Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd,

That would be just for the rust in your cylinder walls.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Thanks Keith, Yes I have been told to fog it. I believe these marks have been in it for a bit. I tossed around just buying a good block now and getting it over with, that will just add way too much time to this so we'll get this one going and worry about a new bottom end later this year.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd,
Couldn't see oil filter adapter in the pics. Is the by pass plugged so everything has to go through the filter? IF not, I would highly suggest that for better filtration path.


Looks like the dampers were being used as hole saws into whatever spacers were being used. Hardened locators are better solutions for sure.


Might be worthwhile for you to measure the existing clearance on the gnawed up bearings so you can log what is too much for the weight lube you might be running.


Are the piston skirts all chewed up as well?


Wishing you the best of luck on the rebuild.


Regards to you and Autumn,
HB2:)
Dissident Hombre

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Yes rust in cylinders and on valves and seats is from fuel.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd, the VPC11 and C12 fuels will leave a little film of rust. Some light oil and a Scotch Brite pad and you'll be fine. I fog mine with Marvel Mystery Oil at the end of the season.

For valve springs, I'd highly recommend the PAC 1409X and matching their retainers. They were designed for this application. Controlling the lifter is critical with these stub nosed cams.

https://www.racingsprings.com/index..../category/358/

A good high zinc oil is a must for long lobe life. Valvoline VR1 or Red Line are good oils

https://www.redlineoil.com/20wt-race-oil-5w20

You'll be back in business in no time.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Al, these are more like pits in the cyl. and yes I'm looking at the PAC 1409X springs, not sure which retainer yet. Been using Brad Penn oil.
https://i.imgur.com/BN6zeD6.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Hows that #4 cap fit into the register? You probably should wet mag the crank.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I like to use a L31 Vortec retainer, with a -.050 tool steel keepers, and an Engine pro 1.250 cup locator with that set up. Light weight, simple and cheap, and it won't make metal, deburr the damper and spring ends.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Thank you.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Worked on cleaning some stuff today, chasing bolt holes and getting the heads cleaned and ready for a valve job and reassembly. I think we figured out the spring stuff needed. Gotta get a parts list started.
https://i.imgur.com/lMTyXzL.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Hi,

I guess that nobody mentioned putting magnets in the area of the drain back holes, in the head, to catch all of the metal that the valve train sheds??

They can also be placed in the valley..

That's a real old trick..

Good luck,
Bob

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

X2 on the Pac1409X and the retainers. Excellent value for the money.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Thanks Bob.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Thats what were going with. :D

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Getting ready to deal with the bores.
https://i.imgur.com/iR2XCpx.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

So you're still going to be within legal limits after correcting the bores?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Block is 4.060+ now.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

And the hits just keep on coming! I knew when the heads came off that we may have an issue, just looked like an awful lot of piston to wall clearance and the bores looked worn. So after honing the worst one we ended up with .013 piston to wall, it's already .060 over so finding an off the shelf .070 over approved piston will be impossible, not to mention going .070 over and the problems that brings. So even though I haven't called anyone yet I'll have to assume this will be an expensive set of pistons... too expensive for a worn out block and looks like the cheap TRW's come in .060 over so that won't help. Do any of the manufacturers actually stock any approved pistons for these things?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Oh man, I feel your pain. Fortunately you are have the greatest access to parts living in the USA. I bet someone on this forum will be able to either assist or direct you to a reasonable solution within days ! Thanks for keeping us posted, your build/saga is truly inspirational and extremely interesting for those of us who dream of Stock eliminator but can't dive in !

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I'll be on the phone Monday morning for sure.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

No. Not the good ones. 6-7 weeks out anyway.

What do you have now? How are you on the assembly weight?

Stock block, no fill, @ .070? Not liking the sound of this.
Might be better off doing a new block, or maybe 8 nice, thick sleeves.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Stock block ? Filled ?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd, you might check into the Line to Line coating system for your existing pistons. It works. -Al

https://www.line2linecoatings.com/

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd, put a block around what you have to get the car out and start on a new bullet! At some point in time, you're going to want a spare so just start with your spare.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Alan, A block is inexpensive, I don't particularly like the current block casting as well. This is a perfect time to start with a virgin block and fix any and all machining problems that exist, now that is if the piston skirts are not collapsed. Think of it this way.......the hard part of the car build is is past you.

Now lets take a look at the valve guides and the valve job?

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Mark, The pistons are Ross, I don't know the weight, filled block. Engine guy suggested a coating like line2line to at least get running. If I have to buy an expensive set of pistons I'm not putting them in this block for sure.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Yes Glenn, stock block thats been filled. If I have to buy pistons I'll buy an aftermarket block.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Al, I have a buddy here that has good things to say about Line2line, we have discussed this as an option. Someone here that has a supercharged hemi promod said his piston life doubled with this coating. This will be call #1 on monday, thank you.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Billy, That was exactly the plan this year, start racing and at the same time build a brand new everything short block, transfer the top end and rebuild what we have currently for a spare. Well, we just had to take a dirt road detour but I think we will get there eventually.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I agree 100%, the only problem is the possible 8 weeks for pistons, I'm not puting used pistons in a new block because I would like to run a really nice ring and I don't think these pistons will seal. If I can get this running with most of the current parts it will get us going to the point of starting a new one at a more reasonable pace. The heads look pretty good except for the spring fiasco that possibly started this whole mess.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd, check your pm's. -Al

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

If your trying to use what you have knurl the pistons.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Can you knurl pistons that much? When you have rust pits as the OP has, you can't go in there with the CV and hone them out, unless you go .070.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Todd, if your pistons mic up, don't knurl them. I'm sure that you can find a decent block to quickly put around that rotating assy.. There are still plenty of good 4" bore blocks around.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Don't knurl pistons......heavy coat can gain you .003 in diameter. Just make sure skirts are not collapsed.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I'm not going to knurl the pistons... we have technologically moved way beyond that. First off thanks everyone for all the help. A few phone calls yesterday, Al Nyhus gave me some great insight on L2L coatings that he has very real world experience close to my situation with great results. I called L2L yesterday but hung up after two rings after realizing their web info said M-F, about an hour later they called me and said they had missed a call from my number and would be glad to give me some info. After about a 30 minute conversation I had come to the conclusion that this would no doubt be a great option and be the quickest way to get us going. Thank you Al and Brian@ L2L. Second call was from Jim Marshall, Jim said depending on the exact piston I have he may have a set that would work for us, I'll check Monday and go from there, thanks to Jim for the continued help. So with that being said, once I get a little info Monday I think we may be on the way with a real solution to begin moving forward.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Pistons are on their way to Brian at Line2Line. Called Gregg Luneack today about rings, he needs some info that I'll get tomorrow so they can get ordered. Piston pins are a little ugly so +001 pins are ordered. New rockers are ordered. Bores are straight just under 4.070, we'll final finish the hone when I know more about the rings.

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

I may have forgotten to mention it but the new K&P filter came...
https://i.imgur.com/92db628.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fsMUaA9.jpg

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

WOW..... Amazing same size fitter element we have on Harley engines that range from 80 cubes to 117 cubes......

Re: H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.
 

Mid week update... crank will be done this week, bearings are ordered, rings will probably be here early next week, pistons are on their way back, new pins are here.