My first engine build

[travisr1988]

Okay, so I decided to start an engine build thread for my first build.

So far I have the short block nearly ready. (1979 block)
I'm using a sealed power crank, sealed power rings and bearings, .030 over flat tops with 4 valve reliefs, stock rods, melling oil pump/pickup/screen, spectre oil pan, and an off the shelf double roller timing set.

My cam is from Lunati's Voodoo line, part #10120701LK which comes with lifters. Specs are 256/262 Adv. dur. 213/219@.050 .454/.468 lift 112LSA/108ICA.

My heads are remanufactured vortec 062 castings
Intake is an Edelbrock Performer 2116
Using a quadrajet

This is supposed to be a budget build and reliable while still making good torque and power.
Eventually I'll invest in a set of Dougs or Hedman Elite ceramic coated headers but with a new born baby they will have to wait.
I am aware that I need to check clearances on the heads(need to buy tool for proper measurement), and may need to order the spring kit from alexsparts.com or use beehive springs. Least expensive without machining while being reliable is best.

[LeftysRodandCustom]

Good start from the way it sounds. Well matched parts for the result you are looking for. Just a hunch here, but is that spectre pan a chrome one? If it is be sure to grind the chrome off the sealing surface and save yourself the headache later.

[travisr1988]

My dad is reluctantly helping me and would never allow me to put chrome on my engine, so the oil pan is black...as will everything else except maybe the intake...still contemplating painting it black or leaving it natural.

[LeftysRodandCustom]

I like them natural, and thats how i like any aluminum part for that matter. And he's right there, chrome dont get ya home.

[Captkaos]

Most of the aftermarket pans that are chrome that I have seen used lately don't last very long...  And when it lets go, you can't just shoot some rattle can on it and be done.

[travisr1988]

Yeah i prefer a nice aluminum look over chrome any day, alot of times chrome ends up looking cheap. Anyways for an update I'm waiting for payday so I can get the rocker arms, gaskets, bolts, water pump, oil pickup screen, and a few other odds and ends to finish the motor. Then when payday comes around again I should be able to get the exhaust and tail lights so I can drive it.

[Mario]

I ran my last 350 with flat top pistons and no valve reliefs for over 100k miles.  I use a short piston and 6.0 rods.  I had it punched one night, it slipped out of 3rd, and over rev'd breaking a piece of the piston off.  My latest build of the same block I used Sealed Power H140CL with two valve reliefs.  I can tell it's down in power by at least 30 horses.   IMO, running as high a compression as you can, is free horsepower.  It's not that hard to tighten up your distributor to limit the total timing to eliminate predetonation.  I see nothing wrong with your blueprinting, but for all your efforts you may as well have the 30 more horses.  Just sayin...

[travisr1988]

Well, assuming I measured the piston valve reliefs wrong(2cc) and they are actually the common 5cc, and assuming deck height is .025-.040 and assuming the heads are truly 64cc then with a standard head gasket that puts me @ 9.4-9.8:1 compression which means I'll probably need to run 91 octane gas. Now my brothers truck is running around 9.5:1 and he can run on regular 87 but not great. He. prefers 91. His is a blueprint 357 shortblock with summit 64cc heads and 5cc valve relief pistons from what I understand.

[LeftysRodandCustom]

When you say remanufactured vortec heads, have they been surfaced or just a valve job? They started life as a 64cc head no doubt about it, but may be smaller now. You'll probably want the 91 octane fuel either way really. Compression can and does play a huge part power wise in and engine but it doesnt mean anything if it wont flow. The vortec head is and excellent head right out of the box so I wouldnt get hung up on a couple tenths worth on the ratio. You can pick up the extra power with some bolt ons later. Maybe a good set of roller rockers and a light balancer to get some quicker revs, but as for your current setup I think you'll be pleased because you didnt get all crazy in one department without matching the rest. My personal preference would be a holley but if you can tune that q-jet theres plenty of power to be had from it. Keep us updated.

[travisr1988]

They were remanufactured from advance auto parts, the company that actually does the work is moore's cylinder heads, I am not sure if they surfaced them although it doesn't appear they have been.

[Mario]

The deck on my 350 was resurfaced, and I am using Sportsman II heads.  I don't recall what the deck clearance was, but I always assumed my first setup was above 10:1 compression.  I rarely put 91 octane in it.  It ran on 87 octane.  With my current pistons as mentioned above, I must be around 9.6-9.8.  I'm sure it would run faster with 91 octane, but it runs fine on 87.  If I had it coupled to some weight then I could hear some detonation, but I would just back off the pedal until I had time to adjust the total timing.  IMO, the compression ratio is worth more horsepower than advanced timing.  I tell you what, run it down to near empty, put in 5 gallons of 87 and try it out.  If it pings, tighten up the springs, and limit the total timing.  If it still pings, then my engine is just an odd duck.  You're going to have a nice engine for sure.

[travisr1988]

So looking at the heads and the valveseals included in the gasket set...big difference. On theheads heads are these huge blue seals...in the kit are these smaller copper looking seals, the seals on the heads also don't appear to seat properly...ofcourse my brother insists they're right because a rebuilder would never put the wrong seals on. Anyways the height difference is clearly visible. I'm almost positive the seals in the kit are what's supposed to be on there.

[LeftysRodandCustom]

When you say they arent seating properly is that because they arent all at the same height on the bench? If I remember right they ride on the valve at about the full lift of the cam and shouldnt seat until the valves have been set

[travisr1988]

They appear to be a fair distance away from the seat.

[travisr1988]

Okay, assembled engine and checked clearances...all is good