THE OLD OIL PUMP TRICK When align honing Small or Big Block Chevrolets I always install an old oil pump on the #5 main cap. The added stress can change the main bore up to .001” to allow for distortion of the bore when the engine is fully assembled. Joe Foellmer...
BLOCK CRACK FIX On 400 SB Chevy blocks, the deck is the weak link. They have a tendency to crack between the water holes. I have found a successful fix for this. I drill and tap the water holes for tapered pipe plugs. Once they are sealed and threaded into the block,...
RELUCTOR WHEEL INSTALLATION Many late model engines, like the LS series GM V8’s, use a press fit reluctor wheel as a crankshaft trigger. When the need arises to swap the crankshaft reluctor, some companies sell a tool for approximately $200. Taking one off is as...
CAM BEARING BORING TOOL Camshafts will often times not fit into newly installed cam bearings. Since most factory cam bearings are bored in place, cam bore alignment is not an issue from the factory, but becomes an issue with finish machined bearings. I use an old...
REDUCED RADIAL WALL BY DESIGN The use of steel in the upper compression ring has many advantages. Steel provides 35% more strength, weighs 30% less and increases the resistance to side wear, which is observed on the newer model engines. Another feature from the...
SADDLE PROTECTION If you are shot blasting an engine block but want to protect the crankshaft housing bore surfaces, you can install some used upper main bearing shells in place, then secure them to the block with threaded rod or machine screws with a nut up in the...