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....
RESURFACED HEAD DEBURRING TOOL I found a great tool for deburring combustion chambers after resurfacing cylinder heads. I took a common chainsaw sharpening file, removed the “rat tail” handle, chamfered and radiused this end for a comfortable fit in my hand. I also...
TORQUE PLATE HONING GM LS-SERIES ENGINES We have found that due to the length of the head bolts and the fact that they finish approximately 1-1/2 inches from the mains, considerable bore distortion will occur if torque plates are not used when finish honing the GM LS...
MAGNETIC CATCH MATS Small valve locks, especially those for obscure import applications, can be difficult to get into place and inevitably, if you’re not careful, can pop out and easily get lost on or under your work station. Magnetic sheeting is available in one foot...