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    Freeze plugs into the block- how to remove?

    Been doing this for over 40 years. Using a hammer and a punch, poke a hole in the freeze plug as close to the edge as possible (could also drill a hole in same location,) then use a seal puller to extract the freeze plug. Works with freeze plugs that are free (as in your picture,) or those that...
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    Ring and pinion gear ratio

    A chevy small block in good condition will run all day long at 2700 rpm without doing any damage. My concern on that issue would be gas mileage, not engine wear. (given that the engine is in good condition.) However, a ring/pinion change would be the least expensive way of lowering highway rpm...
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    Camshaft input from experience.

    I've installed about a dozen of these in engine build-ups almost identical to yours and never had a complaint. Has the idle you are looking for, but more importantly, is a great performer with 650 CFM carb, ignition and headers. Summit Racing® Camshafts Camshaft, Hydraulic Flat Tappet...
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    new to chevy 1986 break calipers question

    MPTCAGE: Welcome and thanks for the question. Your header indicates you have an 86 1500 so am assuming you have an 85 Chevrolet 1/2-ton pickup, C-10 (2-wheel drive) or K-10 (4-wheel drive.) The 1500 designation is used with GMC only during the Wide-Body years. In most cases the parts will be the...
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    What reman heads to use?

    For the dollars spent, I stay away from re-man heads and typically, the parts/labor cost to have heads completely rebuilt, exceeds to cost of just buying new heads as those costs have radically decreased with time and competition. Plus with re-man heads, there is always the core issue and if you...
  6. I

    Aluminium heads for small blocks

    Has anyone tried these heads and if so, any problems or advice ? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Complete-Aluminum-Cylinder-Heads-SBC-fits-Chevy-350-190cc-64cc-2-02-1-60/351633229200?hash=item51def94590:g:S7kAAOSwE~1cASFL
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    harmonic balancer

    All traditional small block Chevy V8s except for the 400 use a neutral balanced harmonic balancer. The 400's harmonic balancer has a counterweight built in it. Common engine building practice (including the factory's) for all non-400 applications is to balance the harmonic balancer to neutral...
  8. I

    hard crank (broken starter?) issues

    If you have to use starter shims, either there is an obstruction (dirt, grease, debris) on the mounting surface of the starter or engine block or the drive end housing of the starter is worn so badly that it needs to be replaced. Additionally, the correct starter bolts are specifically designed...
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    Mismatched heads?

    While it costs no more to coax more horsepurrs out of a 350 than it does a 305, and the bore does equate to more power, we were pulling 330 horsepurrs out of 283's in the '70s. If you are doing a budget build and already have a decent 305, if you can't find a reasonably priced, rebuildable 350...
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    Too much sh** to clean by hand?

    It all really depends on how the engine was maintained prior to you. Typically, a well maintained 5.3 (or any LS, for that matter,) is good for at least 250K before a rebuild is necessary. I have one Yukon that I bought with just over a 100K on the clock and it's still running strong with 314K...
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    Small block and starters

    Bellhousing mounted 3-bolt starters were used by Chevrolet from 1955 through 1962 on most engines (6-Cylinder and V-8, including 348 and 409.) A version of it is still in use for industrial applications like Hyster. The last redesign of that starter was 1990 so parts are readily available as are...
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    700R4 Rebuild cost

    If you cab get a 700R4 rebuilt for $800.00 where you live, I want to move to where you live cause even if I do the pull and install, the best price for a rebuild (700R4) in my area is $1500.00, plus convertor. Zero warranty without new convertor, aux cooler and new cooling lines.
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    Big block guys, help me out here

    It's already been suggested, but I always pull the front clip or at least everything from the radiator shroud forward. It's just so much easier that way as you will only need to raise the nine high enough to clear the frame to motor-mounts and pull the engine and tranny as one piece. Plus when...
  14. I

    383 Stroker or 6.0 LS??

    Let's be honest here. If you are going to be towing 4K, an LS "may" get a tad better MPG, but expecting decent MPG from a gasoline engine when towing is like trying to make a silk purse out of a sows' ear. From a cost and ease of installation standpoint, with as few changes as possible, I'd...
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    454 low oil pressure.

    Typically, 10 pounds per 1000 rpm is recommended oil pressure at operating temperature. On a cold fire-up, a 454 in good running condition should be producing 40 to 70 pounds according to Chevrolet (1992 GM Repair Manual.) It appears that both your oil and filter are fine, however, since you...
  16. I

    Whats your hand soap?

    For years, I'd start the day with an application of either a product called Pro-Tek Invisible Glove or Avon's Silicone Glove. Both products, when used properly, place an invisible barrier between your hands and dirt, grease, etc. Then it's a simple matter of washing your hands with a good hand...
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    Oil Leak - Dipstick tube?

    Seriously, first things first. You need to clean that entire engine before you'll know exactly where the leak(s) are. Here's your dipstick. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-65119/make/chevrolet Seal it with Permatex "The Right Stuff."...
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    '73 Chevelle SS Wagon (local find)

    I hope you can get your hands on it, however...if it turns out that you don't and it's still there, I'd appreciate the location and some contact info on the owner as my trailer is already hooked up and the truck is idling in the driveway..Seriously, I would not allow that car to get away as it's...
  19. I

    Milky oil after 1984 K10 305 top end rebuild.

    Yes on the Felpro 8510PT head gasket.
  20. I

    Milky oil after 1984 K10 305 top end rebuild.

    Take vehicle to an emissions testing station and with the engine running, have them hold a tail-pipe probe, normally used to check emissions in the tailpipe) over the radiator cap opening with the cap removed. If there is exhaust getting into the cooling system, they will get an immediate...
  21. I

    Starter with a mind of its own

    Going back to your original statement, lets try to analyze the issue step by step. The starter worked originally but not well and not all of the time as it was mis-aligned? (Or was the mis-alignment issue with one or more of the previous starters?) If the starter you have now is in fact, one you...
  22. I

    Starter with a mind of its own

    I've run into this before and will offer what I've done on countless GM starters. Remove the starter, and meticulously clean the starter to engine mounting surface on both the starter and the engine block, then use NEW correct starter bolts that have a knurled shaft surface, (no washers please...
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    Engine Question about Upcoming Build

    Brandon, Welcome aboard and congrats on the new (to you) pickup. Here's hoping you can get a bunch of trouble-free miles out of it and have a bit of fun along the way. I'll try to answer your questions as you posed them. You've indicated that this is not going to be a "power" build so lets look...
  24. I

    Bringing back old paint

    Before you start this process, you have to ask yourself if this is going to be a "one-shot deal," or will you be correcting paint on vehicles into the foreseeable future, because this can get expensive........That being said, one of the advantages of using A DA or Random Orbital polisher is that...
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    Ready to build some real power?

    Serious doubts about that set-up providing the HP you mentioned. You mentioned a 3/4 race cam. In the good ole' days, (50,s-60,s) that term was used pretty loosely to describe an engine that put out approx 220-/225 HP as there actually is no such thing as a 3/4 race cam. Regardless of engine...

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