I have a 396 big block motor that I'm in the process of rebuilding. Machine work needs done to the crank and block, and I need new bearings and rings. Since this is the first time I've ever worked on the internals of an engine, my friend suggested that I have the machine shop assemble the short block and heads. I'd put together the rest.

However, I really want to completely build this myself... I want the sense of accomplishment when it's all over. How hard REALLY is it to install bearings, pistons, etc.? I'm not speaking from an "assembly" point-of-view... I realize what goes where and that everything needs torqued to a certain specification. It's the other little things, like assembly lube, checking clearances, ring installation. I have a full set of inner and outer micrometers, so I'm capable of checking clearances.

Should I attempt this myself or let the "experts" do the work?

 

"Experts" only become "expert" by taking on the risk. That's how you gain experience and self-confidence.

It's really not that hard. There are plenty of books that give good step-by-step type instructions, and there are lots of us here that have built lots of motors, that you can ask about stuff you're not sure of.

You need a torque wrench (I prefer a beam or dial type, NOT a clicker type); mics and such, in various ranges; feeler gauges; a ring expander, ring end-gapper (maybe), and ring compressor; and an assortment of lubes. I use regular motor oil or transmission fluid on the bearings, 2-stroke oil on the rings, and white lithium on valve train parts.

I'd say you should go for it.

 

When I did my first one, I got on Ebay, went to Ebay motors and did a search on videos. Found one on short block assembly, bought it and watched it. You can pick one up from Summit, Jegs, Eastwood, etc. It helped erase any doubts in my mind. I am not a big fan of plastigage and I didn't own or have access to a bore mike. Consequently, that first coulple of motors, I had the machine shop install the crank. The rest was cake with the tools you and RB83L69 describe. Just go slow, double check everything and.....for ***'s sake, don't go in the shop with a six pack in your belly!

 

i'd say not hard at all, the trick is knowing what to do and how to do it. lot of little things you can over look if you don't know. read a book or two. like rb said give it a shot and don't be afraid and don't be afraid to ask if you aren't sure. it'd be great for you if could find someone that knows to watch and offer advice.

 

It's not hard, BUT...

There are a lot of things you can overlook your first time. I'd recommend finding a buddy that will mentor you through your first build. They could mean the difference between a smooth first start and the swearing from getting the timing chain a tooth off, the oil sump too high, and having to pull the motor to install the oil galley plug you missed.

Another thing that could help is having a SHOP YOU TRUST install the pistons and crank and main caps. Those are the parts that take most of the specialized tools, and it will save you money and time having the shop do it VS getting all that stuff yourself. however, I say to do it at a shop you trust, because they can hide shoddy work (IE improper clearances) by assembling it themselves.

 

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I'll read a few books and proceed from there. There are at least two people that I can think of who can oversee the assembly and offer advice. I don't think that I'd want to do this myself unless I had someone there with past experience.

 

You're lucky. I wanna try but I don't have a mentor...

 

hey, i live in chicago

i could give ya a helping hand if needed when the time comes around, it really isn't that hard

 

a very smart man once told me that,
going fast comes from making good decisions.
making good decisions comes from experience.
experience comes from making poor decisions (i believe his exact words were "blowing **** up")

smart guy, and his car runs low 5s in the 1/8, so when he says something about cars, i listen pretty closely.


adam