Im starting to build my new motor and was hoping to reuse the rotors that were in the engine trying to save a G. The rotors are to spec accoring to some info I found and are out of spec according to some other sources. Is there anything I should consider, look for, or do when inspecting these things. The rotors seem to not show much wear at all. How am I to figure out if thses things are good or not. I've built motors before and did not run into this prolbem until I started to look at different places for specs.

 

Check them against the factory manual. Also, if you have the Bruce Turrentine video they cover them and how to inspect them wuite well. I highly recommend that video if you are going to do a first rebuild. I got it and I watched it to death so far If not, then by going by the specs in the FSM, which is on my site, you should be fine. If they are crap, then just get some used ones that are in spec.

 

Is it stupid of me to even be looking at used rotors if I am going to be looking for big hp numbers?

 

probably not as long as they are in good shape and weigh the same as each other. but using brand new rotor housings will give you more power.

 

If you post the specs. that you think are out. I'll will throw in my 2 cents. The other comments are right on, it is rare that a rotor cannot be reused for most applications, leaving mechanical damage out of this. Remember that for most performance motors you want more clearance. More Hp = more heat= more expansion. We run some very large clearances(BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER,but is always bigger) for some applications. For a drysump GT motor .0035" bearing clearance is not uncommon. I would not think of this in most street engines, you would have very little oil pressure in no time. Rob

 

I already bought new rotor housings. I have consistant 3.142 measurements accross the board for the thickness of the rotor, there is no visible damage to any of the 2 rotors. I still have to check the apex seal clearances. Another thing, where the apex seal grove it there is a sharp like ridge there, is that normal, should I be concerned.

 

i also agree that as long as there are no real visible signs of damage like chunks out of it from apex seal damage that the rotors are usually re-usable. funny thing actually, when i built my motor the rear rotor was badly damaged around the apex seal groove, so i got it machined and used the 3mm seals on it. the front one was a little bigger than spec on its apex seal groove clearance so i put the seal in the groove and beat it with a hammer (having a wrench laying across it so impact was pretty evenly distrubuted) until the clearance was right at 0.002. dont listen to me though, especially if your going for high performance. im an idiot

 

Well I guess thats one way to make it work. lol