Markeb01 Build Thread

[66-PMD-GMC]

Because of your thread, I was doing some checking around for a motor.
I ran across a guy with a 99 vortec engine, He had all the machine work done except for final honing.
He also has everything except pistons, cam and lifters. It's set up for a roller cam.
The engine is in a bag and sitting on an engine stand.
The seller is moving and sold me everything for $300.
This is the 2nd sbc I have ever bought. I think I got a good deal.
Every now and then I run into a great deal... sure glad I found this.

[markeb01]

Good for you. Some of those moving or divorce sales can really open up the bargains. Big heavy items like engine blocks and body shells go from treasure to burden in a heartbeat. Kind of like Sunday afternoon at the swap meet.

[1963c-10]

cant wait to see the new engine in and running. i too had my engine built w/hydraulic flat tappet cam over roller, just what i grew up wrenching on. i like the sound of the gear drive, but w/the heavy cam in the big block and headers, i figured it might just drown out anyways. i did alot of research on drilling out oil gallies for timing chains/gear drives for extra oiling. there is a good article in a build book i have.anyways, way off coarse....great looking truck as always and looking forward to the changes to come
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[markeb01]

After checking out a few local engine building options, I’ve decided to stick with what I know. This morning I picked up my 4th GM base model 350 (the 260 hp version) from a local Chevy dealer. It sure pays to shop around. I paid the Summit Racing price in Spokane. I checked in Idaho where the taxes are cheaper hoping to save a few bucks, but their asking price was $400 higher!

I bought my first 350 Targetmaster engine in 1980. I spent five years building a 67 Chevelle which was powered by an anemic 283 and Powerglide. For my birthday that year the 350 was my first ever brand new engine. Compared to the 283, the 350 coupled with a Muncie 4 speed absolutely flew. Sadly 3 or 4 days later a drunk driver ran a red light and totaled the car. The drivetrain got swapped into a 68 Buick and sold off, so I never really got to enjoy the new engine.

In 1984 the 2nd GM 350 Targetmaster engine went in my 46 Ford sedan. It served dependably for 8 years and 300,000 miles, and was still running great when I sold the car.

The 3rd GM 350 was installed the truck in 1992 and is getting tired. I think they were called Goodwrench engines by that time. It would have probably lasted a lot longer but back in 1995 I got stuck on the freeway on a 100+ degree day and the motor got cooked. It ultimately blew a head gasket and chugged to a stop. It’s been serving faithfully with nothing more than a new head gasket ever since, but 6 & 8 spark plugs get fouled every few months.

In any event, the 260 hp engines are about $1600 and the 290 hp versions are $400 more for nothing but a cam change. So I figured I’d rather pick the cam I really want and add a few more goodies while I’m at it. And great "timing" the cam, kit and valve springs showed up today. I still need to pick up some long slot rocker arms, gaskets and a few other items before it goes on the stand.

I picked the engine up first thing and had to leave it in the bed while I hustled over for some oral surgery. Afterwards I managed to get the engine on the ground and the bed cover back on before the pain stuff wore off. That was the end of production for today.

It will be a few days before there’s any more engine progress as I will be performing construction for the wife tomorrow (pain permitting) and dealing with contractors next week.

I’m really looking forward to getting this put together and installed.

[Ta2Don]

I feel your pain Mark, I too had some dental work this past Monday, looking forward to some welding this weekend!
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[66-PMD-GMC]

Too bad you can't pop a couple of those edelbrock heads on that new motor, a nice rumpety cam and the other go fast parts you want so you can make a bunch more power..

[likaroc13]

Congrats on the new engine purchase. Looking forward to your build & installation.
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[Rich 5150 69]

Mark glad to see a new motor, I`m in the same issue, my vortec has 200k on it, same with the auto.

[markeb01]

Ordered all but two remaining items needed for the new engine today. Everything from an Air Hold Fitting Set to change the valve springs to ZDDP additive, along with gaskets, a balancer, and a vacuum canister for the brakes. It sure doesn't take long to run up a bill!

All that’s left to pick up now are new motor mounts from Napa and a new oil pan gasket from GM. One bummer with these base level GM crate motors is having a dipstick provision on both sides which prevents using aftermarket or those cool one piece oil pan gaskets.

