I've got my engine and tranny out. I want to rebuild the block, replace heads, cam, exhaust, intake, and carb. Oh, and I'm also replacing the TH-350 with a 2004R. I'm going to put it all together and then try and start her up. I'm going to blow my face off, right? Is it possible to do that many things and have the car run without destroying or overlooking something? I don't even care if I have to tune, but the thought of that initial start scares me.

 

Sure it is. They do it every day at the assembly plants. I pretty much did it when I put on the new RPM heads and installed the 200-4R at the same time. Just take it slow and double check everything as before you move on to the next step.

 

The critical things are preventing overheating and breaking in the cam. I would put it all together but not bolt up the torque converter. Start the engine, break in the cam, and watch for overheating. A lean condition will make the exhaust manifolds/headers glow red.

Once the cam is broken in and the engine is running good, turn it off, let it cool down and hook up the torque converter. Get the transmission working at the proper pressures and give it a test drive.

If it is like all my projects there will still be some adjustments to do.

 

Yeah I was thinking about how to take the transmission out of the picture. So the torque converter on the 2004R is a bolt-on? The one on my TH-350 just slid onto the drive cylinder of the tranny. I'll do more research on the OD Tranny while I got time now that you said that. I expect hours of but as long as I don't destroy anything I'll be happy. Well, at least I can say that now, that is. Thanks

 

leave the torque converter unbolted from the flex plate, when the engine starts the tranny/converter won't spin..

 

I built mine last winter. I was shaking in my boots when I turned mine over for the first time but it started right up and has run perfect ever since with 3000 miles on it now. It really makes you feel good to build one and have it running good. Take your time and measure and check everything about 10 times. Get the book " How to build a small block chevy" by Larry
Atherton

Nothing like having the power to blow a C5 off the road with a motor you built in the basement

 

I have had that exact same thought.....looking at the key and wondering if I should rent one of those Titanic seeking drysuits
to climb into before I turn the key....

 

we all get it, lots of $$$ and time on the line

take your time and do alot of reading, start here
search the forum for anything that comes to mind,
when you get to the point that you
see all the same answers to your questions
you are probrably ready.......

GET A MANUAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! specific to your car/year

good luck
R.

 

I'm in the process of putting mine together...all the big stuff has been cleaned, and bolted on...While it's on the engine stand I'm going to fill it with oil and rent a oil primer shaft and check for leaks. Do things a stage at a time and only seal something up when you know it's right. I sometimes spend all day just placing parts together without sealant just to make sure they fit good. There's also painting, inspecting, etc. that takes time.

Another thing I've found is VERY helpful is keeping video documentation of the tear down...first with the engine and tranny still in car and be sure to get shots underneath as well as from the top. After the engine came out I did three passes with the camera...once with everything still on it, then with all the accessories off (including water pump, but intake, pan, timing cover, etc. still on. Then finally with oil pan off, intake off, timing cover off so I can get a good video of the internals. Then when you put it back together you can use it as a reference!

You should also buy the GM repair manual for your year, and the Chilton's and Hanes manuals are also must have items. The assembly and installation manual is also a good idea for those original plans with details.

Oh, another tool you really should pick up is a vernial caliper so you can measure wear on cam, crank, valve stems, etc.

 

started mine for the first time last friday night at 2 A.M.!!! again my neighbors love me LOL open header!!! but i was scared to death but take your time and do it right like everyone said before watch the overheating. i drove mine for the first time today just in the neighborhood again scared to death. i have so much time and money in this car i am almost afraid to drive it.