i want to rebuild the original motor ,it is currently torn down and sitting in the corner. the motor has been rebuild once before,and it needs done again.the vin # is barely showing,if i rebuild the machine shop may shave whats left.the car was a weekend drag car for years,but it is a documented 68 L78 m22 car, 1 of 1049 with the m22 option. it also was ordered with dealer installed 4;56 gears. I feel that if i should leave the block alone. i dont want to restamp it! what shoud i do???? any suggestions?????

There's really no need to deck the block for street use. The machine shop can do whatever other work is needed on the motor, just tell them (over and over and over) to not deck it.
BillL

In writing

Yes, make sure you make it perfectly clear that under no circumstances should they deck that block! They might tell you that they can skim it, then stamp the numbers deeper, and then skim it again and repeat... don't buy it. Just say NO :p

Yes, make sure you make it perfectly clear that under no circumstances should they deck that block! They might tell you that they can skim it, then stamp the numbers deeper, and then skim it again and repeat... don't buy it. Just say NO :p


Steve is 100% correct. Any attempt to skim cut the area removes the surface grain,(broach marks) which is what guys like me use to authenticate. Think of it as removing the fingerprints off your fingers. In fact, I have a good idea. Draw a line on block in front of the right cylinder head at the back of the deck pad, and tell him the only thing he can use forward of the line is a handheld scotchbrite pad. Anything you can do to limit material taken off this area will save you big time later. After cleaning, a small application of clear will help keep it from rusting, or you can coat it in oil, but this will continue to need re-application. This area was not painted from new, and if painted, will cover in the grain, so it will be harder to see as more paint is applied, so if he is painting the motor for you, tell him to tape this area off first. Good Luck and if he complains, download these posts, and tell him this poster has 20 years experience in documenting engines, so he can't be wrong.:thumbsup:

Jeff Dotterer
Dated Components
Diamond Restored Judge

Yeah.. what he said :D

Yeah.. what he said :D


Thats what i like, a man of few words:thumbsup:..........Wish I could be one of them!!!!!! Silly me, I am just to opinionated.:sad: Guess this is just a subject I am passionate about. I know Mike is too.:D

Jeff Dotterer
Dated Components
Diamond Restored Judge

Take some good pictures of it before it goes to the shop. Who knows, it may be your only proof if they do machine it off.