My engine builder and I started the 496 today for the first time. Well, on the initial startup the engine sounded ok to me. We had to shut her down because of an oil leak. Finally got that fixed then started it back up again. According to him he (engine builder ) did not like the sound of the engine. I honestly couldn't tell anything was wrong , other than the timing being to advanced. He said it sounded like a cylinder was not firing. The engine only ran for about a minute then we shut her down. I am thinking maybe the valves need to be adjusted but I am also worried that I've got a bent valve. Or it could be the rings have not seated and compression is down on some cylinders . Don't know , right now I am not to happy. Even though at this point if there is something wrong with the engine he would fix it but it would probably take him a long time to get around to it. :(

THAT SUCKS! Sorry to hear that.On the good side he the builder admits something is wrong right from the get go which makes me think your in good hands.Sounds like a good guy who will get it corrected.

Going back and back tracking what we did initially before starting the engine. I am now thinking maybe the this problem has to do with a rocker arm we repalced. We were missing a rocker arm to the set and had to order a different one (crane) . When he installed the rocker arm he had to really push down on it to make it go in the stud. I went over to move it and it would not budge(it still did not have the poly lock on it) . I hope it wasn't the rocker arm that messed up something. I have no idea why it was going in so tight. Hopefully it did not leave a valve open and the piston smacked it. We just left the car there for the night as we were ready to call it a day. I will be there early tomorrow morning to take off the valve covers myself to see(hoping) that nothing is messed up. I probably won't sleep well tonight , thnking what might of caused what appears to be a cylinder not firing.

Is it my imagination or has there been an increasing frequency of "builder" issues with engines lately? It seems to be in vogue to say "my builder this" or "my builder that" like it's some sort of status statement when in fact it appears (to me at least) to be in some cases an issue of the blind leading the blind. I find it somewhat alarming that so many well meaning folks here on TC with only the most rudimentary automotive knowledge (I gather this based on some their posts) are making recommendations based solely on heresay rather than actual experience. "Builders" of any experience should not encounter oil leaks on start-up. They know the areas to pay particular attention to and do so the first time around. They check, recheck and check again before assembling anything. They are "anal" by nature and very detail oriented. A "Builder" would not "force" anything into place like the rocker arm in this case. Fitment issues should raise a big red flag. Builders to me are professional folks and respected business owners like Mike Lewis (aka wolfplace) or Carl Hinkson (CNC Blocks NorthEast) and I'm sure there are several more who post here. Their names just come to mind first. I owe no particular allegiance to either of them but would certainly have no qualms trusting them with my machine work or assembly needs.

I could continue my rant but suffice it to say that choosing someone to assemble the heart of your pride and joy can be a daunting obstacle to overcome and if you don't know the right questions to ask your prospective "builder", making the right choice could be a shot in the dark leading to frustration.

big454blockchevy: Sorry to hear about your problems but hopefully the fix will be a simple one. Keep us posted!

David
I agree with your post. Building(assembling) a half dozen engines does not make an engine builder.
In my neck of the woods finding a qualified builder is a difficult task. At first glance there are a few that seem top notch, but after research I wouldn't walk into there shop.

Also when you weigh the fact some of these "builders" offer what seems like a deal 7,500.00 compaired to the 12,000.00+ for a known good builder, the choice becomes cloudy.

I've decided to go with a known good builder. While theres a lot of money involved(to me) I have a sort of peace about it. (warm fuzzies)

Big454blockchevy I hope you resolve your problems quickly and you have an engine that performs and lasts as you want

I understand what you guys are saying( I think). I am no expert my any means , but continue to learn ( sometimes the hard way). This "engine builder" I went with does have a good rep. I asked people about him and have seen some of his engines at work. He's quite a few high dollar builds and business is good for him. I've done my work in the past but decided to have him build the 454 and his rep utation for building them. Yes, he has done some things that I have highly questioned but I went with my gut feeling and think it can still turn out ok. Would I go with hiim again, probably NOT. I will be up there in a few minutes and hopefully this is all for nothing. All through this project I've learn some important aspects of 496 build ups and will apply them next time the 496 needs rebuilding.That one I will do myself with this site of coarse. Also note: the oil leak was a missing plug on the side of the block(1/8).

Why didn't he check the stud or hone the replacement rocker? Nothing should be binding like that, it'll make adjustment a best-guess.

when i went with my engine builder i knew he was good because of yes reputaion and also i have seen many of his builds. Also hanging out at the shop, many other "shops" call him all the time for advise. I was there every step of the way and helped out a lot and i also learned alot too! Your good when you know every where every oil plug is on the block and what thread it is without evenlooking! Also when his hobby is tractorpulling and he has many firstplace trophys you know hes good! His puller took first at the county nationals pulling 315' and it stayed together, you know he is good, especialy when that block was a mark 4 that was board .100 over! The best thing is when you take the engine from him to the dyno and you ask the dyno operator "so what will it do?" his response was well if it is from that shop you will always be very pleased. So yes i know there is a lot of hersay, but reference you builder very carfully before choosing to do the build.

