Once everything is labeled, he removes the main caps and installs the crank in the block, laying plastic gauge on the journals in order to measure the clearances. Using the stock main cap bolts, Brad tightens the caps down to the required torque specifications then the removes the main caps, allowing him to check the crush amounts of the plastic gauge on each journal. This procedure allows you to make sure that your bearing clearances are adequate while also checking that the block and crankshaft were machined properly.
Once he has verified that all of the clearances are good, Brad removes the stock main cap bolts and replaces them with ARP studs, making the bottom end extra strong. After tightening all of the main cap bolts to the proper torque spec, he marks each stud with a paint pen, allowing him to easily check if there has been any movement in the future.
Rods and Pistons
With the crankshaft bolted in place, Brad turns to the rods and pistons. He begins by checking the gaps of the piston rings, making adjustments where needed while also showing off the unique Wiesco pistons that were made specifically for the build. In addition to the Hoonigan logo engraved on the face of each piston, these slugs have extra thick ring lands for improved strength – ideal for high performance, forced induction applications like this 1955 Chevy project.
After explaining how to measure the ring gap and install the rods, the video speeds up and we watch as Brad quickly installs the rods and pistons in this LS engine – completing the bottom end build.
Hopefully The Hoonigans keep us updated on the progress of this build, as this 1955 Chevy is likely to be one wicked machine when completed.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
