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

[Nmbr1GMfan]

During all the engine explosions we lost a nice set of rings I'm told, now I didn't know much about rings but I like to think I now know more, only a fraction, but more. And as the education continues I'm told that as much as 15% of total horsepower is lost to friction, which equates to a good bit. Now on to my comment, this engine had a set of speed pro rings that in the end I wasn't happy with but that's personal. I now have a set equivalent to the set we initially destroyed and I SO wish I had measured the engines resistance before it came apart because now it's way way easier to spin over with these rings.

[Greg Reimer 7376]

I've heard some people say that they have assembled short blocks that will spin over on the engine stand and only need 3-4 foot pounds of torque to rotate the crank. Of course, this is without the heads on, but less torque to turn would equate more power left over at the other end of the crank.Best wishes with this latest incarnation and for a great season for you guys!!

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Greg Reimer 7376

I've heard some people say that they have assembled short blocks that will spin over on the engine stand and only need 3-4 foot pounds of torque to rotate the crank. Of course, this is without the heads on, but less torque to turn would equate more power left over at the other end of the crank.Best wishes with this latest incarnation and for a great season for you guys!!

Greg, I'll try to measure it before the valve train goes on.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Greg, frank, I don't know if this is the way to do it but...

[Nmbr1GMfan]

A few more things checked off the list. I don't know how everyone else lines up the gaskets to the heads and manifold but here's how we did it.

[Greg Reimer 7376]

I used an old fashioned 40 year old long torque wrench that had the scale right under the handle, with a long pointer to give a reading off the scale. I actually haven't seen those for sale for a long time.The click type as initially released by Snap On in the early '70's has consigned all the spring type torque wrenches to obsolescence. One of my 327 short blocks few years ago could actually easily be turned by hand by gripping the harmonic balancer and spinning it pretty easily. It took around 5 or 6 pounds/feet to turn it with the old style torque wrench. Probably a click type inch pound wrench would be a good idea.I'm sure that by your description of this engine assembly that you've found some improvement.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

It's back! See if we can get it painted tomorrow.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

I tried a kinder gentler approach to seal installation, it was almost too easy.