Well here I go, I built a bike from the ground up, I have been working on my 64' Caddy when ever it needed it, so I figure I have waded my way in to starting from the ground up on a hot rod. Since I have the Cadillac bug I am starting with a 346 Cad Flatty......AND HERE SHE IS. So I want to let everyone know I am as green as can be (and excited) and I am going to be taking my time to do this as right as I can. What are some of the first things you would do? Should I break it down and clean it up right away? I do not have the car built that this will be going in and I will not for quit some time. I was unable to get much or any history on the engine or the car it came out of. My initial plans are to build a very sturdy engine stand, and to start busting knuckles, getting dirty, and taking excessive notes and pictures. Any and all advice is welcome aside from saying, lame power plant or toss it out and start somewhere else. I am reading just about anything I can find related to it and have found some really great information.
I had 346 Caddy fever once. Dropped an intake on my toe and that cured it. LOL....Just kidding. I still love em. They are a Great looking motor. BUNCH of pics here: http://www.glennsplace.com/new_page_4.htm Enjoy!!
Nice choice! i also have one sitting in the garage waiting for a home. my plan has been to put her on a diet! that is one heavy engine, almost broke the hoist! so far just saving and looking for heads an intake for it then i plan on a .100 over bore. cant wait to see how it turns out for you. i will keep checking in.
You need to talk to Bill at Mesa Machine in Escondido , Ca . This guy is an old timer who can build anything . I've been in his shop and seen on the incomming/outgoing shelf a Lincoln flat motor , a Maseratti motor , many flat Fords , a Hispano-Suiza aero motor and who knows WTF else . He built the inline 292 sixbanger for my car and a John Deere diesel for the company that I worked for at the time . If it is an internal combustion motor he can do it . He can find parts for anything . He's also very reasonable in price . 760-746-2815 . Tell him the guy with the tank sent you .
Well I finally got a hold of her last week. She turns fine which I was really nervous about. So now I am taking it apart to really know what I have. There is one broken bolt in the block that is giving me hell (it had two others but a little heat and my manly muscles got them out fine.) Not sure what to do on this last one though. It is not broken of flush but I can't get it to turn at all. I have soaked it in penetrating oil and tried some heat, but I don't want to damage the block. Since this is my first time starting a project from this point I would love to get some advice. Should I get it magnafluxed no matter what. Does it need to be real clean for that or is that part of the process. If the cylinder walls look ok what should I replace or not replace. Lets pretend money is no object (even though it is) just so I can start saving for what it needs and what needs to be done. I am guessing I should get the top of the block leveled off, I will be getting Cyclone heads at some point but should I level off the heads until then? Anything else you want to throw at me ...feel free.
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