P.S he always told me that nothing should go together with a hammer when doing an engine!...............nothing only a very suttle tap to get the pistons in.:thumbsup:

I understand what you guys are saying( I think). I am no expert my any means , but continue to learn ( sometimes the hard way). This "engine builder" I went with does have a good rep. I asked people about him and have seen some of his engines at work. He's quite a few high dollar builds and business is good for him. I've done my work in the past but decided to have him build the 454 and his rep utation for building them. Yes, he has done some things that I have highly questioned but I went with my gut feeling and think it can still turn out ok. Would I go with hiim again, probably NOT. I will be up there in a few minutes and hopefully this is all for nothing. All through this project I've learn some important aspects of 496 build ups and will apply them next time the 496 needs rebuilding.That one I will do myself with this site of coarse. Also note: the oil leak was a missing plug on the side of the block(1/8).

Is it my imagination or has there been an increasing frequency of "builder" issues with engines lately? It seems to be in vogue to say "my builder this" or "my builder that" like it's some sort of status statement when in fact it appears (to me at least) to be in some cases an issue of the blind leading the blind. I find it somewhat alarming that so many well meaning folks here on TC with only the most rudimentary automotive knowledge (I gather this based on some their posts) are making recommendations based solely on heresay rather than actual experience. "Builders" of any experience should not encounter oil leaks on start-up. They know the areas to pay particular attention to and do so the first time around. They check, recheck and check again before assembling anything. They are "anal" by nature and very detail oriented. A "Builder" would not "force" anything into place like the rocker arm in this case. Fitment issues should raise a big red flag. Builders to me are professional folks and respected business owners like Mike Lewis (aka wolfplace) or Carl Hinkson (CNC Blocks NorthEast) and I'm sure there are several more who post here. Their names just come to mind first. I owe no particular allegiance to either of them but would certainly have no qualms trusting them with my machine work or assembly needs.

I could continue my rant but suffice it to say that choosing someone to assemble the heart of your pride and joy can be a daunting obstacle to overcome and if you don't know the right questions to ask your prospective "builder", making the right choice could be a shot in the dark leading to frustration.

big454blockchevy: Sorry to hear about your problems but hopefully the fix will be a simple one. Keep us posted!



Is it me or does seem like more and more peeps are having their engines built these days instead of assembling it themselves? Assembling is half the fun!!:D

Hi David,
Thanks for the kind words both from myself & I am sure from Carl too,, :beers:


But,,, in defense of this unnamed builder,,, I have had my share of oil leaks too :D
Deal is they don't leave with them, part of why I don't build a complete engine without dynoing it.
This part you could do on an engine stand too though.

Can't remember using a hammer to install a rocker lately though :sad:

But the oil leak thing does seem to be an issue sometimes especially with aftermarket pans & some other stuff.
Guess I need to learn to use at least 1 tube of silicone per engine :D

Another issue we have had of late is with the FelPro 1pc pan gasket on BB's
I have used them numerous times without problems but the last two engines I put them on both failed in very short order, of course after the damn things were in the vehicle :mad:
Both gaskets looked like they had split from too much crush & both were in the front timing cover area.
I believe one of them was repalced with the same type of gask
FelPro points at the aftermarket pan guys.
The aftermarket pan guys point at Felpro
I don't care, I went back to the good old FelPro 4pc 1804 that I have never had an issue with that I can recall.

454,
Sorry to hear of your problems, hope they are simple :thumbsup:

Thanks for the reply guys. Ok, came back from the shop and everything is ok (knock on wood):D. 2 rocker arms were loose , problem appears to be settled. I was so happy to hear the monster come to life! I know you can never go my the sound of an exhaust but this thing will be BALLSY! I need to quite her down with the exhaust mufflers and some 3 inche pipe that dump before the axle, so I can take it home. I am gonna drive it home and enjoy every minute of it! Anybody want to take a guess at my hp? :)

Is it my imagination or has there been an increasing frequency of "builder" issues with engines lately? It seems to be in vogue to say "my builder this" or "my builder that" like it's some sort of status statement when in fact it appears (to me at least) to be in some cases an issue of the blind leading the blind. I find it somewhat alarming that so many well meaning folks here on TC with only the most rudimentary automotive knowledge (I gather this based on some their posts) are making recommendations based solely on heresay rather than actual experience. "Builders" of any experience should not encounter oil leaks on start-up. They know the areas to pay particular attention to and do so the first time around. They check, recheck and check again before assembling anything. They are "anal" by nature and very detail oriented. A "Builder" would not "force" anything into place like the rocker arm in this case. Fitment issues should raise a big red flag. Builders to me are professional folks and respected business owners like Mike Lewis (aka wolfplace) or Carl Hinkson (CNC Blocks NorthEast) and I'm sure there are several more who post here. Their names just come to mind first. I owe no particular allegiance to either of them but would certainly have no qualms trusting them with my machine work or assembly needs.

