H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

It does seem like these updates are getting later and later doesn't it? Ahhh bearings you can count on (still not impressed with Dart's machining). Seems like all we do is measure stuff and wash stuff, but every once in a while we actually torque stuff for a final time, and we got to do just a little of that today. Started by getting it off the stand onto a cart to finish the last two cam bearings and freeze plugs, then off to the washer for the final time. then finally had some bearing luck. Pulled the oil pump apart to clean it and off we went finally getting into final assembly. Stay tuned, more tomorrow.

[Frank Castros]

What an education for this young racer.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

What an education for this young racer.

Sure is Frank, and dad too hahaha.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Working on heads a bit today.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Sheesh!!! I do not envy engine builders, it most certainly is a love for their craft because the manufacturers shaft them daily. Why none of these parts fit together is beyond me, I mean these people have to grind, fit, re-fit, mill, cut and drill every part. The timing chain gears didn't line up properly so between three sets I made one work but of course that burns up hours we don't have. Not to mention standing on the oil pan to get it to fit and having to fight the gasket that wouldn't fit in the improperly machined timing cover. oh well there's always tomorrow. (Oil pan is on just no picture).

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Not all bad today, got the heads all done with only 1 snafu, pulled one screw in stud threads, fixed but hope it doesn't leak water. Intake won't fit again, addressing that tomorrow. Can't put thoughts together with no sleep so here are some pictures.

[Greg Reimer 7376]

The main problem with being an engine builder is that the nature of that work is very time consuming in order to make stuff fit right as you go along. It's labor intensive, and the main problem is that if you kept track of all the time it took to properly do an engine and charged an adequate hourly rate, it would price most persons right out of a job. You can't charge what this work is really worth. A set of cylinder heads can be as labor intensive as a whole short block, then there's the valve train angularity and push rod lengths and all that to sort out once the heads are on. Then,the intake, and it's always different for every engine you build. This stuff leads to instant insanity. The slow insanity comes later.