INSTALLER EXTENSION The harmonic balancers on the 5.0 Fords are deep and need extra space. I used a small PVC pipe coupler to extend the reach of the installer. It is cheap, lightweight, and works great. Pete Ross Petes Car Care Rochester, IL August, 2022
FITTING IN A SIZE SMALLER After file fitting piston rings to get the perfect end gaps, we need to remove all burrs left from the filing process. Despite all our best efforts, sometimes we install a ring on the piston and still notice a little drag when testing for...
THREAD IT TO REMOVE IT Solid smaller sized dowel pins can be stubborn sometimes. One of the most useful ways I've found to deal with the really stubborn ones is to start by putting a heavy chamfer the outside edge of the dowel with a grinder. Then I run a die on it....
HOMEMADE VALVE HEIGHT MEASURING I made a valve tool to measure valve tip height as shown in the picture. I use it before cutting and write it down and check it after valve job. It is also very handy when setting new valve seats. It is easy to make. Take a digital...
EARLY SPIN ON FILTER ADAPTER When I restore an early Chevy V8 that used a cannister oil filter, I like to update for a late style spin-on filter. I machine up a ring 3.800” O.D. with a 3.075” I.D., .300” thick. I bore out the block to except it. I’ve used aluminum and...
EXHAUST MANIFOLD SURFACING I grind exhaust manifolds on a dry belt surface grinder. Before I grind them, I bead blast the manifold surfaces to clean off the hard rust and carbon build up first. By doing this the manifolds grind easier and the belts last longer. Wes...