I could continue my rant but suffice it to say that choosing someone to assemble the heart of your pride and joy can be a daunting obstacle to overcome and if you don't know the right questions to ask your prospective "builder", making the right choice could be a shot in the dark leading to frustration.

big454blockchevy: Sorry to hear about your problems but hopefully the fix will be a simple one. Keep us posted!
Way to come onto this post and totally derail it with your rant. You didn't offer any help, just came here to critisize him. You sound like the type of person who doesn't do any work themselves, with all these expectations. I doubt Mike Lewis or Carl would install a motor in a car and get it running anyways????

Thanks for the reply guys. Ok, came back from the shop and everything is ok (knock on wood):D. 2 rocker arms were loose , problem appears to be settled. I was so happy to hear the monster come to life! I know you can never go my the sound of an exhaust but this thing will be BALLSY! I need to quite her down with the exhaust mufflers and some 3 inche pipe that dump before the axle, so I can take it home. I am gonna drive it home and enjoy every minute of it! Anybody want to take a guess at my hp? :)

Very similar to mine and I tried the Ede RPM vs Vic JR and the RPM won hands down off the line and e.t. wise with my combo, the Vic JR gained 1mph or so, but you can't make up down track what you lose off the line. I couldnt buy a 10 second pass last year, swapped the converter, more suspension work, and heads netted a best of 10.40 @ 125 this year. I'm still running the RPM with a 1" open spacer and 3/4" nitrous plate/spacer and will probably continue to do so with the self imposed 6500 redline. I'm guessing yours will run very high 10's or real low 11's and maybe 600hp at the flexplate. Now that I am upgrading the cam, an intake swap MAY net more of an improvement, been told that my engine is like a nascar cup motor (ala restrictor plate) with the current induction system on it, but I sure like those 1.40x 60ft times :D

bob i believe kjet done some work with the rpm and it worked better than the victor jr did on his big block .if i had one i would have tryed it on my small block .im almost certen it would improve on the 60ft times

Very similar to mine and I tried the Ede RPM vs Vic JR and the RPM won hands down off the line and e.t. wise with my combo, the Vic JR gained 1mph or so, but you can't make up down track what you lose off the line. I couldnt buy a 10 second pass last year, swapped the converter, more suspension work, and heads netted a best of 10.40 @ 125 this year. I'm still running the RPM with a 1" open spacer and 3/4" nitrous plate/spacer and will probably continue to do so with the self imposed 6500 redline. I'm guessing yours will run very high 10's or real low 11's and maybe 600hp at the flexplate. Now that I am upgrading the cam, an intake swap MAY net more of an improvement, been told that my engine is like a nascar cup motor (ala restrictor plate) with the current induction system on it, but I sure like those 1.40x 60ft times :D
It be great if I hit a low 11 pass on motor alone . Elevation here is at 4k feet so we are a little bit slower . I might try the ede rpm on the dyno to see what numbers I get.

It be great if I hit a low 11 pass on motor alone . Elevation here is at 4k feet so we are a little bit slower . I might try the ede rpm on the dyno to see what numbers I get.

Your combo in your signature is very close to mine. I have the speedpro H603 hypers 10.2 compression, ported big valve 049s, 850 w/profrom base. I have a ,244/256 hyd roller with .632 lift, where you have a solid roller. I also race at 3000ft so it is a fairly close compairson. My numbers are in my signature.

Low 11s should be realistic for your combo.

Your combo in your signature is very close to mine. I have the speedpro H603 hypers 10.2 compression, ported big valve 049s, 850 w/profrom base. I have a ,244/256 hyd roller with .632 lift, where you have a solid roller. I also race at 3000ft so it is a fairly close compairson. My numbers are in my signature.

Low 11s should be realistic for your combo.
Thanks , that is sounding sweet to me(a low 11 pass) . Also I got on her today , just a little not much . WOW! I am left wondering how in the world I am going to get her to hook up. I smashed the throttle and all I got was tire spin. Not even a hint of traction. I don't really want to try out the MT ET's because I am afraid to break the weak 7.5 rear. Need to start planning a rear and quick. :D

Thanks , that is sounding sweet to me(a low 11 pass) . Also I got on her today , just a little not much . WOW! I am left wondering how in the world I am going to get her to hook up. I smashed the throttle and all I got was tire spin. Not even a hint of traction. I don't really want to try out the MT ET's because I am afraid to break the weak 7.5 rear. Need to start planning a rear and quick. :D

On my first 496 I was amazed at the throttle response and how fast it reved. I thought the long stroke would make it feel a little lazy--not even!!

And yea, you will have to learn how much throttle you can give it at any given speed on street tires. Full throttle will bust the tires off at any speed under 80 on mine.

Have fun and be safe:thumbsup: