Chevy 400 Build
- Thread starter LilSpann601
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yeah the sleeve is definitely apparent but if it was decked thats worse job and machine i could have ever imagined. the picture i posted of my block is what a fresh deck looks like.
Well, by fresh I meant it hasn't been run. I agree it looks pretty rough but I highly doubt it's been run since it was last surfaced. The cut marks are just too uniform to have had a head gasket seated in then removed. Isn't decking the block usually one of the last steps in the sleeving process?
DRIVEN said:
Yes, decking would be one of the procedures in sleeving, but that looks more like GM factory cut than anything a machine shop would do. One of the many reasons it's a good thing he is getting it checked out by a reputable shop.
And wouldn't you think if you were selling a block with a sleeve you would tell the future buyer, a lot of people would not by a block that had a sleeve installed. Even though when done correctly there is no problem.
I think that's more of a case of being an informed customer. Most of us would have spotted that sleeve from across the room. We probably would have recognized it was a 4-bolt main and asked for the missing bolts too. If it was purchased from a "guy who builds engines" there should be no shortage of SBC main bolts laying around. We might have gone so far as some sort of written guarantee that the block was in "ready to build" condition so that if any defects were found by another machinist it could be returned for a full refund.565bbchevy said:
You guys are right, it should be checked out by another machine shop. Personally, a sleeve wouldn't deter me. The fact that it looks like a butched out POS would make me more hesitant. It's pretty obvious that the OP is fairly inexperienced. While I commend Lilspan's enthusiasm and willingness to jump in head first, I feel it might have been wiser to just buy a complete core engine and have it built. I didn't see what he paid for the bare block but all the "new" work is essentially wasted. If it gets any further machining the fresh cam bearings and freeze plugs will get tossed for a proper cleaning anyway. One other thing, if it's already at .030" it may not have another rebuild in it since .040" is typically the limit on 400 blocks. It just seems that since he's going to be looking at additional machining to make it "right", crank, balancer, rods, bolts, etc. anyway -- on top of the standard build/rebuild items such as oil pump, bearings, rings, pistons, timing set, cam and lifters and such -- a complete core might have been a better choice.
All that being said...It's still just a small block Chevy. It's one of the most forgiving "first build" engines out there. Maybe it would be a good learning experience for Lilspan to build himself just like it is. Invest in some measuring tools and a couple books and check all the clearances 3 times. We all had to start somewhere. Why not here?
Driven, I agree with everything your saying. And it seems like he saw him coming a mile away, I just hope there is someone with proper knowledge to guide him when assembly time comes if it makes it that far.
I just hate when people take advantage of someones lack of knowledge just to make a buck.
The sad thing is the machine shop found problems with the block before they even got it out of the trunk.
Hopefully he can use the block and continue with the build and like you said it is a great first build engine.
I just hate when people take advantage of someones lack of knowledge just to make a buck.
The sad thing is the machine shop found problems with the block before they even got it out of the trunk.
Hopefully he can use the block and continue with the build and like you said it is a great first build engine.
I had a feeling the. Block wasnt 100% ready for assembly. I cant stand when peoPle try to get over on others. I just hope he can make some good come out of his situation.565bbchevy said:
I see there has been a lot of discussion on steam holes, I will offer another perspective. The machine shop that built my 400 has built a lot of 400's for racing, specifically circle track. In his experience steam holes are a weak point and typically the blocks will crack at the steam holes. So every 400 that he does he welds plugs in the steam holes. The steam holes on my block are plugged, can't speak to the longevity of this modification because the car is still ripped apart for body work.
CdnCutlass said:
Well, you will have to keep us updated on how that works out for you. I have never heard of anyone intentionally not using steam holes and I could only possibly see this in a drag racing set up but anything than runs a duration seems to me it would be an issue. My first 400 I drilled steam holes in my Dart sportsman heads and never had an issue with cooling or cracks around the steam holes but this was in street car.
I've heard of people not using the steam holes but it's usually in conjuction with a use that sees sustained higher(3000+) rpms. Like marine or circle track use or even if it were a dedicated drag car.
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