Engine Rebuild

[babyburb]

After reading colbystephens poll about engine rebuilds I started wondering if I would be able to rebuild my own 454 for the burb. Partly due to $$$ but another being able to say, "I rebuilt and dropped in my big block...".

The only thing is I do not want to get in over my head. I have done alot of changing out parts on all type of vehichles and it seems that brakes are my specialty. (I only say this because I get called all the time and asked to change brakes for people) I have tore into the front of my COncord several times to change out water pumps, gaskets and timing belts but that has been about the only time I had to tear down and rebuild per se. I usually just have to buy new parts and swap out. I did once tear a carb apart and rebuild it but I think a trained monkey could do that.

So what do you think. What level of mechanicle skill should one be at before attempting an engine rebuild.

On a side note, I would have access to alot of specialty tools from my uncle who was a GM certified tech up until 3 years ago but still has all of his tools. He just rebuilt a 350 who computer dynoed at 450 hp for a 77 camero he is rebuilding from the frame up.

 

[superwrench]

I would say you have your answer right there in your post. If your uncle is close ask him to help you with the first one you do. The main thing is to get a competent machine shop to do the hard stuff for you. Second keep your work area clean. Third take your time, if you find something you dont understand ask for help. Its only stupid if you have to do it over because of a dumb mistake.

 

[babyburb]

The problem is for the last 20 years everyone and there dog has asked him to do stuff for them and he is so burned out it's not even funny. Most of them take it forgranted and never offer any money for it and actually think he should be obligated because he is family. (Real a$$ holes to be honest with you). I have always asked for him to point stuff out to me if I come to a road block but very seldom just plain out ask him to do something. I have also been concerned about him and other things in his life right now so I do not want to ask him other than tool usuage. Yea, I'll call him up and ask him a question here or there but that's about it.

 

[vortec]

I would say you have your answer right there in your post. If your uncle is close ask him to help you with the first one you do. The main thing is to get a competent machine shop to do the hard stuff for you. Second keep your work area clean. Third take your time, if you find something you dont understand ask for help. Its only stupid if you have to do it over because of a dumb mistake.

x2. and if you think you're family treats your uncle like crap, it probably means you don't, so that's a good start. if i were in your spot, i'd tell him what i planned and ask if he'd mind giving some advice when you hit a rough spot. it's his choice to pick up the phone. have him over for some beer and steak or something to say thanks.

the job isn't really that hard if the engine isn't blown apart. it can be tricky, but if you're patient and careful, it's not big deal. i don't really like doing the bearings on the bottom end, but plastigage is a big help. in the end, a build is basically just the reverse of a teardown, so take pics or video or make notes and sketches and it will be no problem.

 

[89yimmiJ]

I agree there is some self satisfaction in doing it yourself,but at what costs. Every machine shop that I have ever dealt with typically charges around $300 for assembly if they do the machine work. While $300 may seem like a lot, figure the cost of any mistake that you may make.

If all your doing is freshening it up with a hone, rings, and bearings and don't care if it lasts 15k or 50k, do it yourself to get the experience.

If it involves $1k in machine work and $2k in parts, $300 is pretty cheap if you were to make a mistake.

I don't want to discourage you as it really isn't that hard, but I've seen a lot of people do it themselves with the best of intentions have disastrous results.

Good Luck, and don't forget, your best resource isn't your uncle it's everyone on CK5.com.

 

[roadnotca]

It's damn hard to get it 100% on your first build, or your second, etc. You may not be able to "save $$" when all is said and done. If the expense of the "education" is what you are willing to flip, go for it. There are tons of books to walk you through it.
If you are restricted by $$, buy a GM crate. It will cost less in the long run.

 

[reddog64]

have the machine shop do the shortblock work...

 

[onetonbb74]

bbc is a expensive motor to build, if $ is not a prob, id say go for it.