For someone who doesn't know much about engines what's the best way to go about fixing one up on my own?

I don't have to do everything as i'm sure it needs some pretty precise tools.

But where do I start and how do I go about knowing what I'm doing to a certain extent?

I don't really have time to go volunteer at a local shop but are there books or videos that can guide me?

 

Understanding as much as you can about comprehensive engine blueprinting will put you miles ahead of the game for whatever tasks you do decide to undertake. At a minimum I recommend the following...

http://sabooks.carshopinc.com/produc...ts_id/46848/21

 

I've had this old black and white book for years. Pretty good book and the guy tries to keep things simple and tries to use tools that don't cost an arm and a leg.
http://www.abebooks.com/978091265666...0912656662/plp

 

Get the GM repair manuals for your year. Available used at firesale rates via eBay or Amazon. The engine section is pretty easy for even a newcomer to follow. Search local Craigslist and want ads for a "core" engine priced less than 200 bucks. Buy it, an engine stand from Harbor freight and a weekend's supply of your favorite hand cleaner, then open book and dive right in with disassembly. By the time you get it apart and clean, and have inspected the parts as outlined you will have a good working knowledge of the engine, and probably the building blocks for your first rebuild. You can clean everything except the block in a paint roller tray and a 5 gallon bucket using only mineral spirits and a paint brush. There are only a few special tools needed to completely strip a small block Chevy, and Harbor Freight carries all of them at reasonable cost... in case you decide to do this only once. If you decide not to proceed, you can scrap the iron and recover much of your investment... and still know enough to call "BS" on an unscrupulous shop.

 

I agree, get some books and study though them a bit. Have the S-A blueprinting book "Skunk" mentioned, and its very good. You didn't say anything about your wrenching background experience, but think its pretty vital. You're going to need some special tools for sure, and at least borrow an engine stand and hydraulic picker. You mentioned maybe spending some time at a shop. That would be an excellent thing to do.

 

There will obviously be a learning curve. Books such as "how to rebuild the small block chevy lt1/lt4 engines" by mike mavrigian is very well laid out. Although this book pertains to the gen 2 engines, much of the process is the same as the gen1 engine.
For the $300 the machine shop charges, I'm letting them assemble my 383 stroker. I earn my living turning wrenches, but there are tips and tricks that someone who does engine overhaul every day knows that I may miss. But by all means, give it a try. It's pretty cool to successfully assemble an engine and hear it run.

 

Here's another question.

I don't plan on keeping this engine for very long as I'd like to upgrade to an LS engine with fuel injection and all the goodies.

So would it be worth upgrading anything on the engine or even fixing it up if i'm not going to keep it? I would think the learning experience would be good for me but only if it doesn't cost me a lot of $$$.

Unless the rebuild will make the motor worth something?

It's a 70's 350 that the owner says was an LT-1 but the block was decked so I'm hoping something on the inside can confirm what it is...

 

Well looks like you're getting my opinion once again. Since you're talking LS, I'd keep all the money channeled in that direction. You also mentioned working with a shop, do that too. Engine rebuilds involve expensive machining, and really no cheap way of doing it right. If you do go LS, the other motor will still be there to tinker with later.

 

Good advice here,if you want to go LSx in the future,don't waste any effort on your old engine,the LSx swap will tax your resources and skills past your current limits.It's still a good idea to pick up one of the recommended books,a little education is never a bad idea...

 

Above posts good advice ... add this:

Go find a quite common, junk 20"-22" rotary vertical shaft 3 to 5 horsepower lawnmower that's been discarded BUT does Not have a busted block.

You take it all apart, rebuild all of it, reassemble it, tune it ... do all this yourself. With that same good-running DIY mower, you then mow one frail retiree's yard for free.

The relatively few tools you'll have bought will become basis for your set and will be used for auto/vette work.

Think of it as "boot camp." Along the way, you'll likely curse me (& yourself for buying into it) but the experiences from above will go a LONG way prepping you for auto/vette work. Strongly suggest those 10-20 hrs with probably less than a hundred bucks will be one of your best investments. Lord, I wish I'd had the wisdom to keep that first mower; I might've bronzed it!

 

BoxWrench.com I bought the video and the cd as a combo. The best information I found.

 

I'd hate to jump right to the LS with no knowledge and having to work on something 10x as expensive.... and probably more complicated...

So with as much as I want an LS I better refresh the one I have currently and wait on the LS for another year or two...

I'll be fixing up my 50cc scooter I had since I was 12yo. It hasn't run in 5+ years and will be a nice change of pace this winter in my basement than freezing in the garage working on the vette.

 

I guess I'm just at a crossroad with my vette. Frame and suspension are good.

So i'm left with interior, body work, or engine work... I'm thinking since the body off is fresh in my mind I might pull it back off and really fix up the underside of the ride. and while it's off it'll be easy access to the engine so...

 

Im curious about that 70 Lt1 engine you have. With a little google research, you can come up with exactly what block and cylinder head casting numbers were for that engine. That was a pretty stout engine and would really be worthy of a rebuild. Have you had the oil pan off? Are the main caps 4 bolt? The Lt1 in 70 had solid lifter tappets, the heads had .202 intake valves. The engine was rated at 370 hp, but many back in the day suspected it put out more than rated. I suggest you do the research to confirm what you have is a real LT1 engine, then save your money and let a competent engine shop rebuild it. If the block is not cracked and the internal parts are not excessively worn, you could possibly put this engine in a like new or better condition for 2k. But, let a competent machine shop do the inspection. They will give you a straight answer on condition. It is a valuable engine.
Putting an LS engine in any car not designed to have an LS is work and money. I have researched it extensively for another corvette (a 92) I own. The LS is a great engine, but you will need many many new parts. Nothing you currently have for your corvette engine, accessories, mounts, tranny, engine controls, exhaust will work. The list goes on. I know of a guy in our vette club that spent 24k doing an LS3 conversion to his 92 convertible. Now he did use a crate engine that cost 8k, but the rest was in making everything work with his 92 computer controls, installation, etc. Sounds expensive, because it is.

 

Here is a pretty good link for your engine casting numbers. At least you will be able to confirm what it is or isnt.
http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.php

 

Great suggestion, Jackson.
The first "Toy" I ever had an interest in was an old mower eng. that I took apart and put back together when I was about 10 years old.
Don't know if it would ever run due to the fact that I had no money for gaskets but it sparked a desire in me to learn more about internal combustion.
In turn that same "Spark" has served me well as a lifelong "Gearhead" both financially and has provided a hobby that has lasted 45 years.

To the O.P.....
Consider letting someone do the machine work and assembly of the short block and from there on you can do the rest of the assembly and the only "Specialty tool you'll need is a torque wrench!!! JMO.