Taijutsu

I think we can agree that through time we have gotten better at building engines to closer and more consistent clearances.
Not being a pro engine builder, nor is my engine. lol
I;m curious when the ability to plumb the cylinders true and square happened?
I hope I am wording this correctly?

For instance boring a Dart block .010 over to square things up.
Is this making any sense? lol

I need a date for something I am writing.
The period is 2001.
I don't want to use tech that has not been invented. lol

TIA

R

Rescue Rogers

call a machine shop thats been around awhile. Golen's in Hudson NH, hes a super nice guy,, he'll probably help you out
https://golenengineservice.com/

cv67

Yes always douible check, even a brand new block, they may all be out some. Making sure the cam tunnel/mains are straight, lifter bores proper, mocking the engine up how many times, measuring then making adjustments. Blueprinting can take a lot of time, costs some (and usually comes wiht a sheet showing finally assembly specs).
I have that old Lingenfelter book, some good info. Youre in Ca I see, if you want I can send it to ya. Old info but good for the avg garage guy, .

BigBill94

Blueprinting an engine has been around for a LOOOONG time, I'd suspect in the 60s if not earlier. I first read about it dreaming about cars and reading everything I could find at the time back in the 80s.

resdoggie

Blueprinting engines has been around since engines were invented.

7T1vette

Yes. "Blueprints" are created [by engineers] so that parts can be made [by manufacturing]. The more precise parts are made (less variation), the better they function. That's assuming that the nominal value of each dimension is optimum for part function. BTW, when parts are designed, it is ASSUMED that the nominal dimension is optimum. Very little actual testing is done to prove legitimacy of that. Most dimensions are specified for "fit"...to prevent interference.

The optimum dimensions of racing engines are usually developed by the engine builders working with racing crews. Trial and error. So, you can machine an engine block to the nominal dimensions of the GM drawings; it will be a very well made block and will function just fine. Optimum?? Probably not.

In terms of "bang for the buck", your money would be better spent on proper balancing of the moving parts within the engine.

domenic tallarita

I saw a set up rears ago that indicated everything off the crank so it would bore exactly straight and correct distance between cylinders. I then gave my old boring bar away.

Dom

Rescue Rogers

Back to the original question, I would think that initial accurarcy may have come along with CNC manutacturing as a computer wont get tired or bored, or show up drunk or stoned, the bits that machine the block just get dull

7T1vette

Computer controlled machining systems can have just as much variation in them as non-automated equipment. The variation in the manufacturing system needs to be managed to minimize dimensional variation. There are many sources of variation in any manufacturing system; machine variation is just one of them...and usually one of the smallest issues in the 'pile'.

domenic tallarita

Yes I agree 100%. The manual bore bar had to be set up for each cylinder. The newer machine keeps each hole in the right place and at the correct angle to crank as the other old way could be off .010 or more depending on a possible buba. So that being said, if buba sets up the newer machine ALL will be off.

Dom

Taijutsu

Dom: I didn't know how to word my question properly.
I think I am describing using lasers to measure the bore centers/spacing.
As well as making everything square and correct to the crank.
That is where I was getting the concept of squaring everything w/small overbore.

When did this tech become available?

TIA

R

domenic tallarita

Gosh, just remember seeing it in action at the local shop about 10 or more years ago. I am about done rebuilding engines, especially when the non GM pistons do not weigh the same as GM made for each engine model. All weighed the same, dish, flat top, and dome, that GM put in their engines because the cranks were all balanced the same in the truck, pass car and HP engines.

Dom

Taijutsu

I remember hearing about this concept in performance building in reference to RVing.
It was discussing how these precision built BB could put in serious miles w/o problems.
The most noticeable non-issue was ring non-wear!

I can just imagine a 496 w/AFR heads and a short cam. lol
That should pull some OD! Eek

R