I blew a rod bearing just the other day. What is the procedure on rebuilding the engine. What needs to be replaced and what can be kept. I would like to go performance so performance piston head, con rods, etc (idk what else can be upgraded. I am a newbie so any information is appreciated). My current engine has 185k miles. Should I get a engine? Whats the different between regular block and short block? What could have possibly gotten damaged by a blown rod bearing?
Let me know! Thanks.

 

Your crank could be screwed. Be prepared to purchase a new crank or at least oversized rod bearings. I highly suggest the King brand tri-metal bearings

 

Went through this a few months ago. Search for my "while I'm at it" thread.

I didn't have time to find a good machine shop and wait for them to clean up my block. I did some searching and found, that RMW, Thumper, WMW and others sell rebuilt short blocks. I trust those guys, to assemble one better than I could. I took advantage of the tear down to add a performance head and cam, and do a, performance clutch and LSD, but budget allowed that.

So far I've been really happy with the outcome and would recommend it.

 

Long block includes cylinder head, camshafts, valves, timing chain. A Short block does not; only the pistons, rods and crankshaft. If your cylinder head is fine, you buy a new short block, bolt up your head, install the camshaft and timing chain, and you’ve got a long block.

Either way you still have to add a lot of stuff, depending on the builder. Like maybe a water pump, thermostat, the sensors, ignition, intake (including turbo/supercharger), alternator, air conditioner.

 

The short block on the R53 is a pretty easy swap. Long block is definitely easier, but not significantly so. If you want to do a performance head/cam, you're wasting money on a long block unless you are buying it with the head/cam you want from a performance builder (RMW, Thumper, WMW, etc).

I pulled my old engine, put the new short block on the stand, moved all the reused bits over (SC, thermostat, etc) that weren't removed while taking the engine out.

Mod Mini videos will give you a good idea of what you are getting into, and along with the Bentley manual will help you, through the process.