Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Ok what oil pump,clearance between oil pickup and pan? Oil restrictors,drain back holes?How much oil?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Std volume, 1/2+, no restrictors, drain backs clear and opened up, 6 qts (over full).

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

It was definitely from a lack of oil issue....

Bad pump, restriction of oil flow or pressure/volume

Small blocks are pretty trouble free generally in this area.

A small Plug down inside a passage under the rear cap....front and rear cam plugs.....cam bearings...…things to check...

If the crank was ground it is a MUST to run a brush thru all the oil holes....and wash it real good...….

Seen guys take a fresh ground crank out of the box and just install it.

Over full oil pan could have caused the oil to aerate from windage.....but that's a stretch.....

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I believe it's a volume issue (I'll know more today when I look at some measurements) All the plugs are in and the cam bearings look good, only the rods (last to oil). Crank was run through the washer and brushed. Is there a way to get oil pressure closer to the crank and not in the galleys?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Not really a stretch when putting 1 quart over.What size oil filter? Pickup to pan should be a max of 3/8".

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

[QUOTE=Rich Biebel;585328]It was definitely from a lack of oil issue....

A small Plug down inside a passage under the rear cap....
/QUOTE]

After looking at the state of the mains on your original dis-assembly, this is where I would look first.
If this was missed on the original build, it has been circulating unfiltered oil all along.
How much oil pressure did you have on the dyno prior to the bearing failure?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Yup, I noticed that "1/2 +" as quoted and like the 3/8" measurement personally. Really feel for you and Autumn, such rotten luck on a very straightforward engine build. SBC oiling at this approximate power level should be bulletproof as it comes from GM.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Oil viscosity (also known as 'weight') and temperature play a significant role in engine bearing clearances and what the given oil pumps performance ( flow rates) will produce.

Please keep us informed on your investigations.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

1 qt filter, Oil was a little high, just under the windage tray.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

[QUOTE=Terry Bride;585340]50-55