So I finally got cash for a rebuild.I know that when you build a motor you should have it hot tanked,align honed and other stuff like that but are these steps really nessesary for an overhaul.

oh yeah im going to get the block bored 30 over for sure because im swithing my 351m crank out for a 400,and im going to spring for a set of those zero deck pistons.

Is there anything I should know about performing this switch.mainly the zero deck pistions needing machining to fit.

thanks guys

 

The zero deck pistons need no more "machining to fit" than any other pistons at bore time. When you take the block to your machinist for boring, take him one of the pistons for him to use as he bores and hones the block so that he can fit the pistons.

These blocks rarely need align boring/honing. If the camshaft goes in and turns freely on new bearings and the same for the crankshaft, then no align boring is necessary. Unless the engine has been terribly abused, you just won't find this to be the case. This is NOT a small block Chevy. Keep that in mind because most machine shops see so many SBC's that they think that everything needs align boring which is not the case.

As far as block prep, it should be stripped of all freeze plugs and oil galley plugs then hot tanked. After hot tanking, pressure wash it and run bore brushes through the oil galleys. After the block has been bored, put it on an engine stand and mix up a cup of Tide in a five gallon bucket of the hottest water you can get in it. Then with a brush, SCRUB the bores with the hot soapy water. While you're at it, scrub everything about the block. Rinse it with water and then blow it all dry THOROUGHLY with compressed air.

The above paragraph outlines a very necessary step that many engine rebuilds don't get. If you don't do it, the hone grit can be VERY detrimental to your new engine.