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Beginner engine help

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Old 03-06-2007, 10:58 PM
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Beginner engine help

Hey all…

I wanna build my first engine, but I have no clue how…. In all honesty I don’t have a clue what half of the parts on/in an engine are, and some of the ratios confuse the heck out of me. There was an article in the August 06 issue of Hot Rod that had a budget built 383 short-block, that breaks down every part need to build the engine. That’s the engine I would like to build for my car, I just don’t know how. I need some help getting pointed in the right direction on where to learn more about engines, so I came hear…. Hope u guys can help me out…
Old 03-06-2007, 11:14 PM
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Car: 91 RS
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if i were you i would hang around for a while there is a lot to learn here more than can be learned in a few hours or even days reading all of the topics...and start looking for published books as those are always good sources of information... i recommend staying away from any book however that talks about race engines as those are far beyond what the home builder will ever do or need to do...i especially mean the racing engine builder's hand book.... total crapola... and you probably wont get a free lunch but people will steer you in the right direction

And always remember that Magazines are selling parts and selling names dont always believe publish HP or tourqe numbers as they are unattainable in normal aplication
Old 03-07-2007, 12:34 AM
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Yea, magazines skip the boring stuff that's necessary to show you the shiny parts. I'd try not to build something based purely on a magazine, they skips steps.

Grab "how to rebuild your SBC" by david vizard. That was my instruction manual for my rebuild. It's kinda suited towards a stock rebuild, but it shows EVERYTHING in grueling detail. Making sure your rings aren't upside down, pistons are in right, cam bearings in right, etc etc.

Then look at books on high performance parts and modifications. Like how to hot rod your SBC on a budget, (vizard again) etc etc.

That's a wicked sig pic, I love that year camaro. Just love it.
Old 03-07-2007, 04:15 AM
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Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: broken 385sbc
Transmission: G-Force rebuilt T-5
Axle/Gears: Currie 9" Ford 4.30:1
get a book..
Old 03-07-2007, 05:49 AM
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as well Go to autozone they have the " How to build a Small Block Chevy" book down there. We all could try to tell you but it would be best if you had the paper on it ya know.

After the book search your area and find a well known and trusted engine machinist. Just ask arround at meets and junk, whos good whos not...who swapped your good sbc 400 for a 305 haha. It happens.
Old 03-07-2007, 09:26 AM
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Car: '88 IROC-Z medium orange metallic
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Add "The Step By Step Guide to Engine Blueprinting" to the list. Written by Rick Voegiln (sp?).
Old 03-07-2007, 09:39 AM
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ok i ordered "how to rebuild your SBC" by david vizard. After that ill get "The Step By Step Guide to Engine Blueprinting". Thanks for the help guys...
Old 03-07-2007, 10:25 PM
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Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
You'd probably find this book/DVD combo helpful also....

And THIS link will probably keep you busy (or entertained) for hours!!

Good luck!
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