MC1 - while I'm at it..

[Ben Swann]

'87 5000 Quattro Turbo Avant engine rebuild -

While I'm in the middle of the insanity - the engine is out and the head is
on the bench - stud extraction in process...will lap valves, new seals and
performance springs, 264I/260E cam.

Should I even consider to touch the lower end?  I had only planned on
replacing front and rear oil seals.

The engine has about 160kmi on it, has been running synth for some time.
 Good compression.  The hone marks are still visible on the cylinder walls,
and their is a slight amount of carbon on the piston tops, but nothing
unusual.   The engine had been running beautifully at 1.8-2bar, with
exception of manifold crack and 2 studs breaking off upon removal - they
may have already been gone.  The number 4 cylinder appeared had more
whitish carbon deposit on the exhaust valve than the rest.  Yes the motor
mount did fall apart upon removal - surprise!

I will be installing 2 piece manifold + highflow cat and exhaust coupled to
T3/T04 turbo.

Would I be jinxing myself not to do the rings, or should I leave well
enough alone?  I certainly don't want to risk doing more harm than good.
 However, I sure dont want to pull this motor again any time soon.  On that
note though - If I did need to, can I remove the bottom end if need be from
the bottom, leaving the head and manifolds intact?

Ben