Complete Rebuild Virgin: Need Machine Shop Advice.

[Boyd]

Engine is out of a '94 Formula Firebird. Unknown mileage, but it definitely looks rough on the outside. I'm going to rebuild this motor for my Pro-Tour '78 Type LT project. I've always done most of my mechanic work, but have never done a total rebuild. I'm looking for advice on sending a short-block to a machine shop. What machining operations are "normal" for a mild street engine rebuild? I figure on getting the block hot-tanked, bored .030" over, and honed. The heads will be hot-tanked and decked. Am I missing anything? What about balancing? What about the rods? Can the old ones be re-used? I know it's a lot of questions, but I've never even dealt with a machine shop and would like an idea as to what I should ask for in an "average" short-block reconditioning. Another thing to consider is my budget. What should I expect to outlay for the above services?

[SStrokerAce]

Boyd,

A LT core is a good place to start.

The stock crank is durable and if there are no spun bearings then all you need is to polish the journals and rebalance it.

For rods the stock ones are ok, but you can put more labor into the stock ones and still have a stock rod or you can look at a Scat or Eagle cap screw rod and have a better rod for around the same money or a little more.

Pistons, I preffer a Mahle forged one but a KB hyper piston will work good on a rebuild. It's not as cheap as TRW rebuild kit but it's lighter and will help things live longer and take more abuse.

As for the block, bore, TQ plate hone and zero deck along with a cleaning and new cam bearings and freeze plugs is the least you should do IMHO.

If you want to step up from something like that with power, I work with a guy who specializes in porting LT1 castings. That with a cam can put you close to 400rwhp which would make for a hell of a street motor.

Bret

[Jagarang]

One of this months car mags has a run down of machine work. What it is, why it's done, etc. I'll look for it and see if I can scan it tonight. It's my anniversary AND my wifes B-day so I might not get to it tonight! If someone knows of the article I reffering to maybe they can get it to you quicker.

[Boyd]

Thanks for the info Bret, it's exactly what I was looking for. I really appreciate it.

Kevin (that's my name too). I know which magazine your talking about. It's the issue of PHR with the Foose Camaro on the cover. I sorta remembered the article like you, so I dug it out, but it really only describes the different machining operations. It doesn't give any ideas as to what type of machining you should ask for based on the type of motor you are building. It's obvious to me that a full-tilt bored and stroked small block that will see a supercharger requires more machining steps than a mild rebuild, but what steps are those for each? It also doesn't give any rough estimate #'s on what one should expect to pay for the machining services. Good article nonetheless, but I was looking for a little more information. Thank you for trying though. Happy Anniversary!

Kevin