How do I know if my block needs machining?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How do I know if my block needs machining?
I was planning rebuilding my engine this spring. Should I know before hand if my block will need to be bored? How can I tell by looking if it needs to be bored over? About how much would I expect to pay at a good machine shop to have my block bored over? Would it be the same to have it bored .030 over, as it would be to have it bored out to a 383? Also, if I DID have it bored out to a 383, would I have to change a bunch of stuff like the cam or the computer stuff? Sorry if I am beating this to death. These are probably common questions but I haven't been able to do searches for the past couple days for some reason! Thanks for any info! Matt
#2
1) you can tvore an engine to a 383, you stroke a 350 bored 30 over to a 383 by using a 400 crank.
2) if you have the stock engine from 88, i would say you need to bore it, no matter the circumstances.
3) if you are going to be rebuilding an engine, it looks like you have a lot of reading to do.
2) if you have the stock engine from 88, i would say you need to bore it, no matter the circumstances.
3) if you are going to be rebuilding an engine, it looks like you have a lot of reading to do.
#3
TGO Supporter
you can't tell if a block need bored by looking any more than you can tell if a crank needs ground by looking. measure the crank with a mic and measure the bore for out of round and taper with a bore gage.
#4
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 4,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: yy wife, crazy.
Engine: 350, Vortecs, 650DP
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: 8.5", 3.42
Or you can do what I do and take it to the machine shop and ask them.
That's really the best way. They can also tell you what else it needs while it's there.
Like resurface the deck, align hone the mains, throw it in the trash because it's starting to crack, etc.
They're profressionals (or at least I hope the ones near you are) and they know what they're doing.
That's really the best way. They can also tell you what else it needs while it's there.
Like resurface the deck, align hone the mains, throw it in the trash because it's starting to crack, etc.
They're profressionals (or at least I hope the ones near you are) and they know what they're doing.
#5
Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Jacksonville, Tx
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 RS, 00 TA Ram Air, 86 IROC
Engine: 305 tbi, LS1, 355
Transmission: 700R4, 4L60E, 700R4 NonLU
Originally posted by ede
you can't tell if a block need bored by looking any more than you can tell if a crank needs ground by looking. measure the crank with a mic and measure the bore for out of round and taper with a bore gage.
you can't tell if a block need bored by looking any more than you can tell if a crank needs ground by looking. measure the crank with a mic and measure the bore for out of round and taper with a bore gage.
If you see scratches on you crank journals, you crank needs to be turned.
#6
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 4,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: yy wife, crazy.
Engine: 350, Vortecs, 650DP
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: 8.5", 3.42
Originally posted by jpk91rs
If you see scratches in the bore, it needs to be bored.
If you see scratches in the bore, it needs to be bored.
How much?
And how do you know a hone wouldn't be enough, unless you measure?
If you see scratches on you crank journals, you crank needs to be turned.
And how do you know a little sanding and polishing won't be enough?
#7
Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Jacksonville, Tx
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 RS, 00 TA Ram Air, 86 IROC
Engine: 305 tbi, LS1, 355
Transmission: 700R4, 4L60E, 700R4 NonLU
Bear in mind I am speaking of scratches or gashes in the cylinder wall, but the general rule of thumb is, if you can hang a finger nail in the scratch it need to be bored to the next oversize. Same with the crank, except it will need to be turned to the next available undersize.
Trending Topics
#8
TGO Supporter
Originally posted by jpk91rs
Bear in mind I am speaking of scratches or gashes in the cylinder wall, but the general rule of thumb is, if you can hang a finger nail in the scratch it need to be bored to the next oversize. Same with the crank, except it will need to be turned to the next available undersize.
Bear in mind I am speaking of scratches or gashes in the cylinder wall, but the general rule of thumb is, if you can hang a finger nail in the scratch it need to be bored to the next oversize. Same with the crank, except it will need to be turned to the next available undersize.
#9
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 4,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: yy wife, crazy.
Engine: 350, Vortecs, 650DP
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: 8.5", 3.42
Originally posted by ede
i wouldn't trust a shop to tell me what i need either....
i wouldn't trust a shop to tell me what i need either....
#11
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Adrian, Mi, USA
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 0
Received 25 Likes
on
20 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Yes, I agree, the only way to tell for sure what kind of work you need is to measure the block/crank. If you dont have the equipment to do so, then you will have to pay someone to do it, or, rent the equipment to do so. If you have no experience using the measuring equipment, you would be MUCH better off taking it to the machine shop, and having it checked.
Finding a trustworthy machine shop can sometimes be a problem. Ask folks around that have been to some of them who they think is best. Also, check with the local car dealerships, and see where they have thier machine work done........
Finding a trustworthy machine shop can sometimes be a problem. Ask folks around that have been to some of them who they think is best. Also, check with the local car dealerships, and see where they have thier machine work done........
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post