340 build
Good advice and makes sense
So let me ask you a few questions
1 - I know when tearing down and engine and assuming parts were gonna be re-used that that you want to keep pushrods, lifters and maybe the rocker arms in the order they were removed so they could be put back in the same location but what about piston/connecting rod combo?
I have them now sitting on top of my bench in a specific fashion but Im guessing that theres no need. That when I go to put this thing back together ( and it will go back together, Im a sucker for this kind of stuff ) that yes they need to go a certain way but that that way is pretty evident by some telltale signs on the parts?
Also do rocker arms need to go back on the same side of the head?
I planned to replace the pushrods, maybe I dont need too, I should roll them on a piece of glass to check for straightness. Since Im obviously replacing lifters can I re-use the pushrods if they are straight?
2- Can you comment on post # 61. Sounds like a good idea to me but no-one seemed to notice the post.
3- The 340 is neutral balance.....that sounds like internal balance, not sure on the difference.......the counterweights are what are modified so that internal balance is independent of outside bolt on items.
So what does that mean in relation to dampner and whatever is mounted on the back of the crank?
4 - Ok so it sounds like one way or another I can use the dampner I have and just have the machine shop make it work assuming it dosent already. I guess Id rather do this to eliminate having to buy one ( prob. cost about the same as shop cost to make it work ) and it would eliminate that pesky rubber ring.
I think I got everything else. Thanks
I will address these in order
#1. Yes, it is good practice to keep the parts in order, especially the lifters, as they wear to the cam.
As for the pushrods, they can be reused, check for galling and roll them as you stated, the pushrods and the stamped rockers are not as critical in placement as the lifters, but be aware of wear, with adjustable rockers- much more critical
#2. As for milling the pistons, yes, it can be done, but be aware that you would be taking quite a bit of metal from the piston face, it has been quite some time since I had those Trw/ Sealed Power pistons in my hand, but I don't know how much metal there is to play with, let alone the expense, as this would have to be done prior to balancing. Go with the thicker gaskets or get open chamber heads. I am sure you could easily sell those Eddies to offset a good amount of the price of the proper ones
#3. The forged crank 340 is internally balanced, meaning the parts are weighed and metal is taken away or added to compensate for proper balance. The cast crank 340 and other externally balanced engines have special balancers , flywheels, converters to counteract the vibrations and balance issues. As for using the externally balanced balancer on the forged crank and trying to balance internally to compensate, don't even ponder it. The can of worms you would open for a 175 dollar part is not worth it. The amount of weight that would have to be removed or even added( really expensive) to make up for hanging that counterweight on the nose of the crank would be ridiculous.
IMO, for the type of use you are looking for, along with reliability, if you really want the 340, get the proper balancer, heads( to avoid the alignment issues from the thicker head gaskets), have the machine shop check and freshen the short block. Or sell the 340 to someone who really needs the date code and buy yourself a crate stroker motor and have a warranty and real torque without the headaches