Out With Old, ENGINE REBUILD!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 912
Likes: 47
From: Kansas City MO
What do you guys think of these valve covers? http://www.jegs.com/i/Proform/778/141-927/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...80127/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Proform/778/141-924/10002/-1
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: MA
I like them, but below are my choices...
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...80127/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Proform/778/141-924/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...80127/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Proform/778/141-924/10002/-1
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: MA
Its going to be a few more weeks. We're building the new engine this Saturday. I don't know if we're going to finish because we still have to clean and rebuild the heads. But I'm hoping it'll be in, maybe not running by next weekend, or the weekend after.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: MA
Update:
Well, more bad news.
While taking apart the heads to replace the seals, we found that the valve guides were way out of wack. Some guides you could wiggle the valves 1/8th of an inch each way. I brought the heads and components to a local machinist and engine builder who builds most of the racing engines for the local track. He wanted $1,400 to replace the guides and machine the heads to mach the new tolerances. It was outrageous. I went to another shop, and the price wasn't too far off. I called up RHS and they said the exact heads on the car, which were 180cc, were $1,200. I told them that it was a supercharged application and its a 383 now instead of a 350 and they said the 220cc heads were exactly the same price. So, on the bright side, I have brand new heads on the way better suited for the car. On the down side, the project is now $1,200 over budget. What are you going to do? All I can say is, if this engine doesn't throw me into my seat, I'll be very upset. Haha. I've even had people say that with this new engine, they think it'll be able to lift the front end off the ground. I mean, I do have 325 tires in the back. What do you think of that? Do you guys think it could? Let me know what you think. Thanks. 
Well, more bad news.
While taking apart the heads to replace the seals, we found that the valve guides were way out of wack. Some guides you could wiggle the valves 1/8th of an inch each way. I brought the heads and components to a local machinist and engine builder who builds most of the racing engines for the local track. He wanted $1,400 to replace the guides and machine the heads to mach the new tolerances. It was outrageous. I went to another shop, and the price wasn't too far off. I called up RHS and they said the exact heads on the car, which were 180cc, were $1,200. I told them that it was a supercharged application and its a 383 now instead of a 350 and they said the 220cc heads were exactly the same price. So, on the bright side, I have brand new heads on the way better suited for the car. On the down side, the project is now $1,200 over budget. What are you going to do? All I can say is, if this engine doesn't throw me into my seat, I'll be very upset. Haha. I've even had people say that with this new engine, they think it'll be able to lift the front end off the ground. I mean, I do have 325 tires in the back. What do you think of that? Do you guys think it could? Let me know what you think. Thanks.
Last edited by CorvetteFirstTimer; Aug 30, 2012 at 08:55 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Hey CFT,
Sorry to hear about the unexpected news. Sounds like you'll end up with parts that are matched for the purpose though. Just buying expensive parts doesn't make them right for the overall build - sounds like the previous owner didn't think about that during his build. Have you figured out what your CR will be with the new short block and the 220 heads?
As far as pulling the front tires, possible, but doubtful to be honest with you. With slicks, on a track with good traction, who knows!
Good luck with the assembly!
Adam
Sorry to hear about the unexpected news. Sounds like you'll end up with parts that are matched for the purpose though. Just buying expensive parts doesn't make them right for the overall build - sounds like the previous owner didn't think about that during his build. Have you figured out what your CR will be with the new short block and the 220 heads?
As far as pulling the front tires, possible, but doubtful to be honest with you. With slicks, on a track with good traction, who knows!
Good luck with the assembly!
Adam
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: MA
Hey CFT,
Sorry to hear about the unexpected news. Sounds like you'll end up with parts that are matched for the purpose though. Just buying expensive parts doesn't make them right for the overall build - sounds like the previous owner didn't think about that during his build. Have you figured out what your CR will be with the new short block and the 220 heads?
As far as pulling the front tires, possible, but doubtful to be honest with you. With slicks, on a track with good traction, who knows!
Good luck with the assembly!
Adam
Sorry to hear about the unexpected news. Sounds like you'll end up with parts that are matched for the purpose though. Just buying expensive parts doesn't make them right for the overall build - sounds like the previous owner didn't think about that during his build. Have you figured out what your CR will be with the new short block and the 220 heads?
As far as pulling the front tires, possible, but doubtful to be honest with you. With slicks, on a track with good traction, who knows!
Good luck with the assembly!
Adam
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Hey CFT,
Sorry if I wasn't clear on my response. I didn't mean you were wasting money, I meant the previous owner spent money on parts that really weren't suited for the build he was doing. Running a supercharger typically means lower compression is required which it seems is why the guys at RHS recommended the 220 heads. 8.5 is pretty typical for a street blower motor.
