As you may have read in other threads, I am rebuilding an SR20 that had a rod knock. Here I am looking for some advice from people who have done this operation before. Any advice to the SR20 rebuilding newbie? I've got a Haynes and FSM and pretty confident that I can do this, but it would be nice to hear some past trials and tribulations on this operation from SR20 rebuild veterans.

Thanks in advance

Ben, the biggest things are to read the manuals thoroughly, keep the FSM nearby at all times and reference it often, and have patience.

If you find yourself tired, frustrated, or impatient, ask yourself if you are doing this just to have the engine done, or to learn something and enjoy it. Walk away if your patience leaves you. That is critical to not doing something stupid. Also, don't rush. Putting it back together will go quickly enough.

Just how much rebuilding are you doing? Total rebuild? If so, I have some more specific hints.

When installing the bearings, once you get the bearing caps tighten, loosen them slightly and tap them a few times with a hammer (remember, lightly). Turn the crank by hand as you do this. This should help the bearings seat properly. When you are all done, the crank should turn reasonably easily by hand (assuming the rods and pistons are not connected).