Gramma's Car: the new project!

[njsteve]

The heads were just done 1,500 miles ago, when we rebuilt the 350, so they are getting bolted onto the 455 short-block as is.

[scuncio]

I may do some basic port cleanup to the 6X-8 heads I have here on the shelf. I believe these have the larger valves factory installed, so I hope it runs well.

[njsteve]

Look what showed up today! Oooooh shiny new parts!

[cook_dw]

Nice..

[njsteve]

Stopped by the shop to drop off the pistons and rings. The block has been bored and is awaiting the final honing to size.

[cook_dw]

Just curious do they use a torque plate on boring and honing?

[njsteve]

It's an old time shop - lots of experience. They do use torque plates for the Chevies but he says from his experience that there is no measurable distortion with Pontiac blocks when bored with a plate or without one. He indicated that it has to do with head bolt location in proximity to the bore walls. He said that the 400 small block Chevies were the worst for bore distortion due to the siamese bore walls and the close head bolt locations.

[cook_dw]

Interesting.. Did not take that into consideration..

[njsteve]

Rods are refinished and awaiting the crank to come back from cutting. Then the reciprocating assembly goes for balancing.




And the block is finished and home:

[njsteve]

Here's something interesting. There are stamped letters next to the bores. Are these for selective fit piston assemblies? "S", "M", and "L" for small, medium, and large? The 1975 350 block in Gramma's car had similar stampings on the deck surface as well, only they were the letter "P" next to each bore. The machinist said he has seen these on other Pontiac blocks over the years.