Compression ratio is a pretty complex thing. You'll see lots of number thrown around - pistons that say they are 9 to 1 etc., but there are several factors to figuring true CR.
Here is a good article on it - this may help you out a little
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...ression_ratio/
Every project with a car is a learning experience. The day we didn't learn anything, is the day we weren't paying attention
Adam
Sorry if I wasn't clear on my response. I didn't mean you were wasting money, I meant the previous owner spent money on parts that really weren't suited for the build he was doing. Running a supercharger typically means lower compression is required which it seems is why the guys at RHS recommended the 220 heads. 8.5 is pretty typical for a street blower motor.
Compression ratio is a pretty complex thing. You'll see lots of number thrown around - pistons that say they are 9 to 1 etc., but there are several factors to figuring true CR.
Here is a good article on it - this may help you out a little
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...ression_ratio/
Every project with a car is a learning experience. The day we didn't learn anything, is the day we weren't paying attention
Adam
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: MA
Update: Haven't posted in the past couple of weeks. We've had a few minor set back that just took up time, like wrong parts and such. Well, the engine is in! It isn't all buttoned up, just kind of sitting in there. Hopefully we'll get it all dont this weekend if not close to it, then running next weekend or the weekend after.
Heres some pics.
Block with front accessories:
New RHS Heads going on:
Rockers and Push Rods in:
Intake Polished and installed:
Finishing prep on the engine before intall:
The new block in the car:
The new valve covers on (very race looking):
That's where I'm at now. Let me know what you think with your comments! Thanks!
Heres some pics.
Block with front accessories:
New RHS Heads going on:
Rockers and Push Rods in:
Intake Polished and installed:
Finishing prep on the engine before intall:
The new block in the car:
The new valve covers on (very race looking):
That's where I'm at now. Let me know what you think with your comments! Thanks!
Last edited by CorvetteFirstTimer; Sep 19, 2012 at 09:03 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
but you'd have a hell of a sleeper. Sorry if I rained on your parade, but you did ask. A little engineering would go a long way.
Pete
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
It all looks good, but since you asked, I have to say get rid of that ugly stuff sticking out of the hood. Those twin scoops don't belong on a Corvette (hey, you asked). Surely you can figure out how to use the blower and keep the carb and intake plumbing under the hood. Not only would it look better, and but you'd have a hell of a sleeper.
Sorry if I rained on your parade, but you did ask. A little engineering would go a long way.
Pete
but you'd have a hell of a sleeper. Sorry if I rained on your parade, but you did ask. A little engineering would go a long way.
Pete
I like the old school looks of a supercharger although I too am not a fan of the twin scoops. I'd splurge on an updated piece too.
I bought RHS heads for my stroker on the recommendation of my builder. Other heads may make a little more power but for the substantial difference in costs for my street build would not have been money well spent. The builder I used has had very good luck with them, but he does clean them up a bit. Project is looking good.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: MA
It all looks good, but since you asked, I have to say get rid of that ugly stuff sticking out of the hood. Those twin scoops don't belong on a Corvette (hey, you asked). Surely you can figure out how to use the blower and keep the carb and intake plumbing under the hood. Not only would it look better, and but you'd have a hell of a sleeper.
Sorry if I rained on your parade, but you did ask. A little engineering would go a long way.
Pete
but you'd have a hell of a sleeper. Sorry if I rained on your parade, but you did ask. A little engineering would go a long way.
Pete
Last edited by CorvetteFirstTimer; Sep 20, 2012 at 01:36 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
You are right on corvettefirsttimer. The only person the car needs to please is yourself. And for the record roots style superchargers sticking out of the hood are way cool. Im sure necks snap as you drive by. I hope the new engine runs like the devil.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: MA
Update:
Well, visually, you wouldn't think we did anything this past week, but we did do some stuff. The engine is now completely married to the tranny and the frame. The alternator was polished and installed along with the accessory belt. The most important thing however, was definitely the wiring being cleaned up. It's not all done but we started and so far it looks great. All the wire loom you see is just mocked up and not fully done yet.
So here's some pics.
The alternator installed:
The wiring:
The wiring closer up:
Well, thats it for this week. Next week it should be all buttoned up and the week after should be the first start up. Leave your comments! Thanks
Well, visually, you wouldn't think we did anything this past week, but we did do some stuff. The engine is now completely married to the tranny and the frame. The alternator was polished and installed along with the accessory belt. The most important thing however, was definitely the wiring being cleaned up. It's not all done but we started and so far it looks great. All the wire loom you see is just mocked up and not fully done yet.
So here's some pics.
The alternator installed:
The wiring:
The wiring closer up:
Well, thats it for this week. Next week it should be all buttoned up and the week after should be the first start up. Leave your comments! Thanks
