Preparing to Build! (Check my work...)

[scottofksu]

FINALLY coming together!

First I built a clean room. Then learned how long it takes to file fit piston rings; before learning how long it takes to clearance rods... And timing chain cam sprockets... Before realizing modern head gaskets require you to drill an extra hole in your deck to improve cooling on older blocks like my '74! I assembled, and disassembled this engine at least 10 times.

[scottofksu]

Then I got to learn how to degree an engine (spoiler: if you don't get the degree wheel set to true TDC, you'll get some bizarre readings that will have you stumped for potentially weeks...). (OK how do you rotate pictures...)

[scottofksu]

Slight change in heads...

Later I learned how to: 1) install roller rockers; 2) set roller rockers; and 3) measure pushrod lengths.

[scottofksu]

Trial assemble..

Currently waiting on fuel pump and related parts, an intake gasket, and custom length pushrods ($$$).

One thing I learned in this build. The smallest of decisions (e.g., say, building a 383 instead of a 355), can result in a cavalcade of expense... While I could have bought a damn good crate motor for what I've spent, I would never have gotten the education this project has given me. So long as it doesn't go "boom" when I finally get it started...

[toolboxchev]

Quote "First I built a clean room. Then learned how long it takes to file fit piston rings; before learning how long it takes to clearance rods... And timing chain cam sprockets... Before realizing modern head gaskets require you to drill an extra hole in your deck to improve cooling on older blocks like my '74! I assembled, and disassembled this engine at least 10 times. "

I would love to see the area that had been drilled out to match the head gaskets.

Following, may the metal gods be with you.

[scottofksu]

Thanks! I'll be pulling heads again soon to check valve clearance. I'll snap and post a pic!

[scottofksu]

Here's the extra hole I had to drill... Same spot, both sides.

[scottofksu]

Valvtrain complete! Fuel pump and intake are next...

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by scottofksu

Here's the extra hole I had to drill... Same spot, both sides.

Thanks! That thing is looking to eat some honda!

Very nice

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by scottofksu

FINALLY coming together!

.. Before realizing modern head gaskets require you to drill an extra hole in your deck to improve cooling on older blocks like my '74! .

You've got my curiousity up!
Where did you get this info from?

[Captainfab]

It looks like you have some very good quality parts going into this engine. It should run well and with hopefully no issues.

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

You've got my curiousity up!
Where did you get this info from?

Check this : http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/906...ooling-tricks/

[scottofksu]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

You've got my curiousity up!
Where did you get this info from?

Cool article on 400's!

This is what the instructions said - the only reason I did it, given the short block was already assembled:

[geezer#99]

But you don't have a 400 siamese bore block.
Or do you?

Hopefully you won't make the rear cylinders run hotter.

[GRX]

That is what I was going to say. The large hole is blocked by the gasket to help more flow through back of the block/heads. And no. Those do not look like siamese cylinders in post #32. Personally, I would not have drilled that hole in the gasket. But that is just me.

[Captainfab]

The OP did not drill any holes in the gaskets. He drilled holes in the deck of the block to match the larger hole in the gasket as per Fel-Pro's instructions. I have seen this done before, but have not done it myself.

[scottofksu]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The OP did not drill any holes in the gaskets. He drilled holes in the deck of the block to match the larger hole in the gasket as per Fel-Pro's instructions. I have seen this done before, but have not done it myself.

Exactly as Captain stated it! The hole was already present in the gasket; hence the expectation relayed in the instructions. As I understand it, these holes are factory drilled on later small blocks, but not on earlier blocks like my '74 350 4 bolt block. My only concern is that these holes were not present when the block was honed with a deck plate. I'm not sure if these holes will cause the crosshatch to become slightly distorted. I doubt it, but you never know!

[scottofksu]

Getting closer!

[Ironangel]

Cant wait for the dyno runs, should turn some impressive numbers. That mouse should run like a rat, well done! Maybe we can meet up in Pacific in September, introduce your ride to Nasty Sally and the gang.

[toolboxchev]

HEHeheeehehe 283 air cleaner

[scottofksu]

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

HEHeheeehehe 283 air cleaner

Close counts, right? 😉
2 out of 3 of the numbers are right, and, as Meatloaf tells us, that ain't bad!