Got the short block and heads back from the machine shop today. graemlins/hurray.gif Got two loads of stuff from summit the last two days, and soon I'll have time off of work to start the assembly. Just wondering if there is a good website that covers basic engine assembly? All the machine work is done, so it's down to bolting it together properly. Just looking for somewhere to get the torque spec's and any good tips on assembling the various part's. Thank's for the help. Dave.

Originally posted by 71metbu:
All the machine work is done, so it's down to bolting it together properly. Dave. That statement troubles me...machine shops can and do make mistakes. Parts from the speed shops can be out of spec. double/triple check all clearances..you will be glad you did. Keeps all of the nagging "what if's" and "did I" down the road.

first thing in all engine assembly is a dust free environment washed walls and floors and newspaper or bags for a nice dirt free work bench then the next step is scubbing the block with soap and water and some brushes that fit in the galley holes and a nice 30 minute scrubbing for sure with a real good air dry then wipe the cylinders and all machined surfaces down with laquer thinner then a nice coat of w-d on a rag for the cylinders and bearing surfacesthen ardry again then instantly bag it up and ty it no matter how clean it looks when it comes home from the machine shop its not. one little glass bead or forein substance and its history next step get your tools IE: micrometers inside and outside a vice thats mounted,torque wrench a good one along with a speed wrench a set of rod bold covers or your average 3/8 fuel line a piston installer(ring compressor) and a nice pistopn hammer or a block of wood that is splinter free and a real good assembly lube i mix assembly lube with 20/50 oil and a oil pump prime shaft for the home drill(make sure the chuck on the drill to the drive is tight supertight). then youl be ready to think about assembly get yourself a nice small block performance assembly guide anyone can build a engine but only a few uf us can keep them engines together for 10+ years good luck and remember perfection takes time spend it reading and double checking all mesurements. these are the first steps to perfection the rest is up to u. cleaning and gettin ready is more than half the battle

Guess I should have mentioned that that the short block and heads have been assembled. Spent the extra money and took it to a very reputable shop that several people I know reccomend. Block has been hot tanked and scrubbed to within an inch of it's life. will still need to be final cleaned, but wally does excellent work, so I'm not going to stress about tearing it apart to double check his work. He does most of the work for the local sprint guy's over at Skagit Speedway. I paid for and they took the extra time to give me a engine that's basically ready to go.Thanks for the suggestion's, Dave

I think there's a book authored by David Vizard that covers basic BBC engine assembly. I know there's a small block one, and it's well-worn and greasy from my numerous uses of it. Best of luck with your reassembly!

Can't find anything from Dave Vizard on BBC. I did find this book, anybody ever see or use this? BBC rebuild book (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HPB%2DHP755&N=120+4294924480+4294923453+305481)

I like the old school "how to hotrod big block chevys" by H.P.books

Does that book cover assembling all the compononts such as intake, fuel pump and the like? Does it have a section on break-in? Looking for a good all around book for the advanced beginer, that cover's general assembly. Thank's for the help,Dave

pretty much all the info you need is right here on this site. Use the "search" feature, it's fantastic. Just go one step at a time, and search for the info on how to do each step. When you get to something you don't understand, (like degreeing the cam if it's not in yet) make a post and the "guru's" around here will be happy to help. I was in the same place you are not to long ago. I finished assembling my motor not to long ago and before I started coming to this site I knew nearly nothing about how one went together. Another big thanks to everyone at TC! graemlins/hurray.gif

The "How to Rebuild Big Block Chevy Eingines" book that you have a link to is a very good book that covers everything you will need to know. It covers checking clearances, short block, heads and much more. If this is your first engine build get yourself a copy. Of course don't be afraid to ask a question or two along the way.