It's kind of laughable that I'm writing these bits about assembling an engine, when it's something I've never done before. Of course, I did watch it all go together, so I figure that essentially makes me an engine guru, so let's proceed. As with the short block, this will be a pruned down version of the ol' how-to.
Once again, our expert Joe was there to help with the first part, which was to check the valve to piston clearance. This is called "claying the head", a small piece of clay is put on the top of the piston to see how close the valve comes to it. The simple equation being: valve + hitting piston = bad. Here's a picture of Joe, making sure things fit.
We're using Chevrolet Vortec iron heads, which are called that because they super swirl the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. An improved mix gives you better efficiency and more power. These heads were first used on some of GM's trucks, and then the Chevy performance guys found them be great for motors wanting lots of torque and horsepower. That's us!After that the heads are assembled with the valves and springs, the push rods are put in and the rocker arms are installed.
Before going any farther, we need to make this thing looks like a Chevrolet motor, and that's done by painting it, what else but, "Chevy Orange", just like the 60's! At this point, what's left to do is bolt on the last pile of parts that's scattered about. That would be the timing cover, the harmonic balancer, the Edelbrock intake manifold, our deluxe Moroso road racing oil pan, and our spiffy polished aluminum valve covers.
Toss on a fuel pump and some motor mounts and this thing's ready to go into the car. With the help of Matt, Rick's son and one of our main worker bees, that's done.
1 comment:
Isn't it funny how age changes a man? There was a time not that many years ago when us "Ford" guys would be razzing a few one liners by you "Chevy" boy using terms like turds, slow, necktie, and a few others but it seems with age comes appreciation for all things automotive. (Even the slow ones. LOL) Just kidding. It's the blue Ford blood in my veins. For many years I made my living as a wrench and I grew up working on cars exactly like the one in your project and others on the street not to mention some at the tracks. Now to see some gentleman taking one from the grave and bringing it back to life again to race in such an event is nothing short of spectacular. Keep up the good job.
Best regards, Gary Faules
PS: I don't think I have ever used words Chev and gentleman in the same sentence before.
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