first time engine build

Posted By: CUDA8U

first time engine build - 07/29/12 12:20 AM

i'm thinking of building a stroker myself since the local shops are DAM CRAZY with pricing,I once seen a builders guide on here by a member.

Do you think this is beyond a "first timer" ?

Posted By: 71yelladustr

Re: first time engine build - 07/29/12 12:36 AM

It really isnt that hard to do if you take your time and check everything. Especially clearance issues assoiciated with SOME stroker set-up. Some will drop right in with no mods what so ever. Others will require grinding and notching of the block and possible oil pickup modifications. If you decide to do it make sure you test fit the crank, bearings, rods, and pistons first while turning the crank over 360 degrees looking for any interferance. Other than that make sure you got a CLEAN work area, good torque wrench, good ring compressor, preferably a good micrometer set, though a dial caliper or plasti-gage will suffice, and a dial indicator th check crank end play. If all the machine work was done correctly it should go together without a hitch. Other than that it wil assmble just as any other engine would. Good luck.

Posted By: fourgearsavoy

Re: first time engine build - 07/29/12 12:47 AM

First get Andy's big block book and read it.Now make sure you order your stroker kit from a reputable builder like Nick at www.compu-flow.com
You can have him check it all out before he ships it to you to make sure all the parts are machined correctly.
I assemble my short blocks without rings completely at least once to check all my clearances and mark all the parts that need grinding.
Just pay attention to EVERYTHING that spins so you have proper clearance to all stationary objects.If you order Chevy rod journals you should be OK without too much grinding

Gus

Attached picture 7311567-savoyburnout.jpg

Posted By: dfsmopars

Re: first time engine build - 07/29/12 12:49 AM

Quote:

It really isnt that hard to do if you take your time and check everything. Especially clearance issues assoiciated with SOME stroker set-up. Some will drop right in with no mods what so ever. Others will require grinding and notching of the block and possible oil pickup modifications. If you decide to do it make sure you test fit the crank, bearings, rods, and pistons first while turning the crank over 360 degrees looking for any interferance. Other than that make sure you got a CLEAN work area, good torque wrench, good ring compressor, preferably a good micrometer set, though a dial caliper or plasti-gage will suffice, and a dial indicator th check crank end play. If all the machine work was done correctly it should go together without a hitch. Other than that it wil assmble just as any other engine would. Good luck.

Sounds like good advice. I built my first solo 360 this past Winter. Have good manual to go with the tools. The only thing I regret is spreading it out too long over the Winter. The next one I do will be done a LOT quicker. I didn't like stopping and starting. That's my

Posted By: gregsrt

Re: first time engine build - 07/29/12 12:55 AM

Look at the short block specials on the www.compu-flow.com site. Pretty good prices for a built short block. That's the way to go. Save you from dealing with a local machine shop that may be clueless.

Posted By: CUDA8U

Re: first time engine build - 07/29/12 08:39 AM

Quote:

Look at the short block specials on the www.compu-flow.com site. Pretty good prices for a built short block. That's the way to go. Save you from dealing with a local machine shop that may be clueless.

these short blocks have the stroker crank,pistons and rods installed or just the machining is done?

$3600 seems high if not

Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: first time engine build - 07/29/12 09:03 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Look at the short block specials on the www.compu-flow.com site. Pretty good prices for a built short block. That's the way to go. Save you from dealing with a local machine shop that may be clueless.

these short blocks have the stroker crank,pistons and rods installed or just the machining is done?

$3600 seems high if not

Straight from the above link....

"We have 6 complete newly built short blocks in stock. All are baked and magnafluxed, stress relieved, fully line honed, bored and honed with deck plates, square decked and assembled with Eagle rods, Eagle crank, Wiseco, Probe or Ross pistons. H series race bearings and file fit moly rings are used."

Posted By: moparpollack

Re: first time engine build - 07/29/12 02:20 PM

Quote:

i'm thinking of building a stroker myself since the local shops are DAM CRAZY with pricing,I once seen a builders guide on here by a member.

Do you think this is beyond a "first timer" ?

What is your budget? What motor small or big block? What are you goals? Do you need a stroker? Don't forget you have to match the rest of your drive train to your motor.

My stockish 383 build will be $4000 by the time everything is said and done.

Posted By: Commando1

Re: first time engine build - 07/29/12 02:38 PM

Quote:

Look at the short block specials on the www.compu-flow.com site.

I agrree.
For the first timer, a short block is the way to go.
Since you want a stroker, a 498/500 using a "seasoned" block and mildly reworked iron heads gives you a great bang for the buck. Sometimes cheaper than a DIY.

Posted By: fourgearsavoy

Re: first time engine build - 07/29/12 02:43 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Look at the short block specials on the www.compu-flow.com site. Pretty good prices for a built short block. That's the way to go. Save you from dealing with a local machine shop that may be clueless.

these short blocks have the stroker crank,pistons and rods installed or just the machining is done?

$3600 seems high if not

That is a smokin hot deal for a shortblock built buy Nick

The only possible issue you might have is that Nick doesn't ship complete engines,maybe he will ship a shortblock

You would have to talk to him.
Gus