374 Olds 350 stroker build

[olds307 and 403]

I just contacted Mark Remmel. I think due to my badly knocking 350, I am going to have to do two rebuilds. If I can get my 350 block back, I am going to get direct replacement Mahle 10cc dish pistons with the 1mm ring pack and either Scat or Molnar aftermarket rods. I have regular length ARP studs for the mains. I have two 330 cranks, one is stock stroke. It doesn't probably need undersize on the rod and mains, currently .020" mains and .010" mains.. It was balanced for stock rods and the now discontinued Speedpro 18cc dish forged pistons in .030" oversize. It means they would probably have to remove weight, not add it and would consider and external balance if it saves money. Something needs to be done soon.

 

[olds307 and 403]

So, it sounds like they will be getting to my block shortly. I told them it will only get a clean up mill on the deck, either a hone to 4.065" or bore to 4.100". They have to send out the 330 crank for balancing, which didn't realize it was not done in house. I will be talking to Kevin on here and see if he knows any good machine shops or at least the ones to avoid in Regina.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I checked out the 330 crank, man I bought this over 10 years ago. I originally oiled it, wrapped with saran wrap and hit it with white grease, at least once. It is .020" mains and .010" rods, it probably needs the next oversize, don't know if the 3 scratches will polish out, if that is even a good idea, depending if they ground it with tight clearances. I am also ordering custom Mahle pistons in a 4.125" bore with probably a 1.55" or maybe a 1.56" or 1.57" compression height and the bearings, .010" mains and standard 2" journal sbc bearings for the other block. By the time I bring in this crank next week, it will be days within 4 months of a wait for a cylinder hone to 4.065", deck now just a clean up, cam bearings and align hone on the mains.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Well, I am spending 3 grand Canadian over the next two days and there will be more after that. I am also ordering the custom Mahle 1mm pistons in a 4.125" bore with a 1.56" compression height, letting Cutlassefi pick the compression ratio on those for the other block along with rod and main bearings for it. I am also the first getting a new product he is bringing to the market. I will reveal what it is when he does.

 

[fleming442]

 

[olds307 and 403]

I am getting the first set of these!

Exclusive through Cutlassefi who ordered 10 sets. They are extra low profile with their diamond cut and are available in 1.6, 1.65 and 1.7, I am letting Mark pick the ratio to work with his roller cam. My irons will need a .125" rocker pad mill and needs upgrades from the 5/16" studs anyways. I am hoping the machine shop can pull that minor work off in a week when I am ready.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I did a couple of measurements with my digital caliper on the standard stroke 330 crank. The numbers may not be super accurate, which is why I ordered a 2" to 3" micrometer to measure the final product when it comes back. Same goes for the dial bore gauge to measure the machined cylinders. I got 2.100" on a couple of rod journals, it looks like the rods are .020", was told they were .010". The mains were 2.4975" to 2.480" which would actually be a standard journal with .0030" to .0035" clearance. Mark suggests .0022" to .0025" rods and .0025" to .0028" mains for clearances. My other stroker crank is SUPPOSED to have .0025" rods and mains clearance with the mains .010" and standard 2" sbc rod journals, it will get measured as well. Especially since it was from Smitty who went off the deep end pretty much right after.

 

[JAMCAR223]

Lots going on here... I just hope you can get somebody to work with you, to actually get it done. I'm pulling for ya!!

A busy machine shop is a good sign tho, it does suck tho to have to wait.

I agree it is a good sign that they have plenty of work, but a good machine shop is also one that doesn't over promise, and under deliver. To have to wait 4 months to get a block bored is unacceptable in my opinion. I could be biased because in a big city like Houston, Tx there are many choices for machine shops. I don't know if that's the case in Regina. Hopefully we are not still discussing this next year..

 

[DROLDS84]

I just contacted Mark Remmel. I think due to my badly knocking 350, I am going to have to do two rebuilds. If I can get my 350 block back, I am going to get direct replacement Mahle 10cc dish pistons with the 1mm ring pack and either Scat or Molnar aftermarket rods. I have regular length ARP studs for the mains. I have two 330 cranks, one is stock stroke. It doesn't probably need undersize on the rod and mains, currently .020" mains and .010" mains.. It was balanced for stock rods and the now discontinued Speedpro 18cc dish forged pistons in .030" oversize. It means they would probably have to remove weight, not add it and would consider and external balance if it saves money. Something needs to be done soon.

Sounds like you should have had Mark do your stroker...sometimes your better off spending more $ to get a solid no worries build. Just my 2 cents.

 

[64nailhead]

I'm not an Olds guy at all, but in the Bowtie arena, you are in great shape to have your mains anywhere from .0025"-.0035", and rods that tickle .003" aren't deal breakers. Run a 10W or 15W oil and forget about it. I once got crazy with supertight rods and mains - all it does make heat IMHO. Yes the oil pressure is through the roof, but that is so unimportant. If you have 30psi at 40000rpms and 40 at 5000rpms, then you'll never have an issue.

I'm pulling for you as well. I'd say this point to just ride it out, and grin and bear it. Don't let this eat you up. And yes I know, that is easier said than done.