Need ALOT of info...Tearing down an engine for the first time

kissrocksforever · Mar 31, 2012

So I'm more then likely going to be picking up this tomorrow

http://sn95forums.com/showthread.php?50317-going-to-be-buying-a-parts-car

Mainly I'm going to tear it down for a learning experience, and part it out. HOWEVER I will be keeping the shortblock...to turn into a 347 stroker for my car. However I've never done anything even remotely like this before haha. Closest I've done is an oil change lol.

I have a good manual that walks me through taking out the engine step by step, but my questions are what tools do I need? and is there anything specific I should worry about before hand?

also, my plan for building the engine, is try it myself (with the help of..well...any help I can get) and after I think I've got the shortblock ready, send it to my mechanic who will inspect it for me for free to make sure it's all good. Then same with the top end.

So yeah, basically I'm looking for any sources of assistance I can find.

Thanks!

Venomized · Mar 31, 2012

Get a Haynes manual and make sure when your removing things like heads and intake you follow the torque sequences. Other than that bag and label ALL bolts and stuff.

kissrocksforever · Mar 31, 2012

Venomized said:
Get a Haynes manual and make sure when your removing things like heads and intake you follow the torque sequences. Other than that bag and label ALL bolts and stuff.

Thanks, I've already got the Haynes manual so I guess I'm off to a good start lol.

silverv6 · Mar 31, 2012

Check the build threads most of what you will need to know will be in some ones build as far as tearing down and such. Putting together will be a tad different depending on what your gonna put internally in the motor but again pretty similar =].

ram360 · Mar 31, 2012

lol, you don't need a manual to part a car. Lefty loosy is pretty much the only thing you need to remember. Basic set of standard/metric sockets and combination wrenches should handle the job. Maybe a set of ac/fuel line disconnect tools and that's about it if you wanted to save them.

kissrocksforever · Mar 31, 2012

ram360 said:
lol, you don't need a manual to part a car. Lefty loosy is pretty much the only thing you need to remember. Basic set of standard/metric sockets and combination wrenches should handle the job. Maybe a set of ac/fuel line disconnect tools and that's about it if you wanted to save them.

I also plan to build the engine into a 347 stroker

g36 monkey · Mar 31, 2012

Alright bud. It's a buit nerveracking doing your first one.

My honest suggestion, after building my own shortblock from the bare block, is to let a machine shop assemble it and check all the clearances etc.

Then do the top end yourself. I screwed up and put my thrust bearing in the wrong position (first time engine builder without good pictures in the instructions) and had to pull and re-tear down the motor.

I would break it all down myself, pull the pistons, crank, etc. Take it to a machine shop, let them magnaflux, bore (if needed) and hone, check your line bore, etc. But before you take it there go ahead and order your 347 stroker kit, bring it in with you and let them put it all back together. Get the cam figured out in that time too, though the cam is easy enough you could do it.

Putting everything in baggys helps a lot, I try to do it but we usually get halfway through a job and say screw it, but a lot of stuff is proprietary so you will know if it's in the right place or not.

Some on here will disagree with a machine shop doing it, but I think it's worth having a shop do it after doing it all myself once and risking blowing the motor. If it blows up for assembly reasons, you can take it to the shop and show them it was their fault.

Venom351R · Mar 31, 2012

AC, Fuel Lines disconnect tools can be found at any parts store. Not that many different bolt sizes on these engines. I had mine tore down to the bare block and the rear end removed, AC pulled out all with a craftsman 96 piece socket set.

Venomized · Mar 31, 2012

I agree on letting the machine shop assemble it if this is your first time in a motor. Clearances and tolerances are VERY important.

justinschmidt1 · Mar 31, 2012

I didn't disconnect my ac when i pulled my motor. Just left the compressor hanging. Unless your ditching it?

96TANGERINEGT · Mar 31, 2012

justinschmidt1 said:
I didn't disconnect my ac when i pulled my motor. Just left the compressor hanging. Unless your ditching it?

ah, yes a/c i love it. mine blows ice cold it can make hard nipples in 5 mins hahahahahahahhah lol . don't delete ............ u will be mad when summer comes..

silverv6 · Mar 31, 2012

Venomized said:
I agree on letting the machine shop assemble it if this is your first time in a motor. Clearances and tolerances are VERY important.

Most likely what im gonna do just in case.. Dont wanna risk damage espically with high amounts of boost.

96TANGERINEGT · Mar 31, 2012

Venomized said:
I agree on letting the machine shop assemble it if this is your first time in a motor. Clearances and tolerances are VERY important.

ah dude sometimes u need to just try it. i built the motor for my old fox and it was the first motor i put together , needless to say when i hit the key for the first time i crossed my fingers (LOL) but it is worth it knowing u did it ureself ..

Raffaelli · Apr 2, 2012

Well the only thing your keeping in a stroker motor is the timing cover and engine block. I would buy an eagle rotating assembly, (approx 1,000 bucks), pull the motor, strip it down and drop it off at the machine shop.

Get your shortblock back and finish building it however you want. Thats all easy stuff.