PLASTIC FANTASTIC For many years, bolt boots have been the primary way to protect the crankshaft journal from damage during piston installation. Some shop supply companies sell long steel tubes that serve as guides to help align the rod to the journal. These help...
ROLLER TIMING SET BLOCK CLEARANCE When using a Double Roller timing set on a GM 350 Vortec or a GM K block, you must check the clearance between the cam gear and the bosses around the oil galleys in the block, Some blocks may need to have some grinding done for...
ANTI-SIEZE / ANTACID Have you ever found yourself working with stainless steel hardware but you were out of anti-sieze compound? You don’t want galling and you know you must use something on the threads and this job has to go out now! Reach for the antacid to use on...
HOLDING A CYLINDER HEAD WHILE INSTALLING When installing a head on a V8 or V6 block there is always that chance that one head may not seat correctly and fall off before you can bolt it down. Take old head bolts and cut the heads off. Then cut a slot in them that will...
MANUFACTURERS TECH TIP: Fundamentals of Engine Bearing Clearances The durability of any engine – stock or performance – is tied to the engine builder’s skill in achieving optimal bearing clearances . Too little or too much clearance will reduce or eliminate the vital...
UPGRADE YOUR ENGINE STANDS Most of the engine stands in my shop were manufactured offshore. Though they are pretty good, in just a few minutes you can increase stability and load capacity. I simply MIG weld all the joints where the legs, main body and uprights join....