Quote: I'd be curious to know what machine the average automotive machine shop would use to end-mill a block. Likewise, I'd like to know what the fixture to hold it looks like since you'd want to register off the main bores.
With all this talk about the block not being square (which I find hard to believe), why hasn't anybody suggested checking it ?!?! It can be done very easily with the dial indicator and magnetic base using a slightly longer arm to get the indicator out to that block surface. This is a hell of a lot less hassle and way cheaper than having sh!t machined on a whim!
Not sure what you referred to on a whim , but whatever . Maybe shoddy machine work on a block. ? I hate setting up the gage, my time is valuable . And i refuse to use a harbor freight gage. if referring to my no brainer gage , its saved me hours And its reliable and cheap.
The prostockers / top fuel guys use it on every round . A couple thousandths might mean a 10 th . Or more.
it would be nice to machine a bolted fixture to hold the dial indicator. Magnetic bases do suck . Someone once told me you Should repeat the procedure 2-3 times to make Sure it bolts together the same way each time . A little paint on the mating surfaces might throw it off.
I guess a good machine shop would be able to square a block Or Anything up , but i guess off the crank is probably The truest measure to gage off. I guess thats why some guys Run remarkable times , some have all the hp in the World and run crap . Some clutches and pilot bearings last years , some only a couple .
