Bare Bones Budget 400 Build

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mygasser said:
couldn't your buddy get it inspected/titled and you stand/share his costs?
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Maybe. I'm really not that hot on it anymore now anyway. It needs a good bit of rust repair......which for a Chevy that everything's available for isn't so bad. I mean, you can just about build one out of NEW available parts. lol. "NOW" it's the time involved. Since I got the Valiant, I have more than enough to keep me busy until I'm not here anymore.
 
400 short block pretty much done.

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Stephen Hotz said:
Looking good
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Thanks. It's not "quite" the early turquoise color, but it's close. This is VHT and they call it "early Chrysler blue". It's supposed to be turquoise, but it's not quite there. Plus the flash from the camera makes it look much bluer than it is. It does have a turquoise quality. It's "close enough" for me. LOL
 
RustyRatRod said:
Thanks. It's not "quite" the early turquoise color, but it's close. This is VHT and they call it "early Chrysler blue". It's supposed to be turquoise, but it's not quite there. Plus the flash from the camera makes it look much bluer than it is. It does have a turquoise quality. It's "close enough" for me. LOL
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Pretty cool build Rusty and informative. It’s good that you drill that cleanses in these vids as a lot of these basic steps but important ones seem to get forgotten. Great work looking forward on the updates. Should haul arse in that little Val.
 
Well, I was going to record a video about how to set up valve spring height, but, as luck would have it, the spring shims I got are the incorrect diameter. Oh well. Back up and punt. I should have the correct ones by the end of the week.
 
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Happens that way. I have clips and photos for a video I shot back 2 months ago but forgot to get footage of the repaired floorpans so cant finish it. I'll get my footage when I get home.
 
Rusty, quick question. There appears to be a small window in the front of the block. Can you actually see the timing gear or chain looking from the lifter gallery? Wondering when I pull the intake on the 361 if I will be able to see if it is a nylon gear and the condition.
 
qkcuda said:
Rusty, quick question. There appears to be a small window in the front of the block. Can you actually see the timing gear or chain looking from the lifter gallery? Wondering when I pull the intake on the 361 if I will be able to see if it is a nylon gear and the condition.
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You can see the gear, but would be difficult to see the teeth/chain condition.
 
qkcuda said:
Rusty, quick question. There appears to be a small window in the front of the block. Can you actually see the timing gear or chain looking from the lifter gallery? Wondering when I pull the intake on the 361 if I will be able to see if it is a nylon gear and the condition.
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Yes, like Mike said though, the gear is visible, but removing the timing cover is the only reay way to inspect it. I would be surprised if you have a nylon gear in there. I've never seen one on a big block.....although I feel sure some had them.
 
Couple of questions Rusty, since I'm kind of shadowing your 400 build in my garage.
What did you use for main bearings, full or half groove?
How about piston rings, molly faced?
HV pump with 3/8 pick up?
Why Lunati lifters, good price or good quality?

Once again, sure have enjoyed following this build.
 
You've never seen a nylon gear on a big block ? I've seen many, what I haven't seen is many steel gears.
 
fishmens67 said:
You've never seen a nylon gear on a big block ? I've seen many, what I haven't seen is many steel gears.
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I sure haven't. Not a one. Like I said, I'm sure they used them, I've just not seen one......yet. lol
 
Thanks for the input everybody. Should be easy to tell if it has a nylon gear if I can see part of it, as I think they were aluminum.
 
qkcuda said:
Thanks for the input everybody. Should be easy to tell if it has a nylon gear if I can see part of it, as I think they were aluminum.
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That's right. Aluminum with nylon over it. Will be real easy to tell.
 
Well, I got the heads built tonight. I promised a valve spring height how to, and I'll do it. I'll disassemble one cylinder and show yall how I do it. It's really phenomenal. All of the stem heights were so close that they all took the same amount of shims to get the spring height correct. Uncanny. I'll have the How To Made in a day or two. Doing this type work really takes it out of my neck and upper back now, as I don't have a table really tall enough for "me", so give me a little "recovery" time and I'll get it done. Thank yall for following along.
 
Got the valve spring height video done. I am certain it will take slam all night to upload to youtube. Should have it on here sometime tomorrow.
 
That's a great video thanks. I'm gonna have to do that on mine when I get my engine back that's a great how to that helps me out alot. One question what brand valve spring micrometer do I need for small block mopar I have found several different ones and want to make sure i buy the right one.
 
dartfreak75 said:
That's a great video thanks. I'm gonna have to do that on mine when I get my engine back that's a great how to that helps me out alot. One question what brand valve spring micrometer do I need for small block mopar I have found several different ones and want to make sure i buy the right one.
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The brand is not so much important as the range. Just make sure whichever one you get covers the entire range of "whatever" the small block spring height could be and you'll be good. I think mine is a Comp.....not sure. It has a range of 1.6 to 2.200. That should cover "whatever" you're gonna do with a small block.
 
RustyRatRod said:
The brand is not so much important as the range. Just make sure whichever one you get covers the entire range of "whatever" the small block spring height could be and you'll be good. I think mine is a Comp.....not sure. It has a range of 1.6 to 2.200. That should cover "whatever" you're gonna do with a small block.
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Ok thanks I was more worried about the diameter of it with the small block retainers and also the valve spring seat dia. I know most stuff nowadays is made for small block Chevy stuff lol
 
I figured since I got the heads built and painted, I'd just set it together. No head gaskets....yet. Not bad.

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