How much time will I buy with "rings and bearings"?

[243]

It's possible that I'll have to move the 401 in Blue to the Cherokee over the Christmas holidays. I am not a proponent of rebuilding things half way but I may have no choice.

How long might the engine survive if I cut the carbon ring, hone the cylinders, lap the valves, and install new bearings, cam and valve seals?

[Damage, Inc.]

You'll know when you take it apart. If the cylinder-piston clearance is too much, then it won't get you far.
I've reused pistons many of times.

[RustyJeep]

It depends on how the cam bearings are too...you'll find out, I guess smile.gif

[cywagoneer]

How would one go about putting new rings on without a total teardown? I am putting rebuilt heads on mine and am concerned about blowing out the old rings.

[netbear]

Measure piston and bores to determine clearance
but cyl taper to me is most important. If taper
is within allowable limits (Refer to HP series book on rebuilding Fords, etc. taper limits are
the same for AMC) then you can order the correct
flex hone from snap-on and follow directions to
hone the cly walls and re-ring existing pistons.
You will need to clean the block well after
honing. On engines with allowable tolerances,
the job can come out great. You will want to
make sure you remove the carbon deposits on the
top of each cyl before removing the pistons to
prevent damage. Don't skip the measurements and
see if you have the option to reuse what you
have. Good luck!