by Donnie Hurt | Oct 9, 2024 | TOOLING
Sometimes we need to use a dial bore gauge that is set-up directly off of a micrometer. It can be hard to center both ends of the bore gauge with micrometer’s anvils. Simply cut a small piece of 1/4″ rubber tubing and slip it on one side. The bore gauge...
by Donnie Hurt | Oct 8, 2024 | CYLINDER HEADS
When you’re grinding Titanium valves, if you want a super shiny finish, grind them with the green wheel and “Mirror finish”. Wipe them off before pulling them from the chuck and give them 30 seconds of spinning with a microfiber towel and some...
by Donnie Hurt | Oct 8, 2024 | BLOCK WORK
I was never a fan of tapping a 1/2″ hole for a 1/2″ pipe plug which measures about .530 diameter. I’ve been using 9/16-18 set screws for the SB Chevy street and race builds for years. A 9/16” starting tap will work without drilling, and I finish up...
by Donnie Hurt | Oct 8, 2024 | OTHER SHOP WORK
When you need to make a thread repair, and someone has “borrowed” your tap drill size chart, here is a little trick. Subtracting the pitch from the nominal thread O.D. will get you very close to the tap drill size for a 75% thread. Here are some examples:...
by Donnie Hurt | Aug 9, 2024 | CAMSHAFTS & VALVE TRAIN
When checking valve train geometry, you need adjustable pushrods which are never the right length and you need to use a light spring. I bought 1 of every 3/8 .080 wall pushrod 7.00” to 12.00”, in .050” length increments. It makes checking geometry quick and easy. Bob...
