoobyWtf

If the belt breaks you'll belt a valve and have to spend more on new heads. Install the shortblock with the new timing belt have the heads refreshed and call it a done deal. And you won't have to worry.
Just my .02

Thats exactly how I felt, now how much do I put into the new block?

Also does anyone know what an 100k mile ej257 shortblock with the internals would go for? I imagine I can probably cut a lot of the costs if I do a compression test and sell the old built shortblock.

[04ScoobyWtf]

Get comp numbers but I'm guessing like 650-800 depending on compression

[GraverD]

good to know, I will run a compression test before pulling it

[GraverD]

any other feedback? What would a job like this cost assuming I had the parts? Assembly, re-surfacing heads, swapping

[HinshawWRX]

I would base it more on compression numbers over that of miles on the motor. If you think you're living on borrowed time, do the timing belt. If you have the money then build a block.

[Flat 4 Motorsport]

Do a leak down, and see what the overall health of the motor is.

Then go from there.

Honestly I would replace the t-belt and pulleys, if the numbers come back good.

No sense in tearing it apart if everything checks out. Unless you have disposable income.

My . 02

-Phil @ F4M

[GraverD]

Thanks, after a good sleep and talk to the wife I came to the same conclusion. I am waiting to see the shops estimate and then I will do a leak down and compression test. If those come out ok I will just get the belt taken care of.

Thanks for all the input

[04ScoobyWtf]

Alldata call for around 19 hours and 19 x 100 (labor hour) is 1900 in just labor and I'd say 300-500 on head refreshing gasket kit 250. Timing but 270. Misc oils and gaskets 200.

There's 3400 before the internals

[Grippen]

Uea thats crazy. Just do it yourself if you have any knowledge about it. If not search for meaty's thread!

[cowboy_Rob]

just do the timing belt. if you know someone with the right tools its not even an afternoon job