After assembling over 5,000 engines, I have seen just about every conceivable problem that can arise during engine assembly. One particular area of concern was the cam bearing housing bore size in all engines, particularly Ford small block and big block engines, Chrysler engines, and, to some degree, Chevrolet engines. Not every engine required to have the housing bores honed, but most did. Start by setting the dial bore gauge to the minimum size. Don’t try for the mean size here, as it’s too easy to go oversize. Use a Sunnen Jr hone and just jog the drive motor to get your size. Check your progress often as you go. After you have finished, be sure to straighten out the stones, as they will tend to cup because you are only honing a very narrow bore.
Tom Baughman
TB Performance
Bellefonte, PA
