09-jul-2002
- Finally! I got the engine back from the shop today. We are currently in the process of assembling the short block.
- Today we were able to install both the crank and cam shaft. The crank was first, and we had no major problems.
- We took it nice and slow and checked the clearance and everything before we put the oil seal on the main bearing cap.
- This actually saved us some real headaches, because when we tightened everything to 40 ft-lbs and tried to turn the crank it wouldn't budge. As it turns out it was shipped with the #3 and #4 bearing caps swapped. We would have never realized this unless we would have tested it first (we would have assumed it was the oil seal), and we would have had major siezing problems. After we swapped them, we tightened them to 75 ft-lbs and it turned beautifully.
- The cam shaft was fairly simple, although I would suggest oiling the cam bearings before putting the crank shaft in...it's hard to reach some of them otherwise (have to reach through the cylinders).
- We also managed to put the piston rings (the oil and two compression rings) on the 8 new hypereutectic pistons.
- Tommorow we are going to put the pistons in, the new heads in, and connect all the valves and lifters.
- Pictures will come soon...I'll get them developed when it is assembled. Also watch the specs page, I'll update that with the details of the engine when I have a bit more time. Unfortunately, I'll also have to update the cost page...and as always, it will be slightly higher that I had originally thought...
10-jul-2002
- Today we were able to put the pistons in and the heads on.
- First thing we did was check for crankshaft end-play, and it's a good thing we did, because we were alot below spec.
- We then put in the pistons. It wasn't hard to put them in, but we did have a bit a trouble to with checking the rod clearance. We didn't assemble the pistons ourselves (the machine shop did), but the rod caps were a good fit for the rod bolts. The fit was so good that it was a real pain to take the caps off the check the clearance after tightening them. We decided to only check the number 1 and number 3 cylinders, and since they were good, we didn't check the others. Like I said, the pistons themselves were a good fit, we just had to be careful to withdraw whenever we encountered a bit of resistance (it was usually a loose oil ring that was the cause).
- The heads went on no problem. The gaskets that we had had no real instructions, so we weren't sure which way to put them on. The phrase, "when it doubt, numbers out", came in to good use.
11-jul-2002
- Today we tried to finish off the main components of the short block.
- We put the timing chain on, which took a bit of patience in itself. In the instructions that came with the cam shaft, it said that that shaft came with a 4deg advance. But they also talked about degreeing with the timing chain sprocket (with ours you could go plus/minus 4deg or right on). This is one thing that we're not exactly sure about, so my Dad is going to talk with some guys who really know about this stuff.
- We also put the lifters, the pushrods, and rockers on today. The only thing is that two of pushrods are probably screwed. Also, I'm not really sure if we should get some performance rockers or not (we just used our original ones).
15-jul-2002
- Since we've done most of the short block, I am trying to shift focus to the rest of the drive train.
- Today, I bought a set of headers for the Chevelle. They're a set of coated Hedman Hedders, and they should look kick-ass on the car. I will post pictures as soon as they come in (2-3 weeks).
- We have to make a final decision about our intake/carb choice. Once we decide, we can just order the part through NAPA.
- I have to buy a new oil pan, and also some dress up components. I want some nice looking valve covers and timing chain cover (I'm leaning towards the bow-tie ones).
Click here for the pictures taken during this month
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