BB Build Up (Teach me master)

[Monkeywrench]

BB Build Up (looking for a Yoda to my Luke)

Ok first I'm no dummy when it comes to mechanics (I'm a mechanical engineer in fact) and I have done a lot of engine work but I have never built an engine up from a bare block. (my 71 was a LS5 but has a 350 in it right now. I'm just making the universe correct again. )

That's what I have sitting in front of me now. A 454 block out of a 73 that has been bored 30 over. A crank that has been turned once and a set of nice oval port heads with springs and valves already installed. (The pistons and rods are garbage as far as I'm concerned).

So being the anal engineer that I am I usually end up reading up on something for weeks before I do it.

So who can suggest a good book that will walk me through a build up. I'm talking everything from what needs to be machined and what doesn't to turning the key. I'm sure I’m sure I'll already know some of it but there will be plenty I won’t know.

I guess worst case I’ll make Scott come over and fix my mistakes :L

Thanks,

 

[sscam69]

I haven't run accross something that goes from scratch to turn key but I used these for reference.

-The step by step guide to Engine Blueprinting by Rick Voegelin

-How to rebuild your Small Block Chevy by David Vizard.

I know you have a BB so I would figure out what generation you have and then hunt down the differences bewteen the other blocks. The second book should help with some general guidlines etc..

Frank (M.E. )

 

[Paranoid]

Gee, your story sounds familiar.

Except for the rods, you described my situation. About a year ago I bought an exhausted 1987 454 to rebuild. I disassembled it and took it to the machine shop. They bored 0.060 and also ground the crank 0.01. Last weekend I finally got the crank installed and am now working on the pistons/rods.

I've found the following books very helpful:

How to Hot Rod the Big Block Chevy.

How to Rebuild the Big Block chevy

This is my first attempt at rebuilding the bottom end of an engine. Take your time and read a lot.....ask questions on the forum too.

 

[Monkeywrench]

Thanks guys! LEn those two were the ones I had initially picked at Amazon but wanted to get an unbiased opinion. They'll be on order today.

I'll be back with more questions, that's for sure!

 

[GWHITE75]

My advice:

1. Order the manuals, they are good.2. Take your time, keep things clean. 3. Document your specs/take notes at each phase. 4. Turn on some good music. 5. Have your favorite beverage available to celebrate the completion of each phase. I do mean completetion, though. I built one motor once and celebrated all during the assembly. It never really ran right. It was "Old No. 7" - my Jack Daniels motor.

 

[Monkeywrench]

I built one motor once and celebrated all during the assembly. It never really ran right. It was "Old No. 7" - my Jack Daniels motor.

:J Well even if it didn't run good you had fun right? Thanks for the advice...

 

[Ol Blue]

Monkeywrench
I used
How to Build Max Performance Chevy Rat Motors by Ed Staffel, isbn 1-884089-20-8 and
Big-Block Chevy Performance by Dave Emanuel.

Lots of dupliication, but still good to read.

Good luck
Ol Blue
http://www.knology.net/~corvettes/Alspaugh-68Racer