Is this B3 gasket set a good deal?

[Safety Guy]

From ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140639294944?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Total shipped would be $80. Closest price at Rockauto is from "Auto 7" at $88 plus shipping.

This would be for my first engine "rebuild." I realize that "master rebuild kits" run up to well over $300. However, I'm simply wanting to take one apart, check it, clean, repaint the block, etc. and put it back together and have it successfully run.

The only performance mods I would do would be getting any major components balanced (I'm told this is not likely needed on Mazda B series engines), do some cautious, mild head porting and polishing, and maybe get a good valve angle job done.

I'll be replacing the Festiva head with an Aspire one I already have (for the roller rockers).

The intent is to have about a 10 percent hp and/or torque increase. This B3 will go into a high MPG build Festiva. Power is not the goal, maximizing mpgs is.

I have a choice of my good running B3 from Aqua or my downpowered (something wrong with #2 cylinder) B3 from Twin.

As I said, it'll be my first teardown and rebuild of an engine. Previously I had the head and oil pan off Aqua's B6, checked and decked, replacing gaskets, new WP and seals and belts.

I want to get a whole engine done this time.

Advice appreciated!

Karl

[FestYboy]

that kit is for a large nose crank. if it were the small nose crank, you'd see 2 shaft seals that look the same. as for MPG, focus on compression and sealing the cumbustion chamber (ring seal and valve seat seal), also i would recomend grabbing an adjustable cam gear.

[Damkid]

Adjustable cam gear will help yes, but I don't think it'd be necessary

[blkfordsedan]

What he said^^^

Honestly, I don't think getting the rotating assembly precision balanced will gain you much, especially considering the cost. If you were looking to spin the snot out of it or wanted maximum durability or engine life, then it becomes more feasible. Even then, these B-series are pretty good as is. More important will be the internal bearing and piston clearances (friction and cylinder sealing). No way of really knowing what will need done until you pull the engine apart and inspect it, so I would spend the money there (if required) before having it balanced. Like Festyboy said, compression will be your best friend. Advancing the cam 4* to 6* will help low RPM cylinder filling and build cylinder pressure. I would also polish the chambers to allow maximum spark advance and reduce the potential of spark knock. Maybe a multi-spark ignition as well.

[Movin]

Not a name brand but should be okay. Make sure you have the correct part number and price. Oreilly's said they would price match. Here they usually have Felpro.
Engines are a lot of fun when you can take your time with them, I am sure you will enjoy it and take pics! A cheap engine stand sure saves the back, or borrow one for a 6 pack..

[boydg1]

.... The trail with the logs on it in your signature. How much weight is there on that trailer that your pulling with your Festie and how does it pull?
.

Not a name brand but should be okay. Make sure you have the correct part number and price. Oreilly's said they would price match. Here they usually have Felpro.
Engines are a lot of fun when you can take your time with them, I am sure you will enjoy it and take pics! A cheap engine stand sure saves the back, or borrow one for a 6 pack..