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

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Keith Bennett

I have had a set of tool steel lifters repaired. you should be able to then coat them.

Thanks Keith, I'll hold onto them.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Not a very productive day today but plugging away.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Had to go to work today (total BS ) for a few hours but still managed to get over and get some work done. Measured for spring setup and started putting rings on the pistons.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Cleaned parts, finished rings and bearings on all but one piston, ran out of spirolox. Back to it tomorrow.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Filled some holes, fit the balancer hub and started working on the cam.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

I think the rebuild is more exciting than the first time we put this one together, we get to see things from a different pespective... the used parts perspective. I've learned a lot and one things for sure, this engine was faster when it was new by a fair bit, last couple races were 1/8 mile and we're a minimum .25 slower to the 1/8 than our best. I'm going to assume the culprit was that the engine wasn't sealed up well with a few cylinders leaking from the valves which cannot be ideal. Also, completely my fault because I didn't know any better but there was condensation in the engine and I guess it was because we really never got the car that hot so the oil never got hot enough I guess. After we would warm the car up better the condensation problem seemed to stop, unfortunately the cylinders and rings had evidence of rust so that didn't help seal it up either. I think we're going to get on a strict regimen of fogging the engine after races as well.

[Greg Reimer 7376]

These stocker motors we have built for the last 10 years or so sure resemble Super Stock motors more and more. As far as most of the trick parts any more, especially rods, it seems to enhance engine longevity more than about anything else. It's good to have a motor that you can lean on without worrying about it, however. One thing is for sure--technology marches on.Let's see it in another 10 or so!

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Checking checking checking. Takes a while because I need to check, re-check, verify my re-check and then have someone else verify that LOL. Heads are finally together and going on the engine. Tomorrow we'll try to get the studs, guideplates, pushrods and rockers on.

[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!!