Rebuilding an Engine, Steam Cleaning Internal

[Spartan GL]

so someone suggested to me when i get back from iraq that when you rebuild an engine best way to clean it out and get it all nice and pretty inside and out is to Steam clean All the metal parts to get rid of the carbon and build up over the years.

then its basically brand new!

any thoughts on this guys?


When i return this is what im doing so be on the look out for it.


Current setup is K&N CAI with Wizaired box, Autolite 104's, SD Headers, Magnaflow mufflers, Ported S/C Ported TB. 3.4 Pulley Mobile 1 Synthentic, MSD Wires, MSD coils, Optima Battery,

Currently sitting at my house is Full set of GXP Calipers, and an XP Cam setup (Which ill sell when i get home, )


New set up will include

FS I/C, XPZ Cam, 42lb Injectors 2.8 Pulley AYG KYB Struts, votland springs New Drilled/slotted Rotors ZZP Control Arms, Triple Edge Performance Transmission. ZZP JE Forged pistons, ZZP Aluminum heads Ported LIM, New 20' rims. and a Full Paintjob. and maybe some audio work.

if im forgeting anything i should add let me know money isnt an option.

[PurpleGuy]

didint know you could steam clean a motor..but i guess why wouldnt you be able to

[gtpinsc]

why not put it all in a parts cleaner? its not carpet FFS

[Spartan GL]

yeah but steam is kinda like a pressure wash it gets alot of it off even the hard to reach stuff.

also considering this pistons Diamond Racing Forged Pistons Kit: 3800 Performance

[Spartan GL]

GM L32 Powdered Metal Connecting Rods: 3800 Performance


these connecting rods would work with my build right?

[SeanGTP]

If you do this, you need to post pics of the individual parts cleaned up.

[Spartan GL]

oh i will, but keep in mind i can't do this till after my deployment

but 50k tax free goes along ****ing way

[SeanGTP]

Feel free to throw a grand or two my way. ;P

[Spartan GL]

also with my GXP brake calipers i already have at home..


when im ordering rotors i need to Order the 05 GXP size right? not the 97-03 GP

which if i recall correctly is the 12.7' rotors front and rear since i got all 4 calipers

and anyone know where i can get the Caliper Rebuild kit (for the rubber bushing and stuff)

[matt5112]

buy a ZZP shortblock instead.

You don't buy rebuild kits anymore, you buy semi loaded rebuilt calipers now-a-days.

[Spartan GL]

buy a ZZP shortblock instead.

any reason why? my bottom end is in good shape

does it come with something im not aware of?

[matt5112]

You're buying new pistons and rods.......... just buy a ZZP shortblock and it'll all be assembled and ready to go with your XPZ cam installed and everything.

makes life simple.

Why do you keep making new threads though?

[Spartan GL]

Hey its been alittle bit since i made a new thread... been at Fort Bliss Texas getting ready to go to iraq!

hmm ill look into the shortblock because im looking for quality setup.

so im going the whole nine yards.

[16MustangVet]

GOD forbid anyone REBUILD a 3800!!!

I say got for it throw some higher compression pistons in and a cam then start with a big pulley and tune from their.

[matt5112]

I'm saying let some pros do it.

[Spartan GL]

I'm saying let some pros do it.

where is the fun in that ****!?

[16MustangVet]

Yeah because no ones ever built an engine besides a PRO.
Me personally if I was looking into this I'd do it just to be able to say I BUILT my engine and enjoyed doing it!

Take your time do it right check and recheck everything and it'll prolly be worth it besides at the very least you can save 2-300 bucks on shipping alone!

Couple hundred bucks saved alone on shipping can go else where say like towards E85 which is what I'd do with it!

[Spartan GL]

i looked into the ZZP Shortblock and the cost would be like Rods, and forged pistons would be like 800$

and the Whole shortblock would be around.... 2700$

i think ill clean and Install the rods and pistons myself and save 2grand..

[matt5112]

How long do rebuilt 3800's last.

go look up the history on them.

[PurpleGuy]

maybe thats what i should do....shortblock from zzp.