73 C20 Performance Engine Build

[LTZ C20]

No, due to the newer design of the block, it is a right hand dipstick, there is a length of tube that extends about 3-4 inches below the bevel in the block that the dipstick rests on. This 3-4 inch section goes thru the block and reaches into the oil pan about a couple inches. Then the stick itself reaches down farther to get the level. I have a new tube and stick as well for this engine. Basically it's just a 1 piece tube instead or a 2 piece. The block has no provisions for a left hand stick.

[bd]

It's gettin' there!  If you listen closely you can discern a subtle lope in the idle already!  Or maybe that's just anticipation....   

Give those shiny black oxide coated head bolts a dash of paint or they'll gradually turn a pretty shade of rust.   

[LTZ C20]

Haha yea if it sounds anything like the old one it's gonna sound great. As for the bolts, that's not really a major concern at the moment, I'll worry about it later.

I'm trying to figure out what the best base timing should be at. It has a Comp cams 08-412-8 cam.

[rich weyand]

Haha yea if it sounds anything like the old one it's gonna sound great. As for the bolts, that's not really a major concern at the moment, I'll worry about it later.

I'm trying to figure out what the best base timing should be at. It has a Comp cams 08-412-8 cam.

Pretty much all small blocks like 34-36 with the mechanical all in.  So, What's the distributor mechanical advance?  20?  Then set the base timing at 14* to start, and see where you're at.  You could set it to 12* for break-in if you are worried about it, then seek the knock point later.  More advance is always good, up to the knock point, then back off a couple for safety margin.

[LTZ C20]

Yea that's kinda where I was thinking. No idea what the disti mechanical is. I'm not worried about the break in, it's a roller cam. I just knew 8 wouldn't be enough.

[LTZ C20]

I got the lifters kinda sorta half adjusted this evening.  Got them all set to zero lash, so that is good, I just didn't put the extra 1/4-1/2 turn on them. I didn't do that because my sockets kept slipping off the adjuster nuts. I tried 3 different sockets, all did the same. So since I couldn't get a smooth and proper turn, I just stopped. I'll ask around at work and see if I can find some kind of socket that actually stays on.

Enaberif, this is for you bud.

Ps, ignore the washing machine haha.

[enaberif]

Look at the inside of the socket. A lot of cheaper ones have a bevel on it that doesn't allow a good engagement.


Oooh dipstick porn! So shiny.

[LTZ C20]

They are cheap sockets and do have the bevel. They have served me well, up until now anyway. That explains it. I figured be better to post it here then force it and wreck something.

Keep your twisted dipstick fantasies to yourself! Lol

[rich weyand]

Sometimes you have to face-grind the sockets down until they are hex all the way to the edge.

[LTZ C20]

Well that's good to know. I might have to do that then as I was to busy at work to see about borrowing a better socket. I'm ok with that tho cuz it's a cheap, kinda pieced together set.

[LTZ C20]

How long is the factory throttle cable supposed to be. I got a new one, but compared to my old one, it looks like the new one is too long.

[rich weyand]

The factory cable came out of the firewall, went around the front of the engine through a clip on the fan shroud, down along the inside of the passenger side valve cover, around behind the distributor, and up to the throttle cam and cable housing bracket on the carb.  No kidding.

Here's the page from the parts manual.  Download it and then let me know so I can delete it, because it's pretty big.  http://users.rcn.com/weyand/smalls/throttlecable.pdf

Part number is GM 1248083, which some sites say is 25", but that doesn't seem long enough to follow that path, so go figure.

[LTZ C20]

Holy crap that's long, there is no need for all that business. The new 1 I got I belive is 24-25 inches, something like that. It looks pretty close to my old one, both are about 2 feet long all tho the old look about 3 inches shorter than the new one.

Btw, page downloaded, thanks.

[bd]

That made me chuckle....  The page Rich linked is, though titled for 73-78 ALL..., an illustration of a G van (P/N 336936), which is 81.45" in length.  GM did that because the firewall was forward of the carburetor.  It went all the way around the barn to get through the front door!  And, believe it or not, that was the second design!   

The P/N for the CK-1, 2, 3, et al, w/350 is 336935 and as stated is ~25" long.  Don't forget that the accelerator cable does a Ferris Wheel loopty-loop to allow for engine movement.  It sounds like the service cable you picked up is correct.

[LTZ C20]

This is the replacement I got. it's from O'Reilly's.