7AGE w/ BT 20v head

[mandm177]

So im going to start collecting parts for a rebuild for the spare BT that i have in my garage, BUT, i was doing some reading on the 7AGE, and it sorta piqued my interest...

Questions are:
Are aftermarket rods/pistons easily available?
Is a different/aftermarket crank necessary?
Regular machine shop able to do the work and assemble the bottom end?
How high would i be able to rev?

Im not going to say that my budget is unlimited, but this is going to be a pretty long project, so i will be able to save up and get SOME nice stuff. I plan on rebuilding the BT head that i have now as well, so money will be well spent on that too.

Ideas or comments? I'm sure i'll have more questions as i come across them...

[Sam-Q]

Are aftermarket rods/pistons easily available?- yes

Is a different/aftermarket crank necessary?- no

Regular machine shop able to do the work and assemble the bottom end?- no machine shop is needed unless your reboring

How high would i be able to rev? about 8000 or so with aftermarket rods

[dr.occa]

My main concern with revving the 7A crank to 8k repeatedly would be consistent oiling on the rod journals. I addressed that with this last 4AG build I'm performing at Conrad Racing Engines.

Then depending on your ring set with the pistons you plan to use, i.e. a proper re-honing for moly rings for the correct wall finish for good seating.

[mandm177]

should i use a stock replacement bearing kit, or is there a better aftermarket solution?

[dr.occa]

ACL Bearings
Main Bearing Set: 5M1695 O/S: STD, .25, .50, .75, 1.00
Rod Bearing Set: 4B1680 O/S: STD, .25, .50, .75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50
Thrust Bearing Set: 2T1695 O/S: STD

[mandm177]

ah, so 4ag bearings work fine with the 7a crank and aftermarket rods? This is my first experience with buying parts for a complete rebuild, so excuse the "stupid" questions

also, any idea what cr i would have if stock 20v BT pistons were used? and speaking of pistons...i know new rings would be in order, but what about pins?

[dr.occa]

You can run the Race series Mains but obviously not the rod bearings. Thrust bearings are the same.

[mooreofit]

just go snag one from the junkyard. and bury the rev limeter. dont forget the camgears.