Originally Posted by gtkid2
i have a complete/ running 1.9 pulled from a '70 opel. any tips for rebuilding? I'm on a tight budget and have a list of about $300 worth of rebuild parts like gaskets etc... any tips 
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Here's my 2 cents on a $300 freshening.
Pick up a gasket set from AutoZone for under $100. The part number can be found in this website if you look for it (I was too lazy to look for it for you).
Now, take the engine apart and check the crank bearings for wear. If there is ANY wear, have the crank ground.
Buy NEW bearings for the crank. If it's not worn, then the new stock bearings will give you more life. Make sure to plastigauge the bearings when you put them back in.
Check the cylinder walls for a lip. If it has a significant lip, you are done thinking of staying under $300. If the lip is modest then you "can" keep the pistons where they are. Don't remove them if you are not going to replace the rings.
For the head. Remove the rockers and lifters. Mark each place where each lifter and rocker came from and then pull the camshaft to inspect it. You need to make sure all the lobes are intact. If they are worn, then you are done thinking of a $300 job. If the lobes are good, then you "can" put the cam back in and reuse the lifters on the lobes they came from. If a lifter goes, it probably won't hurt the rest of a stock engine so it's pretty safe to reuse them.
Make sure to replace the valve seals. This will help get rid of the oil smoke at startup. The valve seals are included in the gasket set.
Check the timing chain to make sure it's not stretched. If it is, get another one. Check the timing chain follower for wear. If its worn out, get another one.
While the engine is out and apart, clean it very well both inside and out. This will help you find leaks if and when they develop.
Reassemble engine. Use a GOOD quality oil and possibly an additive for extra lubrication. Change oil regularly.
The cost of this freshening will be inder $300. Gasket set will be under $100. Bearings can be had for under $100 for the mains and rods. You WILL have to shop to find bearings for that price because most parts stores aren't going to have Opel GT in their computer anymore. Getting a crank ground can be under $100 if you ask around. The timing tensioner and chain can put you over the $300 but not by much.
My opinion is the crankshaft is the part you want to protect the most. If you lose a rod, the damage will be catastrophic. Any other parts could fail and not "kill" an engine.
Just my opinion guys and gals.