ddn

As I was taking apart my big block, I kept everything in order, even though I knew I wasn't going to use the same parts again. Somehow the main caps got mixed up. I was just reading a book on blueprinting and it says to make sure to keep the main caps in order.

Is this true? How bad is it if I dont know which is which? How much will THIS cost me at the machine shop?

noxqsz

ddn;

Look closely at the caps. They may be numbered, usually sequentially front to back. Worst case scenario is that the machine shop will have to cut the caps and align bore the block. The cost should not be painfully significant. Talk to your machinist. Tell him what happened and ask him what it'll take to fix it.

PatG

The main caps must always be kept in order. Check them carefully for markings, they may have dimples where someone marked them 1, 2, 3... in the past. If there are none then you should get the motor line bored to insure that your crank will have the correct clearances when you reinstall. A line bore is not a bad idea anyway if your are doing a rebuild but will cost another $100 or so.

ram82fire

No big problem,,,,,any good mechanic/ machinist can figure it out ! :p:

ddn

Wooohoo! Another good thing to add to tonight! They've been dimpled just like the book, and you Pat, said.

Tonight's my lucky night!

mountainmotor

Messed up did ya? Just kidding.Those motors almost always need aligned honed anyway.In fact in the amount of time it takes to check the alignment the needed honing can be done.I would not build a hi performance or stocker without it..Most likely this will get the job done if the block is in reasonable condition .The price is 50.00 in Oklahoma.Worst case would be having to have aligned bored and "80.00 here" and a undersize timing chain from Cloyes to compensate for it.So not much of a loss at all since chain needs to be bought"wait to see what you need"and align hone was necessary.

PatG

I beleive that small block caps have arrows that point to the front of the motor as well. Is it like this on big blocks?


[Modified by PatG, 8:41 PM 1/8/2002]

ddn

PatG: Yup!

mountainmotor: If they can I'll have an align hone done as well. I had planned on it. I sent you an email earlier today with great news!