[markeb01]

I decided it would be easier to pull the engine & transmission as one unit, so today I picked up an engine tilter from Harbor Freight. One reviewer indicated the included chain was of poor quality and actually broke on lifting, so I inspected the chain and found it is definitely of questionable quality and will be replaced. Some of the individual link ends don’t line up and are fused crooked, while others are smashed with jagged pieces of metal sticking off the joints.

In the garage I rounded up my tailshaft plugs and clutch alignment/transmission installation kit.

Also completed enough internet research to validate removing the centrifugal weights from the Centerforce pressure plate I have won’t be a problem. The weight rattle has annoyed me ever since I installed the 4 speed back in 2005.

With all remaining parts due to arrive this week I’m getting more than a little excited to get started on the engine swap.

[Ta2Don]

Looking forward to it as well, I really enjoy watching your progress through any part of this insanity we so enjoy and love. Anticipating all the pics and the video of the new engine's maiden voyage... Keep Rockin' Mark!!!

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Mark,

I'm just now catching up.
Is this the engine you purchased for your truck?
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance...67353/10002/-1

And the cam kit?
http://www.jegs.com/i/Comp-Cams/249/K12-210-2/10002/-1

Good stuff:
Joe Gibbs Break-In Motor Oil
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...Term=Joe+Gibbs

HR-2 Conventional 10W-30
Great for small block engines and "crate" motors.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Joe-Gibbs-Raci...ductId=1503690

Good Info - Training Center:
http://www.drivenracingoil.com/news/...aining-center/

Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/DrivenRa...ow=grid&view=0

[markeb01]

Yep that's the engine and cam I picked up. Since both Summit and Jeg's offer free shipping, I was originally going to get the engine from Jeg's due to the cheaper price, but the convenience of picking the engine up locally compared to trying to unload it from a delivery truck and get it up into my garage was worth the extra bucks to me. I also added a set of Crane long slot rocker arms as I've had good experience with them.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by Ta2Don

Anticipating all the pics and the video of the new engine's maiden voyage...

Thanks Don! Having plenty of time on my hands today overseeing a construction contractor, I finalized my 97 step checklist for the engine swap. I like having the step by step process all written down ahead of time and go over it in my head several times to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything before the wrenches start turning. During the project I keep it on the bench and move from step to step checking them off as I go. For me it almost eliminates mistakes.

And tomorrow my wife will have her new 20 foot long yard shed, after which all the yard tools leave the garage! That will open up a huge footprint making the engine switch much easier. The other issue I’ve been having is terrible weather, windy, wet, cold, and muddy so the garage floor is also filthy. As soon as the shed is loaded, I’m going to wash down the garage floor so I can get started with the valve train and cam swap on the new engine. We’re projected to have 70+ degree weather this weekend, so I’m likely to get started right away. Going over and over the checklist making adjustments, I feel like I’ve already done the swap and can see it finished.

Another thing I realized is how glad I am the inner fenders are gone. Everything is just sitting right there in plain view allowing unparalleled access. With the engine out I’d love to do a full detail job on the chassis/front suspension and repaint the exhaust manifolds, but since the truck is also our primary back up, I’m going to try and do the swap in 1-2 days and do the best I can on cosmetic details later.

I’ll be sure to take a lot of photos and get a video up as soon as the cam is broken in.

[markeb01]

Wandering around the General Store this afternoon looking at shiny stuff, I noticed they carried POR-15 exhaust manifold paint. I also noticed the full pint can was marked down from $29.99 on clearance for $22.99. It looks like I’ll be painting the exhaust manifolds after all!

And my wife picked up some chain at Lowe’s for me today to replace the junk chain that came with the engine tilter. Here’s the difference in quality:

These shots are of the Harbor Freight tragedy in waiting. This is probably okay for hanging a bird feeder, but I’m not willing to bet my life on it. IMHO it’s predictably dangerous and including it with a lifting device is irresponsible:







For comparison here’s the Lowe’s version. All the links look perfectly fused and exactly the same, which gives me a whole lot more confidence:



We also stopped by the Chevy dealer and stumped the experts on needing a double dipstick oil pan gasket for the new crate motor. They had to refer to GM tech support to identify the correct part number!

And finally I have confirmation that all remaining items for the engine swap are in transit, with everything due to arrive between tomorrow and Saturday. We’re a day behind schedule due to builder delays, but I’m still hoping to get started reworking the new engine this weekend.

