LOAD BLOCKS WITH EASE I have an older thermal cleaning system by Peterson. The shot blaster is designed more for cylinder heads than blocks as it is a side loading machine. To wrestle blocks into the machine was not reasonable so I came up with this simple solution to...
LS PISTON PIN SIZE Stock GM LS full floating connecting rods use a .943" pin and stock LS press rods use a .945" pin. Some aftermarket forged pistons designed to use a stock LS 6.098" length rods come with the .945" pin type. Pistons can be used as "Pressed" or...
DIAMONDS AREN'T ALWAYS FOREVER When using my profilometer for bore and surface readings, I hold the drive on the workpiece until the stylus has retracted and recorded it's reading. Then, I lift it off and let it retract without touching the workpiece. This effectively...
A SIMPLE REMINDER Even well-regarded brand name dial indicators typically have a +/- accuracy equal to 1X to 2X their resolution and can read +/- 0.0005" after 2 to 3+ revolutions. For example, a Mitutoyo 0.5" range, 0.0001" resolution indicator has a factory stated...
ASSEMBLY LUBE I keep a container of engine assembly lube at my cylinder head work bench. A good dab of assembly lube holds spring cups and or shims in place during cylinder head assembly. Too many times the shims came off and got mixed up, so I started doing this and...
CLEAN INSERT INSTALL I made this tool to install slotted drive thread inserts. This is for when you want to run them upside down for a cleaner install, and to recess them. The alloy DOM tube is turned down to fit the tapped hole. Drive them in, and simply loosen the...