CAP-ILLARY SEAL The screw on caps for many sealants do nothing to prevent the sealant from drying in the nozzle. I used to hate digging out the dried Sealant. Not anymore. My co-worker told me to pack a 1/4 of the nozzle with lube. If no air gets to the sealant, it...
SUNNEN POWER HONE EXTENSIONS Because Sunnen’s hold downs are limited in their length, we made extensions to hold down various components. I use 3⁄4 -10 all-thread for the extensions and I can mount various work pieces with existing Sunnen threaded hole downs. This has...
SURFACE PLATE ADAPTER Some cylinder heads, like small block Mopars, have the intake manifold bolt holes at a slight angle from the manifold flange. This makes it hard to mount on our surfacing machine milling plate because, when you tighten up the mounting studs...
GEN III VS. GEN IV CONNECTING RODS The early Gen-3 press-fit connecting rod was replaced by the Gen-4 free-floating piston pin with rod bushings. Some shops try to upgrade Gen-3 engines by substituting Gen-4 pistons, and keeping the earlier rods. You need to be aware...
BOLTS AS HANDLES Sometimes, the simplest thing can become the perfect tool. To properly install a camshaft doesn’t need an expensive special tool. A long bolt or 2 can make a great camshaft installation tool. Stack a pile of fender washers on your bolt for a...
DON’T LEAVE ME HANGING When I build big cubic inch engines, I never leave all that weight hanging from a few bellhousing bolts. A screw jack under the front oil pan takes a lot of stress off of the engine stand. Place a piece of wood or heavy cardboard on top of the...