[Jmorales3181]

You must be getting excited to free up some space and to do your swap! I know I would be. I have a rebuilt 350 engine and 350t trans I'm going to use for now and will eventually do a nice built up motor down the road... Going to have to save up for that one lol. I like how well you document all of your installs!
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[likaroc13]

Yikes, you should voice your concerns to them about that HF chain. Probably quite common considering the source, but that's no excuse. Like you mentioned, I wouldn't trust my life with it. Hope all your other parts show up as planned, as I know many of us are looking forward to the build. Oh, and nice score on the manifold paint. I've heard it's good stuff. Need to paint mine as well, so looking forward to seeing how yours turn out.
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[66-PMD-GMC]

Oh come on Mark..... where are some pictures of the new power plant... no teasing now... how about a full frontal shot of the motor???

[markeb01]

Man, tough crowd! Okay, well how about a full rear shot instead!





So far I managed to wiggle the bag around enough to confirm it has a pilot bearing in the crankshaft! The engine calls to me every time I go in the garage, and the little voice seems to be getting angry the more I ignore it! I’m reluctant to unbag it any further as the garage floor is literally covered with dirt and mud chunks. And on top of that, the sun got in my eyes, my suit didn’t come back from the cleaners, I had a flat tire, I had a booboo on my finger, and a lot of other stuff.

By the way, here are shot’s of the half finished dog pen, erected so the contractors can work on the shed and sewer, and here’s my wife’s half finished shed. It’s supposed to be completed by tomorrow night, and Thursday I get to move her stuff out of the garage:





Of course I’m supposed to finish the pen and paint the shed before start working on the engine, but I’m pretty sure I can have it on the stand by Friday night or Saturday morning. I promise more pictures then!

[66-PMD-GMC]

WOW! a shot of the rear of that bad mamma...
on the power plant Mark.....

[Dano0579]

I beleive all that other stuff can wait Mark. Awesome motor! Listen to your inner voice, the truck comes first. lol.

[markeb01]

Well I didn't get much done with two different construction projects going on at the same time, but I did find a home for the vacuum tank that should be helpful with the new cam. It's right next to the brake booster making connections easy and short as possible. I need some hose and fittings to hook it up, but the mounting holes are drilled and it's reasonably inconspicuous:

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Yep that's the engine and cam I picked up. Since both Summit and Jeg's offer free shipping, I was originally going to get the engine from Jeg's due to the cheaper price, but the convenience of picking the engine up locally compared to trying to unload it from a delivery truck and get it up into my garage was worth the extra bucks to me. I also added a set of Crane long slot rocker arms as I've had good experience with them.

Yep.. Sounds good. Also the engine most of the time comes on a big rig and sometimes doesn't come to your house. I had to pick my 6" cowl hood at the Old Dominion Freight Line Inc in Charlotte, NC. That was a hassle! I'm excited and it's not my truck!
Can't wait to here that mouse fire up!

Specifications
4-bolt main with 2-piece rear main seal
Cast iron crankshaft
LT1/LT4 powdered metal connecting rods
Cast pistons (dished)
Hydraulic flat tappet cam (.383''/.401'' and 112? lobe separation)
Cast iron cylinder heads with 76cc chambers
8.5:1 compression ratio
Block is compatible with left or right side oil dipstick (Requires Plug for Unused Side - Plugs are Included)
4-quart oil pan
Timing tabs for a 6-3/4'' or an 8'' balancer
Recommended spark plug: Accel #111-0574-4 or any spark plug with 14mm .460'' reach, 5/8'' hex, tapered seat, projected tip.

(Good street performance with stock converter, choppy idle.)

Bump Stick:
Operating Range:

1500-5500 RPM
Duration Advertised:
268° Intake / 268° Exhaust
Duration @ .050'' Lift: 218° Intake / 218° Exhaust
Valve Lift w/1.5 Rockers: .454'' Intake / .454'' Exhaust
Lobe Separation Angle: 110°



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[McMurphy]

Congrats on the new arrival Mark !!
Odd that you had so much trouble getting the double dipstick gasket. I got mine from O'Reily's no problem.

The General Store !!! Man I LOVE that place, always have, even as a kid !! I think I would seriously break down and cry if they ever went out of business, that and the A1 Surplus out on Sprague next to NW Seed and Pet....

If you are supremely happy with your construction contractor, could you shoot me a PM with his info please? It is getting time for us to start shopping around for one; and having been gone doing the Army thing for so many years, we are kind of out of touch.

[1963c-10]

hey mark, is the engine lift the folding one they have on sale holds 1000lbs?
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