What else do I need?

[Grover 1]

In the overall cost of rebuilding a motor a water pump is is almost non-existent, it is however a vital part.  I would not risk my $3-4,000 dollars spent on a new motor for a $50.00 part.  I don't like to have the radiator in my semi rebuilt when I do an inframe, but I'd just as soon not risk my $15,000 rebuild either.  I would however question the work done by a "mechanic" that would use the same water pump after it had been in 10 engines, but then I'd also wonder what is the guy in the 'vets problem.

[VileZambonie]

Most good shops will recommend you replace the waterpump while it's removed unless it was a recent replacement due to the fact that you'll be incurring more expenses later when it starts leaking. Nevertheless, back to your topic:

With that oil pump driveshaft, get one with the steel sleeve. Did your dipstick tube survive the removal? Sometimes they get mangled on the way out. If they are factory tins I usually replace them with some better quality ones as they are so prone to leakage. What rockers are you going to be running? If you're using rollers I'd run hardened pushrods and guide plates. Other than what's already been listed looks like you're well on your way!

[Maintenanceman]

Well Its like this. I cant afford new heads right now. Ive got a sat of late model heads (non vortec) laying around that came off of like a 1994 350. I was thinking about shaving them down to up the compression ratio a bit and getting a valve job as far as rockers Im not sure yet. I havent pulled the 350 out yet. As a matter of fact Im driving it today. Just trying to get my ducks in a row first.

[Russ130]

Well first let me appologize for getting off track some what. Second, Vile we are talking about a SBC here. Third, it is my "opinion" that the water pump doesn't have to be replaced during a rebuild. In no book anywhere does it say you have to replace the water pump so to do so is still only opinion. Finally - go get a book on rebuilding the SBC for around $20 and all your questions will be answered and it will have plenty of pics to further illustrate things for you. Another nice thing about the book, you will have all the specs like torque and capacities at your finger tips.

[VileZambonie]

What intake are you running. Vortec heads are a nice upgrade. I just picked up a complete vortec 350 roller for $100 bucks off craigslist. They're out there and might be worth seeking out rather than putting machine work cost into those other heads which don't perform very well. The only thing is you'll need a vortec intake. The PP one isn't too expensive (under $150)

Russ You said

What kind of a response is that? You seriously replace the water pump every time you do a timing chain or timing belt? Cylinder head service requires water pump replacement?

and you are saying you're only talking about an sbc? How many sbc's use a timing belt? Give it a rest already. Most people agree replace it if it's old. If you want run your waterpump until the day it fails go ahead. No one is telling you not too. He asked for advice and everyone's is welcome. It's unltimately up to him to judge whether or not to replace it but do you have any idea how many waterpumps I've replaced with nothing left to the impeller? So if you're going to use an old waterpump at the very least take it apart and inspect it.

[Maintenanceman]

well Ive supposedly got a guy giving me a set of vortecs but hes been saying that for a few months now.

[Lt.Del]

Russ does raise an important issue about a book, even though I disagree about putting an old pump in a new motor (no it's not mandatory, just preference), but, I think we beat that dead horse, anyway a good book like Vizard's (see below) or Chilton's will have all torque specs and such.

Don't tighten any bolt all the way (like a head bolt, intake bolt, etc.) without starting all bolts and slowly, tighten one turn each bolt in a zig zag pattern and take your time tightening them so you won't warp a head or intake. I cannot overstate that.  Cast iron and aluminum will warp if you tighten up one end too much.

I usually get all new parts like belts, hoses, t-stadt, TVS, egr, when putting in a new motor because you simply don't want something to go bad as soon as you get going good w/ the new engine. 


http://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-Your-Small-Block-Chevy/dp/1557880298/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265603880&sr=1-1


   

[Maintenanceman]

as far as the actual assembly i dont think I will have much of a problem. I turn wrenches for a living. Not on cars but I do work on 2.5 million dollar automated CNC  machines daily so the mechanical aspect of putting it together doesnt bother me much, I mean I realize theres some things Im not going to know but I will pick up a book for sure. Sgt. Del, the zig zag pattern or 'star pattern' or whatever you want to call it is habit for me now. I dont care what im putting together... it always gets torqued in a star pattern. Thats what they teach you in maintenance school anyway lol

[Lt.Del]

you should be in good shape then.  sorry for questionning your experience, i didn't know what you knew since it is your first rebuild.  I think you should do just fine and it is very rewarding doing this kind of thing yourself. 

[Maintenanceman]

no sweat brother after all this IS my first engine build and Im only 21...how much can I know lol?

[Layne]

All I can say is; as being 21 myself; is to take your time. Don't get impatient. I grenaded my first build, but it worked out better as I got a 400. But that's another story.

[Lt.Del]

i nearly messed up my first rebuild as well when i was 16 rebuilding a Ford engine.  new pistons, rings, bearings, oil pump, bored .40, new heads, crank, etc....
I started it up the first time and it sounded like a diesel....I forgot the oil pump shaft from bottom of distributor and no oil was a flowin'.  I shut her off quickly and fixed it.  She ran long and strong. 

[Maintenanceman]

well with this one being a bowtie it should run long and strong as well.

My timing chain, lifters and cam locking plate came in today so Im on my way just gotta keep digging in the couch cushions to find more change. How do you guys fund these projects? lol

[Jay2D2]

Sorry to stray off topic again but just a little FYI, The NEW water pumps we sell are made in USA and Canada. They are not offshore lower quality units.  As well are our rebuilt pumps which are rbuilt locally in Montreal.  Just a little info so people know it is possble to find new ones made qith quality.

[Layne]

How do you guys fund these projects? lol

Credit card and tax refund...