I keep seeing the same basic questions over and over. We could even have a sticky or page with links to the various sites on the net that decode casting #'s, suffix codes etc, so these guys can tell if that "350" they're wanting to buy is a 350, and not a 267

AS for engine rebuilds...


1. Things to check on the core engine
2. Processes and order that they should be done at the machine shop
3. IMPORTANT machining processes and the "fluff" ( for street engines anyway )
4. The UN-importance of 4 bolt blocks in street engines
5. The best GM cylinder heads to look for, and the WORST, that should be tossed without any effort spent on them at all...
6. What parts are needed to rebuild
7. Books that first time engine builders SHOULD own...
8. Blueprinting
9. Special tools needed for pulling / rebuilding / replacing an engine
10. Break in procedures, first start up etc.


Many more..


I'd put something together in my spare time...and there are plent of other posters here that have built as many or MORE engines than I have. I think between us, we can come up with an easily accessible, understandable primer for these new guys / gals looking to rebuild an engine.



What does everybody think?

 

ctandc,

That seems like a very good idea. So much so, that I started to put together something like that well over a year ago, and enlisted the help and opinions of several of the more experienced and frequent contributors to the boards. I put together a draft from the input, and then got lazy and let it go.

The intent was to create a Tech Article as a basis for those who can't/won't acquire other references for information when building or rebuilding. Unfortunately, after breaking down each of the recommendations and steps into detail, it started becoming more of a book than an article. I included diagrams and photos from some of my engines and various public domain sources. I actually got to the point of formatting it into a pamphlet therough Adobe, thinking it could be published and distributed, as well as being posted as a Tech Article on the site. After 50+ pages, I began to realize that as a Tech Article, it would probably have little value, and would be better suited as a PDF download or printed pamphlet. That's when my ambition waned, and it got pushed back into the dark receses of my hard drive. I was reinventing the wheel, since there are already several very good references on building the SBC available in libraries and book stores everywhere. Adding another one wasn't going to help clear anything up.

I'd be happy to share with you what I have to this point. If you want to resurrect the idea, drop an email or PM.

Personally, I feel that too many "sticky" threads just visually clog up the board pages and probably contribute to page loading time.