You may laugh, you may cry, the fact is, it's reality. I'm going to be posting my progress on this build so that others can learn from my mistakes. Yup, if you read any of my previous threads in the past about some strange issues with the 350 long-block, I found what was wrong! I bought this long block by using Craigslist for $250, (buying stuff for cheap using Craigslist = Mistake #1) My land lord was hesitating and was not very clear if I could assemble everything in our massively large shop (I mean it really is massive lol), turns out, when I brought the block home, she saw it, and made up her mind. (Mistake #2, did not wait for a clear response from the land lord). I was forced to assemble the engine under a tarp over dirt ground. (Mistake #3, not preparing for worst-case scenario, assembling engine in a dirty environment). It took me a while since I'm new to the hotrod world, I thought all this time I just did not know how to tune an engine, I assumed I would have plenty of help along the way, lots of people said they would help, none showed. (which is Mistake #4, Don't Assume ANYTHING!) After spending all this time adjusting rockers, timing, trying new jets, power-valves, new intakes, carburetors, carb spacers, heat-shields, fuel pumps, distributors, spark-gaps, and fuel additives, I successfully had the engine running relatively well, with one exception, it still ran hot, had some strange grinding noises, and lost loads of power when up to temp. (Mistake #5, beating the dead horse.) I took a long break in order to keep up with homework and save up money (I'm going for computer science), during that time I talked to my land lord telling her that I'm going to need a clean environment so I can fully disassemble the engine and figure out what was wrong, she mumbled in agreement that I could disassemble the engine in our shop, but was not clear, again. (Repeat of Mistake #2). I assumed everything was fine with me working on the engine in the shop (Repeat of Mistake #4), got the top-end torn down, and discovered that the heads were warped, cylinders 4 and 6 were trading pressures! All head bolts were torqued differently! (Result of Mistake #1) The Craigslist seller told me that everything was stock in this engine, so I had some fresh 64cc pro-comp aluminum heads, assuming that my pistons were flat-tops (Repeat of Mistake #4), and they were not. I was going to just replace the heads, and be on my way assuming that I found the issue and that there should be nothing wrong with the lower-end. Luckily the new heads did not fit over the domed pistons, or this would be a repeat of Mistake #4 AGAIN, I proceeded to remove the pistons and crank, I decided now was the opportunity to install all forged parts! I began pulling off the caps off the connecting rods, one after another, blown, blown, blown, blown... pulled off the mains, blown, blown, blown, blown... felt the surface of the bearing, sand... (Result of Mistake #3) I get back from work the next day, and see a note from my land lord, Remove vehicle and engine by the 30th or fined. (Result of Mistake #4, and #2). I will remove everything out of the shop, but I'm going to take a moment and think about what my next move will be lol. Don't worry, this project will get done, I will continue to post my progress, and there will be a happy ending. On the positive note, I found out that the cam is an Engle EP-26/28, cam and lifters are in pristine condition! Ill post some pictures once I find a new keyboard and mouse, Fuu (my pet rat) decided lunch was my servers wires today
Dude,you need to find some old hot rodders to hang around with so they can teach you all of the little tricks.Most of the seasoned veterans are usually willing to help if you are willing to listen.
My current progress on the brainstorming of the new engine! I have a few basic parts that I already have for the new engine: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Heads: -Comp Cams Aluminum heads with .650 grade lift springs, 2.02/1.90 valves 64cc chamber, 190cc runners, with 3/8 studs and guide plates (brand new). -Fel Pro 1003 Head gaskets .041 compressed (brand new). -ARP Head Bolts. Valve Train: -1.5 stainless full roller rockers (brand new). -Engle EP-26/28 .520lift with 1.5 rockers, 288 advertised duration, 108 LSA, with hydraulic lifters (off old engine, looks brand new). Intake: -Holley 600cfm Double Pumper, mechanical secondaries/choke Aluminum Fuel Bowls, with aluminum heat sheild. -Holley Street Dominator Open Plenum Aluminum Intake. Manual 4spd. Saginaw tranny with Hurst shifter, Posi-traction rear (unknown gearing guessing in the low 3's), no power ANYTHING, no ac or heater. Dual 2.5in exhaust with the old cherry bomb long glass packs. Aluminum plate instead of an oak bed, apparently weighs total, less than 3500 pounds. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here's where the interesting stuff begins, I decided that I should just get a new short block since I do not have all the required tools other than the normal socket wrenches and torque wrenches to completely rebuild from a bare block after the machine shop, and I need something working very soon. I not only want to use the parts that I have already bought, but I am nearly forced to by my budget of $2000. I have been browsing around after doing lots of research and have not found much of any engine blocks that will work for me. #1: my cam states that it requires 10 - 10.5:1 compression. Blocks are either less than 9.5:1 or greater than 11:1 compression #2: In order to get proper quench (.040), the deck clearance must be flush with the piston since my head gasket is already at .041! #3: 383's seem to have the compression that I need, but all so far only include flexplates and no balanced flywheels for manual transmission cars. D'oh! My worst fear is to have to resort to a 190HP stock GM crate 350, crappy gas mileage and crappy power is not appealing when there are lots of big long hills and lots of trash can muffled hondas lol. Yes, advice and wisdom is greatly appreciated, I am in well need of it.
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