Hi, my 13b has 4000 miles on it and isn't ported. Can I tear it down and just port it, or do I have to rebuild it too? Maybe rebuild specific parts? Which parts?

 

i have done only a few engine builds, which were for my own use. i can't see why it couldn't be done provided everything goes back where they came from. i'd probably try it.

 

So the engine was brand new 4k miles ago? So you're absolutely certain they'll be no need for replacement hard parts? Sure, you can pull it out, disassemble and port it. But you'll still have to buy a new gasket set and soft seals. Some other incidentals...assembly lube, Hylomar or something else to hold the seals in place during reassembly, anti-seize etc.

 

welcome to the board.

i will assume that you're asking if you have to replace the rotor seals and springs. is that correct? i just want to clarify because as far as i think of it, once you tear an engine apart, you have to rebuild it, and since the engine must be disassembled to port it, then the simple answer would be yes.

so if you're asking if you need to buy new rotor seals, ultimately, it will come down what was replaced 4000 miles ago and what condition they are in when you disassemble it now. assuming everything was spec'd and replaced 4000 miles ago. and assuming no catastrophic conditions/events, whether past or pending, the simple answer would be no. a simple water seal/gasket set should be all you need in a best case scenario. however, at least for me, it's NEVER a best case scenario so plan accordingly. also, as Rxtasy3 mentioned, you (or whomever is doing the work) should return the seals to the spot they came from.