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After two weeks of waiting I finally contacted the machine shop today to find out the progress of the machine work on my heads. I was having my heads machined for teflon valve seals. The total came to $32 which included the cost of the teflon valve seals. The heads are currently sitting in my basement along with the rest of my valve train awaiting assembly. I'm hoping to get a hold of my uncle sometime this weekend so that I can borrow his cherry picker and he can help me assemble the heads.
Assembling the heads seems a little over my head and I want to get this right, so I'm gonna wait for my uncle to help me on this one. If anyone has any advice I'd greatly appreciate it (thanks for your help so far Norval).
Once I bolt the heads on there isn't much left to do and then it's time to drop the big block in :reddevil
My tips: Follow a good Big Block book or two on all the steps required to install heads, install cam, install valvetrain, set valve lash, etc. Follow the instructions closely that came with the cam and lifters regarding install and valve lash, etc. The key is to make sure each lifter is on the "base circle" of the cam before adjusting valve lash (this is assuming, of course, that you have hydraulic lifters). Follow the torque sequence on the heads and intake manifold. Make sure you have a good torque wrench. When installing the intake manifold gaskets, use a little clear silicone sealer where the four pieces mate up. That's it for now. Enjoy and don't hesitate to ask questions (which I see you have done in the past).
Don:
I've been following "How To Rebuild Big Block Chevys" throughout my entire rebuild. I have a solid lifter cam :). I have a brand new torque wrench and my book has some good diagrams of torque sequences. Thanks :cheers:
Awesome! I've been following your BB madness and look forward to hear how much more power you have. The_Dude and myself talked about your project when we met in Oregon...we both wish we were doing what you are doing.
Thanks for the vote of confidence guys! I still have been unsuccessful in getting a hold of my uncle. I was a little off on my target date (I was hoping to have the big block in the car by Easter), but it would appear as though it should be in the car a week or two after Easter if everything goes as planned. Oh well there's still work to be done, so I better get crackin'.
As my brother says "no hurries no worries" anyway what I'm trying to say is this a hobby so take your time, do it right and enjoy. It's all going to work out.
By the way did you ever put together a list of what it takes to do the conversion from a sb to the bb?
Tominator:
I know it is a hobby but I want to drive my car :(. It's been a while and I just keep telling myself that it will be worth it. I never really put together a list perse, but there aren't too many things that need changed. If you are interested I'll give ya a brief run-down.
Basically the only things that you need to change are the:
- Radiator
- Brackets (Alternator, Power Steering, A/C)
- Pulleys (Crank, Water Pump, Possibly Power Steering)
- Fan Shroud (If Need Be)
- Stiffer Front Coil Springs
- Possibly Different Fan
- Big Block Chevy Short Style Water Pump
- Big Block Flywheel
The motor bolts right in and the SBC distributor and starter can both be used. I don't think I missed anything